What could turn a teenager struggling with drugs, violence and hopelessness into someone who spends his life telling millions of people about Jesus? And what happens when one encounter with Christ changes everything?
For Father Rob Galea, the journey from a troubled teenager in Malta to an internationally recognised evangelist was anything but ordinary. At one of the darkest moments of his life, a desperate prayer, the faith of his family and an unexpected invitation to a youth group set him on a path towards discovering the love of Jesus.
In this episode of The Win Win Evangelism Podcast, Tina Waldrom speaks with Father Rob, a Catholic priest, author, musician and founder of ICON Ministry, about his remarkable journey of faith and how that experience continues to shape his passion for evangelism. From his surprising appearance on The X Factor to reaching young people through music, schools, social media and gaming, Father Rob shares why knowing Jesus personally is at the heart of sharing Him with others.
But reaching people with the gospel is only the beginning. Father Rob explains why effective evangelism must move beyond a powerful encounter with Jesus towards discipleship and helping people become confident in sharing their own faith. He shares the lessons he learnt from ministry burnout, the importance of developing excellence in communicating the gospel, and how his team is finding creative ways to connect young people with local Christian communities. You’ll also hear the moving story of how his mother and grandmother prayed and helped open the door for him to discover Jesus, along with insights from his books Breakthrough and Eli’s Journey. Whether you’re a Christian wanting to share your faith more naturally, a parent praying for your children or a church leader passionate about reaching the next generation, this conversation will challenge you to consider an important question: Are we simply telling people about Jesus, or are we helping them encounter Him and become lifelong disciples?
IN THIS EPISODE
- Father Rob’s personal journey from a troubled youth to faith
- The role of testimony in evangelism
- Strategies for engaging youth and children in faith
- The importance of excellence in proclaiming the gospel
- Connecting young people with local churches
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction
04:08 – Father Rob’s experience on X Factor and lessons on peace
06:09- The growth of Icon Ministry and its impact
08:50 – Father Rob’s new children’s book Eli’s Journey
11:53 – Reaching youth through testimony and effective communication
15:02 – The craft of evangelism and working with schools
23:00 – Father Rob’s story about his grandmother and faith influence
WATCH THE EPISODE
Watch the short video – Father Rob Galea: I Was Hopeless
MEET FR. ROB GALEA
Fr. Rob Galea is a Catholic priest, international speaker, author and award-winning musician passionate about sharing the love of Jesus. Originally from Malta and now serving in Victoria, Australia, he is the founder and executive director of ICON Ministry, reaching over 2 million people worldwide each year. Through music, school outreach, digital media and books including Breakthrough and Eli’s Journey, Fr Rob inspires people of all ages to encounter Jesus, grow in faith and discover the hope found in Christ..
Connect with Fr Rob Galea and ICON Ministry:
Icon Ministry Website
Icon Ministry Facebook
Icon Ministry Instagram
Icon Ministry YouTube
Fr. Rob Galea Website
Fr. Rob Galea Facebook
Fr. Rob Galea Instagram
Fr. Rob Galea YouTube
Book: Eli’s Journey
Book: Breakthrough
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY
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Natchi Lazarus: Can AI Help Us Share Jesus or Evangelise, Without Replacing the Human?
Step In to the Mission with Mike Stevens
When I Took a Homeless Woman to Church
How to Share Your Faith Like Jesus: Lessons from Pais Movement Founder Paul Clayton Gibbs
Evangelism After Christendom with Ger Jones
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Discussion Questions
1. Are we sharing Jesus from a place of genuine relationship with Him?
Why is it possible to become so busy serving Jesus that we neglect spending time with Him? Is your desire to share Jesus growing out of your relationship with Him, or has evangelism become another task to complete?
Read: John 15:4–5; Revelation 2:4–5
2. Are we willing to share our personal story of encountering Jesus?
Why can sharing your personal experience of Jesus be a powerful starting point for evangelism? If someone asked how Jesus has changed your life, could you explain it in two minutes?
Read: Mark 5:19; 1 Peter 3:15
3. Are we willing to meet people where they are?
What can Father Rob’s approach teach us about adapting the way we communicate the gospel without changing its message? Are there people you’re struggling to reach because you’re expecting them to engage with Christianity in ways that feel unfamiliar to them?
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22–23; Matthew 28:19–20
4. Are we helping people encounter Jesus or simply giving them religious information?
What’s the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him? When you share your faith, do you focus mainly on explaining Christian beliefs, or do you also help people understand who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him?
Read: John 17:3; Philippians 3:8–10
5. Does our evangelism lead people towards discipleship?
Why is evangelism incomplete if we never consider what happens after someone responds to Jesus? Does your church or ministry have a practical way to help new believers grow in their faith and become confident in sharing Jesus?
Read: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41–42
6. Are we willing to choose obedience over recognition and success?
How can the desire for recognition, popularity or ministry success distract Christians from following God’s direction? Are there areas of your life where you’re prioritising results over obedience to Jesus?
Read: Proverbs 3:5–6; Galatians 1:10
7. Are we underestimating the power of prayer and a simple invitation?
What does Father Rob’s story teach us about the importance of prayer, patience and personal invitations in evangelism? Is there someone in your family or circle of friends you’ve been praying for but haven’t yet invited to explore faith?
Read: Colossians 4:2–4; James 5:16; John 1:40–42
