Episode 14: Engineer-Turned-Evangelist: How Meekness, Music, and Bold Moves Shape a Gospel Life (w/ Joanna Danielson)
Joanna Danielson didn’t grow up planning to work in ministry. She was on track to become an engineer, earning her degree from the University of Michigan and working for a consulting firm in Ann Arbor. But somewhere between spring break evangelism trips and late-night gospel conversations on campus, God began rewriting her story.
Now a full-time campus missionary with New Life Church in Ann Arbor, Joanna disciples students, trains small group leaders, leads worship, and burns with a quiet passion for evangelism that is as deeply spiritual as it is refreshingly normal.
"God didn’t just recruit me into ministry; he invited me into something he was already doing."
From Lecture Halls to Late Nights
Joanna came to Christ partway through her freshman year at Michigan. Like many students, she arrived driven and ambitious, focused on discovering her potential. But her encounter with Jesus shifted everything. That spring, just five months into following Christ, she found herself at Leadership Training in Colorado, experiencing hour-long quiet times, seeing attributes of God come alive in Scripture, and developing a hunger for a life centered around Jesus.
From there, she never really looked back.
She returned to campus, stepped into discipling relationships, learned to lead, and began sharing the gospel with her peers, even if she didn’t yet realize she was "doing evangelism."
"I wasn’t trained yet. But I was hungry. And God kept using that."
The Engineer Who Said "Absolutely Not"
When her senior year rolled around, friends began asking if she’d consider going on staff.
"Absolutely not," she laughed. "There is no chance I’d go into ministry."
Instead, she entered the engineering world, working full-time, then slowly transitioning to a part-time role while serving more in ministry. The turning point came during a spring break trip, where she saw the fruit of her evangelism multiplied and sensed the Lord inviting her into something deeper.
Rather than make a dramatic leap, Joanna took her time: listening, discerning, and even easing her parents and peers into the decision. Eventually, she stepped fully into ministry and never looked back.
"I had to own the lane God was calling me to run in. And once I did, there was so much peace."
A Heart for the Lost
Joanna doesn’t wear evangelism like a badge. She carries it like a burden. A holy one.
What compels her isn’t strategy or spotlight; it’s compassion. When someone rejects the gospel, she doesn’t just shrug and move on. She grieves. Prays. Often fasts. And she keeps going.
"Sometimes the most powerful ministry I can offer someone is prayer. I may not be the one who sees them come to Christ, but I can keep showing up in conversation, and in prayer."
That persistent love has changed lives. From women she discipled who now lead others, to late-night pancake cart evangelism that sparks curiosity and joy, Joanna’s approach is marked by humility and boldness in equal measure.
Equipping Others to Share
It’s not enough for her to share the gospel. Joanna is passionate about helping others do the same. That’s why she creates equipping cohorts, shares analogies from her engineering background (yes, even math metaphors), and pairs students strategically so they can grow in both confidence and courage.
One of her core principles?
"Make it fun. Make it relational. Make it something you want to do."
Whether she’s coaching a hesitant student to lead their first gospel conversation or crafting theologically rich worship sets that preach the gospel through song, Joanna brings intentionality and joy to everything she does.
Evangelism for Gen Z, by Gen Z
As a Gen Z missionary reaching Gen Z students, Joanna has unique insight:
Gen Z often believes in God, but can’t imagine that God as a friend
Authenticity matters more than polish
Most aren’t looking for arguments; they’re looking for understanding
That’s why she focuses on listening well, sharing personally, and creating space for honest conversation. It’s also why she sees worship as an evangelistic tool, not just a moment for believers, but a window for seekers to encounter beauty, truth, and transcendence.
"Music connects in a different way. I always try to make sure there’s at least one gospel-rich song in every service."
What She’d Tell You
If you asked Joanna what advice she’d give someone stepping into evangelism or ministry, she wouldn’t give you a five-point plan. She’d say:
Own the lane God has given you
Don’t go alone; bring others with you
Start praying before you start speaking
The only way to fail at evangelism is to never try
And always remember: a life trusting God cannot be wasted
"You don’t need a perfect script. You need a rooted life. Stay in the Word. Let it shape you. And then show up. Jesus will do the rest."
Resources & Recommendations
Evangelism Cohort Materials & Training Resources: Reach out via New Life Church Ann Arbor
Favorite Resource: GotQuestions.org
Scripture Anchor: Romans 6:23
Spiritual Hero: The woman at the well (John 4)
Final Word:
"You don’t have to know your Bible perfectly before you share the gospel. But the more it fills you, the more it will spill out."
