Church Leader Voices highlights the work of church leaders in a variety of ministry settings from around the world. 

Artist, author, pastor, entrepreneur—all these words describe Joe Castillo. Yet, none of them adequately encompass his versatile skills or his passion for encouraging others.

Creative from childhood—his mom claims his first solid food was a Crayola Crayon—Joe has continued to nurture his artistic roots, using sand as his medium to communicate truth. His latest artistic venture, called Sand Art, is a live-art presentation performed to music and projected for a stunning visual effect.

In the past seven years, he has performed for presidents, kings and dignitaries in 45 states and 23 countries. He also reached the finals on America’s Got Talent.

“Sand happens to be one of the most abundant materials on the face of the earth,” Joe said. “God often used sand as an illustration of abundance. The Scriptures tell us that Christ stooped and wrote something of great significance in the sand.”

Using his artwork, Joe speaks, inspires, motivates and relates ‘life story’ applications that have touched the hearts of thousands of children, teens and adults. Ironically, his adventure in creative storytelling began with a trip to the store for mulch.

While walking through the store, Joe discovered a bag of sand that had spilled onto the floor. People had scuffed through it, leaving images behind.

“I got home with the mulch, but I also had a kitchen light fixture, table legs and a bag of sand,” Joe said. “Using this makeshift light table, an overhead camera and a couple of handfuls of sand, I began creating powerful, fluid illustrations that were projected on a screen for the audience to see.”

Since then, he has developed a number of “live art” presentations that use intricately crafted illustrations to teach Biblical truths as they unfold. The most famous of these is the Face of Christ. In this piece, a number of illustrations depicting Jesus’ life combine to create a larger illustration of the Savior’s face. His artwork has been sold worldwide and has touched the lives of hundreds of people. Stories of the lives impacted by his artwork have been compiled in a book entitled The Face of Christ.

Joe Castillo shares practical advice based on his spiritual and creative journey as an artist, pastor and encourager.

What do you wish someone had told you before you started your ministry?

• Spend less time judging people’s theological affiliation and more time listening to their story. (Ask more questions)
• Save the memory of the times God works in you and Share them with others (Keep a Journal)
• Give your best time to God, your wife and your family. (In that order)

• Remember, it ain’t about you.
• Don’t give satan too much credit for your mistakes.
• If nobody is following, you are not leading.
• If people say nice things about you, just say thank you, and let it go at that.
• Be thankful always. Like really thankful.

For more information about Joe or to read other voices, click this link.