When Joseph Madigan (’20) steps onstage, his lyrics carry the weight of a story God has redeemed. In 2017, he stepped onto the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Marion campus, searching for a fresh beginning. Moving from Waterbury, Connecticut to escape childhood abuse, addiction, and homelessness, he had recently found Christ and was praying for a calling that would reshape his life.
Now an IWU alum with a rapidly growing Christian hip-hop career, Madigan’s life has flourished, serving as a testament to God’s redemptive power in the lives of every world changer.
Music as Ministry
Early in his Christian faith, Madigan discovered that songwriting created a space for him to quiet the storm and lay difficult experiences before God.
“I’ve always had a hard time focusing on just one thing,” said Madigan. “Music is a way that I can encounter God, and a lot of my songs are reflections of where I’m at and what I’m feeling.”
What began as private moments of expression soon became public. After sharing his early songs, Madigan realized the struggle against anxiety, lust, and doubt wasn’t exclusive; it was human. As more listeners shared how his songs resonated with their own shortcomings and pointed them toward God, Madigan became even more motivated to use his talent for God’s glory:
“My music brings me places to preach the Gospel, but being an artist is a part of how God has wired me to draw the lost to Him and build up the Church.”
Driving Motivation
Amid increasing streams, performances, and opportunities within the music industry, Madigan is intentional about keeping his priorities in order. While music has opened doors for ministry, he is adamant that his family remains his calling.
“I met my wife early in my faith, and we’ve made marriage our first and most important ministry. I love to bring her and our daughter along with me when I perform. It’s so special to share this journey with them,” said Madigan.
He and his wife, Stephanie Madigan (’21 BS, ’22 MSW), a therapist at Life Center Counseling, were married in 2018 and have a two-year-old daughter, Baisy, who loves to dance to Madigan’s music.
On Mission
As Madigan looks to the future, one conviction remains constant: giving God the glory matters most, and the part he can play is walking alongside young men who remind him of his younger self.
“There’s a lot of discipleship needed in the music industry, especially among young artists in the hip-hop genre,” reflected Madigan. “These young artists come from hard lifestyles and get thrown into fame and attention, and when that happens, there’s no one to come alongside them and teach them what Christ-centered priorities look like.”
In response to this issue, Madigan wrote a six-week book on discipleship specifically tailored to musicians and has travelled with RemedyLIVE, a nonprofit organization based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, that provides hope and help to youth.
“Being a part of RemedyLIVE’s Get Schooled Tour was a full-circle moment for me,” he said. “I got to share my story, struggles, and what God has done in my life with kids who are dealing with the same hardships I did growing up.”
With his Christian faith serving as a solid foundation, Madigan stands firm on roots developed at IWU. In each area of his life, whether as a husband, father, mentor, or musician, he is ready to impact the world for Christ.
