Sean Rodriguez is a next-generation pastor from Colorado turned Christian Pop artist from Franklin, Tennessee. As a former Children's Ministry Pastor and youth leader, Sean’s mission is to inspire the next generation of music fans to find their identity in God.
The Denver-based artist wants to use his career as evidence that God does more than anyone can imagine. He wants people to know that following God’s calling leads to Him doing great things through them.
Sean wants his listeners to know the important words in Romans 8:28 (NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is the inspiration for the inspirational quote from NFL football player Tom Brady: “I didn't come this far to only come this far.' So, we've still got further to go."
Sean is best known for his catchy melodies, and electric live performances. His shows are a must-see and his music is sure to stick with you long after leaving the venue.
You have an incredible testimony. How did you first know Jesus was real?
I knew Jesus was real because of the feeling I got out of serving the church and community. There is being happy, then there is being joy-filled. When I started serving in ministry, I felt what it meant to truly be joy-filled. There’s something about sharing God's love with others that tends to make any worries or stresses fade. I think when we serve, wholeheartedly, the things of God fill our hearts and push out the rest. It's as if he refills us for what we pour out. So, I knew Jesus was real by how he refilled me when I served with my all.
You “want to use your career as proof that God can do immeasurably more than we can imagine when we follow His calling.” Tell us more about that.
Many people, including my younger self, tend to fear what they don't know. It’s easy to take our path over God's because it’s more comfortable for us in the short term. I don't think it's because we don't trust God. I think it's because we’re afraid of what might happen when we give up the control that we think we have.
Think about Jesus’ disciple, Peter. Our callings in life are a lot like when Jesus called him to step out of the boat in Matthew 14:22-23. Jesus asked him to do something humanly impossible. In Peter's mind, it was safer to stay in the boat where he "had control" of not drowning. But when Peter obeyed Jesus' call, he did more than any man could imagine and walked on water because he was walking in the call of Jesus with his eyes fixed on Him.
The reason I want to use my career as proof of that message is that it's a lot like stepping out of the boat. It was uncomfortable to take the steps of faith my family and I did, and it was scary knowing that we might fail and completely sink.
But by stepping in faith under God's call, He proved to me that He can do more than I could have imagined. I want to be an example to people who are afraid of what might happen if they leave the boat. If you walk in obedience and keep your eyes on Him, He will do far more than you could ever imagine.
I also believe that applies to our past as well. God can change a person in ways that others could never imagine. We can say, "Look what God made out of the person that I was." That shows His glory and reminds us that the story is not about what we can do, but what He will do in us.
Tell us about the meaning behind the Tom Brady quote: “We didn’t come this far just to come this far” and why you’ve embraced it as your motto. What impact do you want your inspirational message to have on your listeners?
This is my favorite message because it gives hope to our future and purpose to our past. God's plan is perfect, and God will always work things out for His good for those who love Him. When we give our lives to God, we become living testimonies of His goodness. But it's not only for us. After God transforms us, we can use our stories to help change other people.
Your testimony can save somebody from addiction. Your story can steer somebody off a road leading to hurt. The story of what God has done for you can prove to somebody that God can do it for them, too. God gives hope to our future and purpose to our past. That is what it means to say, "We did not come this far, just to come this far."
Talk about your single, “Step Into My Story.”
This song means so much to me because it sings the message and testimony of the line, "We didn't come this far just to come this far." This song was a first for me in a few ways: it was the first song I recorded after moving to Tennessee; it was my first co-write; it was my first opportunity to meet incredible songwriter Tony Wood; it was my first song released in partnership with my management team WieRok Entertainment. With the story of how all that came to be, it's only fitting that the message of the song speaks on my ministry motto, "We didn't come this far just to come this far."
Talk about your upcoming participation in Christian music’s largest annual tour, Winter Jam. Describe your feelings.
I feel the way I imagine a rookie wide receiver would feel catching a touchdown pass from Tom Brady. This is a tour I’ve known all my life with artists I’ve listened to and looked up to for a long time, and now God is allowing me to be part of something that has had such a positive influence on me. Getting to meet audiences and hear their stories each night will be a highlight. And I can’t express how thankful I am to experience every aspect of what Winter Jam is all about.
Who are your musical influences? Whom would you like to collaborate with someday?
That's easy. TobyMac, TobyMac, and TobyMac. I've listened to Toby since I was a kid. As I've grown, he has always found a way to make music that is relevant both in the message and sound. He pushes the boundaries of Christian music stylistically and is so creative with his live shows. I also hear that he treats people very well-off stage and is a great guy to be around. An opportunity to not only collaborate but also learn from TobyMac would be one of those "beyond imagination" moments.
What’s next?
Winter Jam kicks off right as the new year hits. Along with that, I will be releasing an album with music I’m super excited about. I’ve grown and learned so much from the people I've been able to work with and that will be reflected in the quality of the new music. I’m confident they will be songs that translate joy, inspire hope, and get you singing and dancing.
How can we be praying for you?
2023 will bring experiences I've never had before. I would appreciate prayer for discernment and knowledge on how to navigate the new road ahead. Please pray for creativity, energy, patience, and faith. And please pray for my family as we see what God allows in this upcoming chapter.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with 20 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.
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