Biography

Michael James Mette is a Catholic singer/songwriter and speaker from St. Louis, Missouri, who travels the country, inspiring people to better know, love, and serve God. The title track of his modern rock/worship CD, “Always What I Need,” was selected for Rocking Romans “Best of New Catholic Music 2010” compilation CD.

But, Michael followed an unusual path to fulfill his mission. After all, it’s not every Christian artist that starts out working on bombers for the U.S. Air Force...

After graduating from high school, MJM made a life-altering decision to join the U.S. Air Force. Michael didn’t have “the perfect” school experience. His was a bit of an outsider in his small school and his interests were not always the same as many of his schoolmates. However, there is no doubt that his 12 years of Catholic education planted a seed for future spiritual growth.

While stationed in Abilene, Texas, Michael married his hometown sweetheart, Michelle. There, God moved MJM to greater faith and called him to work in ministry.

Michael always had a love for music, but it was not until he was asked to be in a praise band that he realized the power of music as a tool for ministry. The praise band agreed to lead a youth retreat. Michael thought he was working to change the lives of teens, but little did he know how much his life would be changed on this retreat.

With a newfound vigor for Christ, Michael and Michelle returned to their hometown, Effingham, Illinois, in 2001. Michael committed himself whole-heartedly to share God’s love with others by launching the first comprehensive youth ministry program in the area. To better prepare for this ministry, MJM switched his college major from business to theology, trading his worldly aspirations in order to follow God’s plan more closely. With his new degree in theology, Michael sharpened his ability to pass on the timeless truths of faith to a new generation.

In 2005, Michael felt God calling him out of his comfort zone to work as a youth minister in Northern California. Taking a leap of faith, MJM moved away from his small hometown to minister in a large suburban parish. As a result of the move, Michael gave up his position in music leadership. However, God provided opportunities for Michael to continue to develop those skills. In his spare time, Michael wrote worship music and recorded an EP, “Consume My Heart” (2007). Michael’s plan was to release a simple CD, but God had something bigger in mind. After much discernment, Michael accepted a full-time music minister position at Southside Youth Ministry in St. Louis.

While at Southside Youth Ministry, Michael founded MJM Ministries, LLC which paved the way for him to open a new chapter in his life. In February 2010, he released his first full-length album, “Always What I Need.” Michael followed the new album with his Lenten “40 Days of Praise” tour, which included 50 shows spanning 13 states.

Michael travels nationally, playing at conferences and youth rallies. He has been featured on XM/SIRIUS radio’s Catholic Channel, in David Boyer’s book “In the Light,” and appeared on EWTN’s “Life on the Rock.” He also ministers locally, speaking at school assemblies and playing at liturgies and retreats.

Michael continues to place his unique gifts at the service of Jesus Christ and His Church, with the focus of bringing the Catechism to a Guitar Hero generation.