A black and white shield-shaped sign reads "E5 Ministries" with a distressed design.
Portrait of TJ Valtierra, a smiling CityJoy staff member who works with the Little Earth community in Minneapolis with a beard wearing a blue knit beanie and a black shirt against a black background.

Encountering, engaging, encouraging, equipping & empowering people in
their faith journey.

GIVE TO E5 MINISTRIES

Many Indigenous communities across the country are facing spiritual and social challenges such as poverty, addiction, and brokenness that have impacted generations. At the same time, there are very few young Indigenous couples serving the Lord in ministry, discipling others, and proclaiming the hope of Jesus within their own communities.

Young people especially are searching for purpose, identity, and belonging, but often without access to positive, Christ-centered role models.

The Challenge

At E5 Ministries, we believe ministry happens in the everyday moments of life – meeting people exactly where they are and encouraging them to become the leaders they’re called to be.

Through the transforming power of the gospel, E5 Ministries seeks to meet people right where they are, sharing a message of hope and restoration that speaks directly to their daily realities. Our desire is to see Indigenous youth and families encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and be empowered to reach their own people with the good news.

Our mission happens through intentional relationships, innovative programming, and strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations. Each program, event, and connection is designed to create a lasting impact, both spiritually and practically.

The Opportunity

Our Approach

Based in Minneapolis, E5 Ministries serves primarily within the Little Earth community while also traveling to Indigenous communities across the U.S. to preach, teach, perform hip-hop concerts, and lead outreaches.

We connect with youth and families through one-on-one discipleship, small groups, basketball coaching, community events and outreach. Whether through a sermon, a rap performance, or a basketball practice, our goal is always the same – point people to Jesus and walk with them as they grow in faith and purpose.

Programs & Initiatives

Mentorship Program (Boys & Girls Club): Life-changing mentorships that build confidence, faith, and leadership skills.

Coaching Youth Basketball (18U SouthSide Red Bears): Engaging young athletes on and off the court, shaping their character and future.

Annual Summer Trip to Warrior Leadership Summit: An unforgettable experience of growth and empowerment for young leaders.

Saturday Night Basketball Outreach: Reaching 35+ young men and women every week, building community through sports and faith.

Monthly Christian Open Mic: A creative space for believers to express their faith and talents.

Weekly Life Groups (Men’s & Women’s): Small groups designed to foster deep spiritual growth and authentic relationships.

Through these programs, E5 Ministries seeks to not only serve but empower the next generation of leaders, helping them embody our core values in their daily lives. Together, we are creating a community where faith is lived out, one step at a time.

The heart of E5 Ministries is summed up in five words: Encounter, Engage, Encourage, Equip, and Empower.

We exist to encounter people right where they are, engage people with a relevant message, encourage people in their daily lives, equip people to do the work of the ministry, and to empower people to fulfill their destiny.

Our ministry is fueled by the generosity of partners who share our vision for seeing Indigenous communities transformed by the gospel. Your support helps us continue reaching youth and families through evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement.

As we grow and expand our reach, we need your support! Would you consider partnering with us today to help continue these life-changing programs? Together, we can empower a new generation of Indigenous leaders to rise up and follow Jesus.

No ministry can thrive without constant prayer. Pray God will be working through E5 Ministries and that the gospel will continue spreading at Little Earth. To receive updates and hear how God is at work, SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter today.

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  • TJ Valtierra, a CityJoy staff member who ministers to Indigenous communities and Little Earth, pictured with his wife and three children against a grey wall, with everyone smiling.

    About T.J. Valtierra

    OUTREACH DIRECTOR

    I have served in ministry for over 15 years, working with youth, churches, and Indigenous communities across the United States. My ministry journey has included roles as Youth Pastor at Templo De Fe and CityView Church, as well as traveling to more than 40 states and 50 reservations as an evangelist and National Christian Rapper under the artist name 2Braidz.

    An enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, I am passionate about raising up leaders who love Jesus and share gospel hope within their communities. I hold a B.A. in Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies from North Central University.

    My wife, Chelsea, and I have been married for 13 years and have four children: Thomas, Moses, Natalia, and Nayeli. We live in Minneapolis and are deeply invested in the Little Earth community, where we live out our calling to encounter, engage, encourage, equip, and empower others through the love of Jesus.

    History of Little Earth

    Little Earth Boys & Girls Club

    TJ's Music

A group of young male and female basketball players with their coach, TJ Valtierra who leads E5 Ministries, in a gymnasium, wearing black jerseys with red accents, standing in front of blue padding on the wall.
A graduate wearing a blue cap and gown decorated with leis and beads, holding a diploma, and standing beside TJ Valtierra, founder of E5 Ministries, at an outdoor graduation ceremony with trees and other people in the background.
Group of young people connected to E5 Ministries outdoors on a grassy area, posing for a photo, with a beige fence and trees in the background
TJ Valtierra, rap artist known as 2Braidz and founder of E5 Ministries, wearing a baseball cap and graphic T-shirt singing into a microphone during a performance on stage.
TJ Valtierra, leader of E5 Ministries, surrounded by four young men standing in front of a beige tiled wall, wearing black shirts with yellow ties, smiling at the camera.
SouthSide Red Bears basketball team huddle during a game in an indoor gymnasium, with coach, TJ Valtierra, giving instructions and players listening attentively.
Four people, three young men in graduation caps and gowns, one adult man, TJ Valtierra, standing side by side at a graduation ceremony
TJ Valtierra, founder of E5 Ministries, with eight other people standing outdoors near a building, wearing matching light green T-shirts, some smiling at the camera, and one person holding a young girl.
A group of teenage boys and their coaches celebrating as champions at a basketball tournament, holding a banner that reads '2023 Rec State Basketball Championship, 11th/12th Grade Boys, Champions.' The boys are wearing black sports uniforms with red
TJ Valtierra, rap artist known as 2Braidz and founder of E5 Ministries, on stage, wearing a black beanie, black and blue jacket, dark pants, holding a microphone, performing under blue and purple stage lighting.
A young man in graduation cap and gown holding a diploma on the left, standing next to TJ Valtierra on the right who works with Indigenous youth in Little Earth, Minneapolis in front of a brick building.
TJ Valtierra, coach to the SouthSide Red Bears and founder of E5 Ministries, speaking to a group of basketball players during a timeout or team discussion in a gym, with some players listening attentively.
TJ Valtierra, founder of E5 ministries serving Indigenous communities and Little Earth in Minneapolis standing on a stage in front of a blue background with a lion illustration and pointing upward with his index finger.
Group of teens at a formal event, some wearing suits, with a backdrop that reads 'For the Kids' and 'Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities" with TJ Valtierra, who serves in Little Earth, pictured in the middle.
Five basketball players for SouthSide Red Bears in Minneapolis sitting on a bench during a game, wearing black jerseys with red text, in a gymnasium with beige walls and vending machines in the background. Coach TJ Valtierra pictured to the left of t
Group of seven people standing in front of a colorful graffiti wall, smiling for the camera. Pictured fifth from the left is TJ Valtierra, founder of E5 Ministries serving Little Earth and Indigenous communities. The background features vibrant purpl