Brian Barcelona was a teenage atheist who, just a few months after graduating high school, responded to God's call and returned to his campus to preach the Gospel. Today, his "Jesus Clubs" are in schools around the world, and he co-founded the Gen Z for Jesus movement.
From Atheist to Christian at 16
Brian came to faith in Jesus at age 16. While attending a youth gathering in 2009, God clearly spoke to him: "I want to release a movement that will save the high schools of America. And I want to use your life to do it. This movement will take your city. It will take California."
Jesus Clubs Launch High School Revival
That prophetic word launched Brian into high school evangelism. The first Jesus Club had 30 students, but as Brian preached the uncompromising Gospel, the club grew to 600 students meeting regularly.
Digital Ministry Reaches Millions Worldwide
For ten years, Brian worked to get into 100 schools. Then COVID changed everything. On June 17, 2020, one of his team members livestreamed a special prayer event called Gen Z for Jesus that drew 25,000 young people. "That's when I knew something was going on," Brian says. "With digital, we had made a huge impact in two or three months."
Brian now ministers to millions monthly through Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, and YouTube. He lives with his wife Marcela and their three children in Dallas, Texas.
Preaching Through Personal Heartbreak
At the UPPERROOM End of Year Conference (EOY25) on New Year's Eve 2025, Brian preached the final sermon just a day after learning his father had been diagnosed with cancerous brain tumors. Despite personal heartbreak, he led thousands of mostly young and Gen Z attendees in "a moment of holy surrender," with hundreds walking hand-in-hand to pray.
"Families are coming to Christ," Brian shared with the estimated 7,000 people gathered. His message continues to resonate with a generation hungry for authentic faith.