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For a Christian band, Abandon is gaining fans in some unorthodox ways.

Last week, the band flew out to Los Angeles to film a promotional music video for FOX Sports. The video will be used for network promotional commercials during the next two months for the upcoming college football season.

And fans of The Food Network and ESPN may have heard the uplifting and motivating “Live It Out,” a track off of Abandon’s latest album, in the past two months.

The exposure is helping bring secular fans to the San Antonio-based spiritual group.

In 2008, Abandon broke onto the Christian rock scene with its indie alternative rock sound but the band’s second studio album “Control,” released earlier this year, takes a decidedly more upbeat turn.

The album is packed with life-affirming anthems full of joy and modern synth-tinged upbeat tunes.

Fun and danceable, sure, but “Control” is also a Christian album, though the message isn’t smack-you-in-the-face-with-a-Bible overt.

Ahead of the band’s concert this weekend in Harlingen, front man Josh Engler spoke with Festiva about trying to live a Christian life as the lead singer of a band, God on Facebook and where he was on the failed “Day of Rapture” (May 21).

FESTIVA: As a Christian you’re trying to live life a certain way, walk a certain path; what are some of the struggles you deal with daily?

JOSH: “Trust, I guess. And timing, and trusting in God’s timing. Those are some of the things that I regularly deal with. It’s weird being in a band and this journey of balancing; trying to become successful and have a sustainable career and time with family and ministry.”

FESTIVA: How would you feel about achieving major mainstream success but possibly having your message fall on deaf ears?

JOSH: “At the core, we’re definitely artists, and our faith inspires us to create music, so ultimately, when we’re asked about our faith, we’ll talk about it. We’re definitely not trying to convert everyone because we don’t really think that everyone will be converted anyway. …More than even talking, we believe that our faith’s better walked out, rather than talked out. We’d rather show love … there’s too much judgment in the world.”

FESTIVA: There’s no denying the five of you are very attractive. How do you feel about some people taking interest in Abandon because of the collective hotness?

JOSH: “Thank you. You know, God gives some people certain gifts and we’re thankful for the ones he’s given us. (laughs)”

FESTIVA: If Jesus had access to the internet, would he use social media to bring people to him?

JOSH: “Absolutely. You know, (the Bible) talks about when Christ returns that every eye will see and every ear will hear.  …I think it may happen through technology. I definitely don’t view technology as a bad thing or the Antichrist or whatever some people might claim it to be. …(God) is my friend on Facebook.”

FESTIVA: Where were you guys on May 21, the supposed Day of Rapture?

JOSH: “We were actually playing a concert, and we stopped the show at the time it was supposed to happen and just had a pause, you know, and then resumed. Yeah, it was funny. Everybody accused that guy (Harold Camping) of being a wacko, a kook, and he just needs to read his Bible a little bit more. We didn’t stress. …When it happens, it’ll happen.”

WITH: The Clay Refinery, Heart of Worship

WHEN: (Doors open at 5 p.m.) 7 p.m. Sunday, July 31

WHERE: Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park Blvd.

COST: $8, general admission

BUY TICKETS: Viva Life Christian Bookshop, 6601 N. 10th St., McAllen; Molly’s Gifts and Bibles, 1710 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen;  Faith Bookstore, 421 Paredes Line Road, Brownsville or online at www.myharlingenarts.com

ONLINE: http://www.myharlingenarts.com