EquipCast: Recent Episodes
Archdiocese of Omaha
A weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. Designed to help leaders transform their cultures to embody the pastoral vision to be One Church, Encountering Jesus, Equipping Disciples and Living Mercy.
The call to evangelize has been consistent and increasingly urgent from our Church leaders for the past fifty plus years. When you hear that call, have you ever felt like you aren’t enough? Like you don’t have the appropriate strengths or the right leadership qualities to offer? Well, you’re not alone. Fr. Mallon, author of Catholic pop-culture phenomenon Divine Renovation, was the pastor at St. Benedict Parish in Hallifax, Nova Scotia. He turned the parish around and created a truly missional community. His strengths were clear and his leadership was bold. So today, I talk to…his successor. Fr. Simon Lobo became pastor of St. Benedict Parish, and it was immediately clear that his gifts and his weaknesses were very different. So how did he succeed without the stereotypical leadership strengths? Today we talk about: * What it's like to follow in the footsteps of a world-renowned leader * What resources he found useful to help him serve better * How feeling like you belong to a community can lead to conversion If you’d like to read more about his experience, check out Divine Renovation Apprentice (https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Renovation-Apprentice-Learning-Disciple-Making/dp/1593253362/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XXCJBWNELWQR&keywords=divine+renovation+apprentice&qid=1684534586&sprefix=divine+renovation+apprentice%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1) and Preaching on Purpose (https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Purpose-Renovation-Handbook-Communicating/dp/1778054609/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=). For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Why is sharing the source and summit of our faith never the correct first step to take when evangelizing? I want others to know and love Jesus. I know and love Jesus in the Eucharist, so why shouldn’t I jump straight to inviting non-believers to mass or adoration? While the Eucharist isn’t our opening act, we should by no means forget it entirely. The Eucharist is our headliner! On today’s Coach’s Corner, I make the case that the Eucharist is in fact missional. It is missional because it is the source of our life, because we are sent on mission from Eucharistic communities, and because the mass itself commissions us to, “Go out and proclaim the gospel with your lives!” Join me to hear: * 1 way the Mads CANNOT help you evangelize. * 3 ways the Eucharist CAN help you evangelize. * How the Road to Emmaus reinforces the need for Mass and the Eucharist when evangelizing. * How to live the missionary character of the Eucharist. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Jim speaks with long-time friend Greg Doring about the success he has found with men's small groups. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
I’m trying something new. My team and I have the privilege of working with leaders in parishes as they discern how to move their parish culture toward mission. This has brought a multitude of topics to my attention that could be aired on the EquipCast. And so, today, I bring you the Coach’s Corner where we break down important topics to help equip you and your team for mission in your church, in your family, and in your ministry. This episode’s topic might not immediately scream “equipping disciples”, but it is the foundation of everything we do. Tune in for a 10 minute episode on Getting the Most Out of Mass. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
If you’ve had a chance to check out the Journey of Faith, you know there are many reasons we’ve entered a season of restructuring in our diocese. One of these reasons is that by 2033, we will have approximately 81 priests, and currently, there are 136 parishes. If we want to keep our priests from the inevitable burnout, something needs to change. But, what is the average layperson to do? Today I speak with Katie Keller, the local coordinator for the Seven Sisters Apostolate. This is a group of women committed to one day a week praying for a particular priest. Now, if you are not a woman or don’t feel particularly called to this ministry, I’d still encourage you to listen to the episode. My guest imparts many bits of wisdom around prayer, such as: How do I persevere when I am tired and feel like I’m running uphill? How do I know what to pray for? Am I interceding for the right things? A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Whatever your ministry, whatever your background, I’m confident that today’s episode is for you. I’m confident because it is about the Gospel, and I’ve seen first-hand the power of the good news of Jesus. It revolutionizes lives, marriages, and ministries. So, whether you are involved in a parish ministry, a ministry of mercy, or just the daily ministry to your own family, I encourage you to tune in. This episode will help you share the core gospel message in a clear and explicit way as well as to overcome the common obstacles which hold us back from proclaiming Jesus to those we serve. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
The victory is ours; through Jesus, the battle is won! (1 Corinthians 15:57) I know this to be true, but does it ever feel like the battle for your own heart and mind is on-going? Today, I talk with Jessica Navin about what’s really at the root of spiritual warfare, or the enemy’s attempt to steal our faith. She provides practical tips for noticing the trajectory of our thoughts and using scripture to defend ourselves. And while there is no silver bullet, she shows how easy it can be to let the Lord’s victory be ours when we learn to cooperate with his plan. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
JPII once said in a homily “As the family goes…so goes the whole world in which we live.” As I continue to beat the drum for missional communities, I’d like to go deeper and look at the foundation of these communities: the family. Did you know that 85-90% of Catholics in the pews on Sunday are from intact families? If we want to fight the current diminishment of the Church, we must pay attention to this trend. Today, my guest, J.P. De Gance, tells us about his ministry, Communio. They help parishes diagnose the relationship health of their members and to come up with a plan that meets the felt need of the people. As the statistic implies, healthy relationship are the key to drawing people back to the gospel. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
The conversation today might at first feel like a niche topic. I talk to Fr. Tom Fangman about how he learned to let go and start working with an administrative assistant. Now, if you aren’t a pastor or a CEO, you might ask, “How can this possibly apply to me?” The reality is we all, at times, try to hold on to control when we don’t need to. The surrender necessary to let go as well as the ability to learn to trust another individual is a lesson for everyone. It’s often even a conversion of heart, and Fr. Tom Fangman paints a picture of conversion that is inspiring. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
In a post-Roe world, the ministries that support mothers and children are more necessary than ever. In Omaha, we have a few homes for pregnant women, and today, I’d like to highlight one: Mater Filius. Julie Mainelli and Stacy Floersch tell us stories that exemplify the power of prayer, teamwork, and a ministry of presence. They are a witness of a Church that embodies love. And even though you may not be called to care for women and children the way these ladies have, I’m confident that their example is reproducible in any ministry. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
As you know, the culture has been rapidly changing around us, and as a result, the Church is diminishing in size. If we want our parishes to flourish again, we must heed the call to become missional communities. The Archbishop has started the Journey of Faith for this very reason. However, if you have ever experienced change before, then you know it’s not all butterflies and rainbows. Even happy changes (moving off to college, getting married, etc.) come with moments of grief. In fact, it’s important to grieve the change. Today, Fr. Kevin Vogel joins me to discuss how to grieve well while on this Journey of Faith. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
We’ve all had the experience of drinking from a firehose of information. At seminars or retreats where this happens, I often hear people say things like, “It’s overwhelming…but all the information is good!” And it’s true, all the information is good. But, how much of it sticks? Today, we are finishing our series on The 7 Practices of Effective Ministry with the adage “teach less for more”. Tune in today to hear from, Jen Moser, our Leadership Formation Specialist. Over the years, she has learned to hone the curriculum of the Mentorship Program so that participants walk away with the most important information. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Our lives are busy. If you are like me, every day, there are demands on your time. I have obligations as a father, as a full-time employee, and as a faithful parishioner. If I say yes to every good idea that comes my way, then I won’t have time for the most important things. So, how does one choose? Today, I pull another teammate in front of the microphone to talk about how to “narrow the focus”. The overabundance of good things to say yes to is not just a problem in our daily lives, it also shows up in ministry work and parishes. The good (saying yes to every good thing) often becomes the enemy of the great (prioritizing one thing so that it can really flourish). Tune in to hear from Andy Dejka about pruning so that the most important things can flourish. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Is it important to "win" at ministry work? Should we set goals, run after them, and measure them? It's probably no surprise that my answer to this is a resounding "YES!" Today, I pull Whitney, the producer, in front of the microphone to talk about what she calls her "extreme need for clarity". Her drive for clarity makes our team goals sharper and our wins easier to achieve. And, yes, winning is not everything, but when we do clarify what winning looks like, our team is more effective at the real work: bringing souls to Jesus. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
What is the Lord doing for you in prayer? As many of us know, life comes with suffering. Our daily struggles can so easily rattle us and disrupt our peace. This, then, creeps into the way we interact with God. Today, I bring you the story of Jill Ruskamp. She has built a personal manifesto around her prayer, collecting moments of inspiration, scripture passages, words from God, and key memories. Not only does it bring her peace in the middle of suffering, but it has also become a great tool for evangelization. As we learn our own stories more deeply, we develop a more profound respect for the stories of others. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
The culture is changing around us, and the things that used to grow the parish community no longer do. If we want to continue drawing others to Jesus, we must change the way we walk with people in the secular world. For most of us (dare I say ALL of us), this means venturing into the unknown. We are in uncharted territory and must figure out our way forward. Making this shift towards becoming a missional community means opening ourselves to the newness that God desires for us. It involves changing our habits, our processes, and even our expectations of what is possible. Many of us are good at leading others to places that we've already been. But, how do you lead when you've never been to that place yourself? I'm going to walk you through five principles for leading into the unknown. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
I know…I know! Talking about Lent in August feels like it should be in one of those “It’s too early for Christmas” memes. You guys know, I get really excited about the impact small groups can have on a parish, so I just couldn’t wait to share this story with you! Sacred Heart, a parish in Omaha, was able to use their Live Lent Together initiative to both bring parish leaders together and to reach the peripheries. After listening, I hope you consider growing Live Lent Together at your parish. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
The buzz phrase "Meet people where they are!" has been around for a while now. Pope Francis often concretizes this in a call to go out and be with those who are suffering. While many of us are no stranger to caring for the physical needs of others, we know that the spiritual poverty of the United States is where the greatest need lies. So, how do we meet people where they are when the need is intangible? One tool that my team, The Parish Support Team, has found to be very useful is the Thresholds of Conversion and Discipleship. These Thresholds give us a common language for evangelization and help us to identify where people are at on their spiritual journey. Join me for the conversation! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
This week I talk to a friend in the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux. If you couldn't tell by the hard to pronounce spelling, that's in Louisiana. There, they also have a Parish Support Team tasked with helping pastors and parishes become missional communities. I've looked to them for more than a year now as an example for my team. One of the most surprising things we've learned? How to pray more intentionally about the work that we do. Tune in to hear some really practical advice for hearing the voice of the Lord. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
As much as I would like them to, our episodes on stewardship do not do as well as our episodes on evangelization. We are so used to thinking about stewardship as just giving money to keep the lights of our parish on. While this kind of generosity is good, a cultivating a Culture of Generosity takes so much more. In fact, we know, through parables such as the rich man and Lazarus, that generosity is one of the keys to sanctity. So, I encourage you to give today's episode a chance. Dave Baranowski from the Archdiocese of St. Louis talks about how to gather and form leaders for generosity, and I promise, it's more than a pitch for money! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
The end to abortion is here! ...Legally...at the federal level. While we should celebrate a major victory in the fight against abortion, the work has really just begun. If we want to end abortion, not just make it illegal, then we have to change minds and hearts. Today's guest, Katherine Burow, tells us "A lot of people are pro-choice because they've never heard a compelling secular argument." Katherines work as the Executive Director of the Abortion Dialogue Academy is to end abortion by changing the culture. They spend much of their time on Nebraska college campuses changing hearts on the topic of abortion through the use of a 7 minute argument. She shares some of her wisdom with us today. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Let's talk about productivity. There is this lie that is a two-edged sword in the Christian world. For some, getting tasks done does not come naturally, and so it can rob them of the peace that comes with a relationship with God. On the other hand, we often deeply feel the urgency that comes with a call from God causing us to "over produce" or to work ourselves to the bone in order to "achieve" His will. Neither is good. Growing in skills of execution can help us be productive without falling into either lie. Thus, I want to offer you an 8-minute skill demo. Nothing too deep, just some tips from one of the executors on my team. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
The Archdiocese's Big Goal, each parish in the Archdiocese of Omaha will be a missional community, has three characteristics: collaborative leadership, a clear path to discipleship, and a culture of generosity. I believe we can't talk about these enough. So today, I have another episode on the clear path to discipleship for you. In many ways, the clear path isn't a new idea; it's just a new expression of something that is as old as the Church. Thus, people don't respond negatively to it, but I have encountered quite a few misconceptions that seem to trip people up. They think the clear path is just the newest buzzword, a quick fix that puts people on an assembly line and cuts all ministries out of a parish. If you've thought these things (or if you know someone else who has), let me mythbust for you! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
With the Journey of Faith underway, the words “flourishing” and “misional community” have become buzzwords in our diocese. Many good people have been asking, “Wait…ARE we a missional community? What does it even mean for an entire parish to be missional?” We have a definition: an outward looking group of disciples, under the care of a pastor, sent by Jesus to make disciples. However, a definition is only a starting point for understanding, so today, I bring you You Might Be a Missional Community If… Calvin Mueller and I discuss some indicators of a missional community so that you might know if you are or not. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Making the shift towards becoming a missional community, whether that's in a parish or a ministry, often means taking steps into the unknown. It means opening ourselves to new the things that God desires for us, and as silly as it might sound, good meetings are important to discerning the steps to following his will. But, have you ever had the experience of going to a meeting, having good discussion, getting through the entire agenda only to discover that you didn't actually talk about the most important topics. Today, I'm going to teach you how to set a real time agenda to help ensure you and your team have the most productive meetings. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
As the archdiocese goes through the pastoral planning process called Journey of Faith, I'm sure you've heard some of the statistics. One of the most striking is: Since 2003, Mass attendance in the archdiocese has declined by 42%. This is more than a number; it's souls. Who comes to mind when you think about that reality? A friend? Neighbor? Siblings or children? We all have someone who has left the Catholic faith, and I hazard to guess that this causes all of us some grief. We want to know why people walk away, and where they go. We want some way to talk to them and to, hopefully, bring them back. Today's conversation is about just that. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
I’ve got a program this is going to change hearts and transform lives! It builds relationships, causes conversions, and could be a real blessing to your parish, BUT there’s a catch… Program’s aren’t silver bullets, and they can’t survive in a vacuum. A program that works has: a goal for success a target audience that isn’t defined by age or state of life a support system of ongoing relationships disciples who are working together to shift parish culture All this may seem like a lot, but today’s episode provides some easy first steps for fostering good programs that flourish. (Note: No actual program is being promoted in this episode. We simply hope to impart some wisdom around using programs in a way that they will truly thrive at your parish.) A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
One thing the pandemic taught me is that people are starving for friendship. It is unfortunately easy to go through life making surface level connections with people but not to form the deep bonds of true friendship. We can be surrounded by people and yet feel so very alone. And so, today I bring you Austin Casselberry, a person that I like to call a “prophet of friendship”. He offers wisdom on how to intentionally cultivate friendships with true depth. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Are you convinced that Jesus’s death and resurrection can have a profound impact on your life and on the lives of others? If yes, are you comfortable and confident sharing that good news with others? Jesus has changed my life, and I want others to have that same experience. However, it took me a long time to feel comfortable sharing the gospel, and it took a lot of practice to share it well. How do I reflect on the work Jesus is doing in my life and share it in a way that is intentional but not forced? Jen Moser, breaks down the answer in 13 minutes. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
“We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!” This season is meant to have a lasting effect on our lives, so today, I invite you to pause and reflect. Archbishop Lucas gives his insights on the resurrection and his desire for each of us to experience the grace of Easter personally. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
As disciples, we are called to "give back" or to steward the gifts that we have been given by God. I'd be very surprised if this was a new concept to any of you. However, an area where most of us are less comfortable is development. Asking a person directly for money is a difficult conversation without the right perspective and tools. Today's guest, Chris Kuetemeyer, is a professional in the world of development and a former FOCUS missionary. He understands that to ask for money, he needs to first invite people into the mission of the Church. When he sits down with a donor, he invites them to be a partner in a ministry. The donor may not be doing the physical work, but they are responsible for that work even happening. This inclusion makes all the difference. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Danny Leger, cofounder of Hope of the Poor, walks us through how to talk to the homeless. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
If I were to sit you down and say, “You are about to experience a big life change”, what would be your first reaction? Does the word “change” invoke dread or excitement? No matter who you are, a priest, a parish staff member, or an engaged parishioner, you know that bringing about change can be very difficult. Deciding on and implementing a new program is often the easy part. Helping parishioners shift their attitudes and habits is where it gets tricky. So, if you’ve ever experienced change and it didn’t go so well, then this episode is for you! Kay Doyle is an expert at change management, and she applies her wisdom to parish life. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
As a director at the Archdiocese, I'm given free stuff all the time. Typically, we're talking sample materials for the latest evangelization or catechetical program. I pass these along to one of my staff to review, and if it's good, I might see it again. A few months ago, I received a box that looked beautiful like it came out of a pottery barn catalog, and it said "Mend" on the top. I walked it down to Jodi Phillip's office (our Catechetical Specialist) fully intending to hand it off. But when I realized that it was brimming with hands-on activities that could help me teach my son about the sacrament of reconciliation...I took it home. Transmitting the faith to our children is so difficult with the culture actively working against us, and this box give me some tools to have intentional conversations with my family. I tell you this today because Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries provide more than boxes for the sacraments. They really understand what it means to accompany families, and they want to help parishes do this well. They are more devoted to the process of catechesis than they are to a particular program. And so, whether you work for a parish or you are parent wanting a great resource for your children/grandchildren, I invite you to check them out! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Do you know your parish's vision statement? If you are like me, your answer might be, "Uh...it's in the bulletin?" And if you've been around the Church long enough and you've seen various ineffective vision statements, you might think that they are just corporate jargon. (And they very much can be!) But Proverbs 29:18 says "Where there is no vision, the people perish." And Jesus himself left us with a vision statement, "Go and make disciples!" (Matt 28:19) So what do we mean by vision? And how can we make sure that it's not just more of the same jargon? Join me for the answers! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
One of my favorite parts of the Archdiocesan Vision is the call to Live Mercy. I've had friends from Hope of the Poor on the show before, and their stories about their work in Mexico are inspiring. But today, I want to bring it closer to home. Least of My Brethren serves the homeless in the Omaha & Council Bluffs metro. This ministry was started by parishioners of St. Patrick's Parish in Gretna, and when they talked about their work with the community, it grew exponentially. They now find homes for 400 homeless people a year; that's 8 people a week. And they have 75-100 volunteers a month, mostly from local parishes. While the growth is amazing, the stories of the relationships they build are even better. This group is a real testament to the fact that love works; compassion changes lives. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Today, I get to sit down with staff from the Diocese of Wichita, a diocese known for its stewardship. A long time ago, they realized that Time, Talent, and Treasure had become synonymous with church chores and duty. But as Audrey tells us, "We don't want something FROM you; we want something FOR you." Specifically, we want you to have a relationship with Jesus and to grow in your faith. Stewardship is only meaningful when it comes from the heart of a disciple because only then it is the fruit of gratitude which comes from knowing Jesus. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
By now, you probably know that I love small groups! I've even gone so far as to claim that small groups will be one of the major things that bring renewal to our Church. So today, I want to pause for a moment with Kendra Meuret. She went from being in a small group simply because she was longing for friendship. to leading a small group because she recognized other people needed what she had found. Here experience is ordinary, and so hopefully, will inspire those of you who just want to take a first step toward being a Missionary Disciple. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
JPII once said that "Ecclesial movements…represent one of the most significant fruits of that springtime in the Church which was foretold by the Second Vatican Council." When you think of these movement, you might think of FOCUS or Communion and Liberation. But one of the Archdiocese's best kept secrets is the ecclesial movements that are making disciples in our spanish speaking communities. They are beautiful examples of disciples evangelizing their communities. Today, I talk to Mirna Chich-Price, who spoke at the 2021 Pastoral Conference, about her experience with Jovenes Para Cristo (Youth for Christ). A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
This week, we celebrate one of the richest traditions in the Archdiocese of Omaha, our Catholic Schools. And we do it by ...sending our children to class in their pajamas. But really, while the celebrations may at times seem a bit silly, Catholic Schools are more often than not the primary expression of the parish's mission to make disciples. Unfortunately, the fact that the parish and the school share this mission is often forgotten. Or worse, the burden to catechize is misplaced, and schools are blamed when children grow up and do not remain faithful. While catechizing parents (and through parents, children) is the role of the parish, schools can be an powerful partner in this work. Today, I talk to Vickie Kauffold, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, as she discusses ways that schools can support their parishes in the mission to make disciples. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Do you ever feel like a stranger in your own parish community? The larger our parishes grow, the harder it can be to feel known. If our goal is to continue to bring people to Jesus, and thus, to grow our parishes, we have to start asking, "What's next? What does my parish provide for people after they encounter Jesus?" There are many things that a growing disciples needs to encourage them in the faith, but I think the one we forget most often is fellowship (Acts 2:42). So, today I introduce to you Nazareth Groups, a monthly small group community that provides a home within the larger parish community. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
If you have been listening to the EquipCast for a while, you know that the Clear Path to Discipleship is one of the Key Characteristics of a Missional Church. Even though I've talked about this characteristic a lot, I still find that there are misconceptions about it. So I ask Andy Dejka, one of the Coaches on the Parish Support Team, to break it down in 10 minutes. (Well, actually it took him 13, but I promise the extra 3 minutes are worth it!) Special Guest: Andy Dejka.
Adam Ybarra was far from the prefect evangelist when, as a newly initiated FOCUS missionary, he inherited Curtis Martin's bible study group. In fact, much of his personal story involves being "under construction" while still being an instrument for the Lord. Today, I set out to talk with Adam about the Habit of Invitation, but what I got instead was so much more. While he does walk us through the do's and don'ts of inviting other people to the faith, what Adam really tells us is: It's okay to grow as you go. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
If the title of our podcast, the EquipCast, wasn’t obvious enough, I think it is incredibly important to equip lay people as leaders for mission. But have you ever tried to teach someone a new skill and had them fall flat on their face? You may even have thought that person had great potential only to be disappointed. Oftentimes, it’s not the lack of potential or enthusiasm that was a fault. It’s the lack of accompaniment. Today’s Skill Demo teaches the Method of Mentorship. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
It's not popular to be Christian. And I don't know about you, but sometimes that makes it hard for me to be vulnerable. Sharing my beliefs and inviting others into my very Christian life takes some holy boldness...some courage. So, today is our third deep-dive into one of the habits form the 2021 Pastoral Conference: Invitation. Pat Dempsey walks us through the ways he finds occasions for invitation. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
I feel like God is constantly calling me to a deeper level of reliance on Him. As I seek to grow as a missionary disciple, so often, I think "I don't know what I'm doing!" And so, what does a missionary disciple do when they want to do the will of God but they don't feel entirely ready? Pray! Be in conversation with Jesus. Again, I want to bring you into a deeper conversation with one of our guests from the 2021 Pastoral Conference. Jessi Kary provides examples of how a missionary disciple prays, and just gives some really practical advice! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Recently, the Archbishop hosted the 2021 Pastoral Conference. There he commissioned us, the people that he shepherds, to live out four habits of discipleship: Prayer, Compassion, Friendship, and Initiation. So, today, I want to do a deep-dive with you on one of those habits: Friendship. What can a ministry of Friendship look like? Does it have to be complicated, or can it be simple, clear, and easy? Continue the Conversation to hear from about one of the friendships highlighted at the Pastoral Conference. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
I don't know if you have ever had the chance to visit St. Benedict the Moor. It's a very unassuming parish in North Omaha, but it has the distinct honor of being the only Black Catholic parish in all of Nebraska. When I visited with my family, we were perhaps the only white people in the room, and so it was obvious that we were new. The welcome that we were given was incredible. We were immediately made to feel right at home. Now, I ask you to reverse the situation. What does a black person think about when visiting a predominantly white parish? Their experience of these communities, whether good or bad, will always be imbued with the context that is race relations in America. And so, the deep question is really: What can we do to help race relations in the Archdiocese of Omaha? My guests today give some insight into their experience, and they offer a very simple answer to the question above... Pray, be friendly and come visit! 9am Sundays at St. Benedict the Moor. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
I've noticed a trend over the past few years. People who are hungry for a vibrant parish community are consistently discerning themselves into small groups. There really is something about a small group that helps people to encounter the Lord in a powerful way and to connect with parishioners on a deeper level. The Holy Spirit is moving His Church toward renewal, and I'm willing to bet that small groups will have a large part in it! Tune in to hear some really practical advice on small groups. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
In a previous EquipCast episode, we talked about the difference between having a ministry and an apostolate, between working for the Church and living out your own personal call to holiness. Today, I bring you an example of someone who has learned to integrate her faith with her profession. Teresa Kenney works as a Women's Health Practitioner, and she is known for her holistic approach to this often unexplored area of medicine. So, what does a woman's fertility have to do with evangelization? Tune in to hear how Teresa is able to bring her faith and Catholic Church's teachings into the secular world. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
A Skill Demo about how to meet new people might seem like a incredibly simple subject to tackle. Most of us probably feel like we this one in the bag. But did you know that the average American has not made a new friend in the last five years? And so, now is the moment for Catholics to step into that gap. As we seek to build missional communities, one of the best ways to start is by building relationships. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Last week, my guest, Tim Glemkowski, author of Made for Mission, talked to us about the importance of parish renewal. This week, he gets into the nitty-gritty. He talks practically about building a Clear Path to Discipleship in parishes, setting goals, leadership culture, and organizational health. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
I’m sure you know… I talk A LOT about how Jesus calls us to be missionary disciples. And I’m also sure you know… parish renewal is HARD. So today, I talk with a friend, Tim Glemkowski, who’s book, Made for Mission, is one of the most practical guides to helping parish leaders wade through this process of renewal. And I liked what he had to offer so much, that we made this into two episodes! So, once you are done here, check out part 2. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
I have something to confess. I used to be a (bad) meeting addict. If you know me, you know that I love being around people, communicating with them. So, you'd think meetings led by me would be great! I'd like to think they are now, but I had to learn a few things first. So, if you've ever been in a meeting that was too long, boring, got in the way of you doing "the real work", or felt generally unimportant, then this episode is for you! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Today I talk to one of my old friends from my time in FOCUS. We've had experience evangelizing in many different contexts, and we agree. The most difficult place to evangelize... is in your own heart. It can be scary to delve into our emotions and to hold our brokenness out to the Lord for healing. But, if we do this, then we can truly serve others from a place of love and relationship with Jesus. So join me in a conversation with Matt Simmons, a man who truly understands that the best expression of faith is to lay our hearts before the Lord and trust that He can heal them. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Students encounter the Lord at conferences like Steubenville, in adoration, or in retreat settings, but then, they are thrust back into the regular cadence of a secular life. Continuing to live out their faith without a community of support can be very difficult. And so, Skutt Catholic adopted discipleship groups, small groups led by adults who accompany these students. Today I talk to Quinlan Couri as she describes these groups and how she builds up the leaders, both student and adult. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
How do you start your day? Like many of you, I try to start mine in prayer and with the Lord in scripture. But teaching our children to do the same can be difficult. Today, I talk to Cheryl Drozd, a teacher who helps her students start every day in prayer and reading the scriptures. And, she says that the results are explosive: "God is working through me. It's His word and His Holy Spirit working. So, it's just a matter of trusting and letting God do His thing." Friends, the Word of God is alive, constantly new and reaching into our hearts. It's a vehicle for God to communicate himself. So it's not surprising that children love it so easily. Even if you feel like "I don't know the Bible well enough to teach", just open the scriptures and let God speak! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
The rate of culture change in the last 20 years has been swift. This has created a gap in how well adults are able to relate to the youngest in our communities. And unfortunately, this inability to understand and walk with the youth has also led to many leaving the Church. In fact, the median age that a youth lives the faith is...13. So how do we accompany Gen Z? Today, my guest, Jodi Phillips, offers a model for youth ministry that advocates discipleship. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
This is the first time in a many years that no priests were ordained in our diocese, and it's during times like these that people throw around the phrase "vocations crisis". I'm sure the idea that there is a vocations crisis will come as no surprise to you, but I think the solutions that we propose in this episode will. Today, I talk to Fr. Roza, our Vocations Director, and he suggests that the ultimate solution lies in reviving the faith of the laity. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Growing as a missional community often means taking steps into the unknown. It means opening ourselves to the newness that God desires for us, and this often includes changing our habits, our processes, or even our expectations of what's possible. But sometimes, in our planning efforts, we don't actually make space for the only one who really knows what's going on and what needs to be done in our parishes. This week, Andy Dejka leads us through one of my favorite tools for discernment, the Discernment Rosary. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Imagine if you were defined by the worst thing you ever did, the worst moment of your life. Jesus came to preach freedom to captives. He offers mercy, healing, and miracles to those who just reach out in faith. For most of us, this means freedom from sin. But my guest on the EquipCast today preaches freedom to literal prisons. Through Alpha, men in our local prison who have never experienced love in their life, are for the first time receiving love with no strings attached. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guest: Jodi Meyer.
We talk a lot on this podcast about evangelization and mission. I can cast vision all day long, but the reality is…actually going on mission is scary. How do I recognize the people in my life that are ready to hear the Good News of Jesus? How do I get over the fear of stepping outside of my comfort zone to share my faith? There’s no one answer that will work for every person. But today, I want to hold up for you the story a parishioner in this Archdiocese. Michael Doerneman is unassuming, and so is his story. But I think there are powerful lessons to be learned. Tune in to hear the simple story of a man on mission. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
When you imagine yourself Living Mercy, what comes to mind first? Do you think of the saints who gave up everything for a life of poverty or service to the sick? Does that seem impossible or very far from reach? Today, I talk to Dcn. Omar Gutierrez about Catholic Social Teaching and the lay person’s role to live ordinary mercy. He tells us, “All teachings of the Church [on this subject] start and end in the same spot: Jesus. Know him so that you can love him and so that you can be with him now and forever.” The daily care for those in need starts with caring for those whom the Lord puts in our pathway. But what does this look like practically, and how do we get started? A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
On a scale of 1-10, how missional would you say your parish is? In October 2020, the Archbishop launched the Big Goal that “Each parish in the Archdiocese of Omaha would become missional by the end of 6 years”. Implicit in that goal is the recognition that none of us are there yet. So, I invite each of you to ask, “Is my community dying, declining, swelling, or growing?” While these categories sound depressing, an honest conversation about where we are at is designed to help us receive the grace of pastoral conversion and to be invited deeper into the mission of the Church. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guest: Calvin Mueller.
We are back with our monthly Skill Demo! This time, Chris Sommers, Director of Human Resources, gives us practical advice on how to handle performance issues. I know many of you are not managers, but much of her advice is still applicable to those situations where we have to give feedback to a volunteer, friend, or family member. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Have you ever struggled to pass on your faith to your children? I know I'm not alone when I say that talking about the faith in an age appropriate way to my children is hard. When they are young, just getting the threenages to sit still at mass is difficult. And when they are older...well...nothing I do impresses the teenagers. While I'm not an expert in religious education, I am a father. So I invited other passionate fathers to join me in a conversation about evangelizing our own children. Here's some of what we discussed: * How to create the space for children to express their feelings, thoughts, and doubts surrounding the faith * Specific examples of how we live the Church's call to evangelize our children * How to help our children participate as we witness to/evangelize those outside of our immediate family * Tips for doing these things in your life A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guests: Andy Dejka and Calvin Mueller.
Sometimes the idea of discerning God’s will can daunting. Sifting through the emotions, desires, and the high and low points of each day, and then listening for God’s voice in the midst of it all, can at times be an intimidating task. Now add to this task of discernment, the dynamics of a team. When you have multiple people who bring their thoughts and feelings to the table, discernment can get messy. Today, Fr. Paul Hoesing gives some tips and tricks on how to discern as a team. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Preparation for the sacrament of marriage used to happen at the dinner table. The best preparation came from the family that you grew up in. Unfortunately, with the changes in our culture, including the very high divorce rate, couples often receive this sacrament without ever seeing a healthy marriage relationship. Today's marriage prep process, while trying to provide what couples are lacking, has regrettably become a check-list, hoops to jump through in order to get to the altar. Rachael Tvrdy walks us through the gaps and offers a vision for marriage prep that drops the divorce rate of couples who go through it to 5% and increases the parish's rate of retaining their couples after marriage to 70-90%. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
A very real obstacle to changing culture and building a missional church is my own ability to stay organized. I can set all of the lofty goals that I want, but if I never revisit them, I am very likely to never achieve them. In this month's Skill Demo, I outline my favorite method of staying organized, the Weekly Review. It's a time where you can gather all of your thoughts and processes, review the past week, and get ready for the next one. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Have you noticed? Talking to your neighbor about faith has gotten harder over the past few decades. For our grandparents, it was enough that they taught daily devotions to their children by example. And our experience of education, the law, government, and art supported our beliefs. Now, the culture is in direct opposition to our faith. We find ourselves, to quote Pope Francis, in a "change of age". So how do we "mind the gap". How do we transition well into this new age? A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
“And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:11-12) Today, I invited an old friend and biblical scholar to unpack the meaning or this verse. Here are just a few of his gems of wisdom: Our leaders, the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers should not be doing all of the church ministries. These are gifts are for leaders of the Church to equip and call out all of the other gifts. Every believer has a Christ given charism, a ministry gift – something that Christ gives us and enables us to offer to His body, the Church, in order to make it fuller of Him and so more effective at filling the universe with His glorious presence. If the Church isn’t all that it should be…perhaps my ministry is what’s missing. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Happy Easter! I pray that you receive all the graces God has on offer during this season. As St. Paul says, "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain". And so, I want Easter to have lasting meaning to each of our lives. Thus today, I give you a moment to pause and reflect. For this EquipCast, we invited Fr. Taylor Leffler to reflect on the resurrection, the road to Emmaus, and what all this means for our life. May it be as fruitful for you as it was a joy for me to record. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
This episode is a Skill Demo, videoed and produced for our Equip website. We've cut and posted it here on our podcast, but if you'd like to see the presenter’s delightful face or access the resources, head over to Equip.Archomaha.org. Beth Carlson takes us through a practical demonstration of how to lead group lectio using ARRR.
When I hear the word stewardship, I think of money...and I bet most of you do as well. But stewardship is more than fundraising and fundraisers. A good steward connections people with the mission and ministries of the Church. Today, I talk with our Stewardship and Development Office, and they challenge us to stop selling magazines and start selling the mission. Fundraisers are transactional, but when a parish raises money, it should be transformational because good stewardship can lead to deeper conversion. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guest: Shannan Brommer.
How well do you know your neighbors? Do you want them to know Jesus and be his disciples? The Thresholds of Evangelization give us a mental framework to approach our neighbors and to engage them in conversations about faith, but at the level they are comfortable with. Today, I want to share with you a conversation that I had with some old friends. Aaron and Brooke Keller have committed themselves to not only making friends with their neighbors but to bringing Jesus into the lives of their neighbors. And, I promise, they aren’t weird! A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Have you ever been on a mission trip? Chances are, if you have, that you went to a different state or even a different country. On today’s EquipCast, I talk with Hope of the Poor. While they do have a ministry to the poor in Mexico, their mission is first to evangelize. Yes, they bring Jesus to the poor that they serve, but more than that, they also help the Americans that they bring to Mexico to see Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor. The goal is then to help these same Americans find a mission field in their own backyard. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
I've been on many teams throughout my career with FOCUS and at the Archdiocese. One thing I've learned is that for a team to be truly collaborative, it must have prayer as a foundation. This foundation of prayer not only leads to greater trust among team members, it also keeps our team goals focused on God's mission for us. Effective team prayer offers the opportunity for teams to grow and discern together. Today's podcast offers 5 principles for effective team prayer. Special Guest: Andy Dejka.
Have you ever wondered about the difference between a ministry and an apostolate? Until recently, I hadn’t. These words seem like synonyms, and talking about their differences feels a bit like quibbling or semantics. However, because we’ve forgotten the difference, most of the energy in our parishes goes toward building up ministries. But without the apostolate of the laity, the Church becomes a country club, only concerned with serving its members. So what is an apostolate? And how does remembering help the lay faithful evangelize? A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Do you meet resistance when you talk about your pro-life beliefs? Do you find it hard to understand why anyone would be in favor of abortion? The truth about abortion seems so obvious, and yet, so many of our family and friends don’t agree with us. The fact is since the passing of Roe vs. Wade, our American culture has changed considerably, and we must be willing to reframe the debate in order to reach people. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guest: Whitney Bradley.
Have you ever had something important happen in your life and had no one to share it with? Did you know that the average American hasn’t made a friend in the last five years? As Catholics, we know that community is integral to the faith, and yet, so many in the Body of Christ feel disconnected and alone. I’d like to propose a solution: small groups. Small groups give us the opportunity to enter into life with individuals and to form relationships. They allow us to live and grow in the faith in a way that is otherwise impossible when we do not have a consistent and intentional way of journeying together. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guest: Calvin Mueller.
Part 2 of our talk with Michael Gormley. This time he talks about the parish as a school of discipleship and how all evangelization must prioritize people. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guest: Michael Gormley.
Michael Gormley of Catching Foxes fame gives us his thoughts on adult evangelization and how parishes should prioritize the kerygma. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guests: Jodi Meyer and Michael Gormley.
Jim and Fr. Lorig discuss an outsider friendly event, an opportunity for parishioners to introduce those they care about to the idea of faith without jumping straight to bringing them to mass. Hopefully, the lessons learned can inspire something similar in your own parishes and ministries.
With Thanksgiving upon us, I wanted to give you the chance to reflect on the ways gratitude can lead us to "live mercy". In today's episode, I sit down with Dcn. Tim McNeil, the Chancellor for the Archdiocese, as he talks about how knowing Jesus requires us to respond. "I have met this person named Jesus, and he has changed me. I’m so aware of what He has done for my life that I cannot help but share Him with others. This gratitude is the heart of evangelization. The Lord has saved me, and now the risen Christ in me longs to meet the suffering Christ in you." Special Guest: Dcn. Tim McNeil.
A few years ago, the Archbishop’s Listening Sessions revealed that most of his people desired unity for the Archdiocese. This was so beautiful to hear because we know that unity is always the desire of God’s heart. One of Jesus’s last prayers on earth was “Father, I pray that they may all be one as you an I are one…so that the world may know that you sent me.” (John 17:21) This means that our unity as Christians is either the secret sauce that attracts the world or repels it. But unity at the local level really rests on the ability of each and every one of us to process through disagreement and conflict person to person. So what is the one thing that resolves most conflicts? Communication. In today’s conversation, we give a few scripture passages for you to mediate on as well as advice from the book Crucial Conversations.
As a leader, have you ever had this experience: The Lord places something important on your heart and you are ready to run the race for Him, but no one around you has developed the personal vision and conviction to run with you? Often, we grow and develop personally and then are surprised when no one else has. This process can take years for ourselves, and yet we expect it to take moments for others. So, how do you accompany people down the same pathways you were led without it taking the same amount of time?
Did you know that the leading edge of the baby boomers will turn 75 next year? If the majority of our population is now retired and in their twilight years, what does this mean for our parishes? Did you know that 1/3 of the population experiences a bout of poverty in a 3 year period? This means, even parishes in affluent parts of town have people in their pews facing poverty. What does this mean for the way we live mercy? This week, a local demographer, David Drozd, walks us through some of the natural consequences to the demographic changes that are happening in our communities. Special Guest: David Drozd.
This week, we went more in-depth on The Big Goal by asking Fr. Scott Hastings to break down the 3 Key Characteristics of a Missional Community: Collaborative Leadership, a Clear Path to Discipleship, and a Culture of Generosity. Special Guest: Fr. Scott Hastings.
Two years ago we rolled out the Vision and Priorities for the Archdiocese of Omaha. One Church: Encountering Jesus, Equipping Disciples, and Living Mercy. In the words of Archbishop Lucas, “The vision is not a project so much as a hope, of the kind of church we can be, the people that we are called to be in Jesus Christ and in our time.” Then, with COVID came the opportunity and grace to pause and reflect on the Vision and to renew our efforts. With this time, came clarity, and now, we are rolling out The Big Goal. Within 6 years, each of our parishes in the Archdiocese will become missional communities. Tune in to hear Archbishop Lucas unpack the "why" behind The Big Goal. Special Guest: Archbishop Lucas.
Do you have an ache in your heart? Do you see something in your family, your finances, your ministry, etc. that should be different? What do you envision that it could be? Cultivating a vision of a preferred future is part of the Christian Life. In Acts of the Apostles, Peter’s first public proclamation of the Kerygma includes words from the prophet Joel,” I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions”. But not all of us have Fr. Lorig’s talent for painting a picture of what should be. So how do we develop our own clear picture of the future? Continue the conversation to hear our insights.
On the EquipCast, I spend a lot of time emphasizing the leadership skills of a missionary disciple. But this week, we spoke to Fr. Kizito, a missionary from Nigeria to our own diocese, and he reminded us that one basic skill of a missionary leader is the ability to grow in virtue. How do I make disciples? By first being a disciple. So let us sit at the feet of one of Jesus's own ministers and learn about the virtues he believes are key to mission. Special Guest: Fr. Kizito Okhuoya.
Have you ever used a Catholic buzz word like missionary disciple or missional church and received blank looks in return? It’s a surprising experience, but the reality is many Catholics still don’t know what the word missional means. It used to be that missionaries were the people who traveled to Africa, and the Church in America grew because Catholics had big families. Our biggest problem used to be caring for all of the people who came to the Church’s doorstep, but now, we find ourselves trying to proclaim the Gospel to a world that doesn’t know much about who Jesus is or what the Church is really about. Many of us even know a family member or friend who has walked away from the faith, but it’s often difficult for us to believe that this is part of a larger cultural trend. However, the reality is that the city of Omaha is among the top 30 most secular or “post-Christian” cities in the US. Collectively, we have missional amnesia. We’ve forgotten that we are called to go and make disciples. We lack an imagination around what a missional church looks likes because, until recently, we haven’t had to be one. So, what do you say to someone who asks what a missional church is? Tune in to hear Fr. Lorig and Jim Jansen's musings on this topic.
How do you practice the “everyday preaching” that Pope Francis calls us to without being weird? I’ve grappled with this question throughout my life. At one point, I would have been offended at the thought that I was one of those people who walked around talking to others about Jesus. Offended because I had in mind the awkward Christian and the Bible Thumper. Now, I love proclaiming the Good News to those around me, but I know it takes a few relational pre-requisites before another person will receive me and the message well. Continue the conversation with us as we discuss these pre-requisites.
We spend a lot of time on the EquipCast talking about reaching the lost and that parishes must be outward focused in order to grow. But I hear from many of you, "What about the already converted? We can't leave them behind either!" Steps 3 & 4 of the Clear Path to Discipleship focus on just that. How do we help disciples grow in their relationship with God, and how do we prepare them for mission? Special Guest: Andy Dejka.
As a leader in your parish, it is easy to get bogged down with the day-to-day work of maintaining the parish. But if you have a heart like Fr. Lorig, you want to “major in the mission” instead of the maintenance. If you are a lay leader, you have to win the heart of your pastor in order to do this. And if you are a pastor, you feel the weight of the daily tasks as well as the people trying to influence you. Today, Ron Huntley, brings the energy and wisdom to dispel some of this discouragement. He tells us about his time at St. Benedict’s Parish in Halifax, Nova Scotia as well as his work with Divine Renovation. Special Guest: Ron Huntley.
We all know that there is no silver bullet, no one program that will completely renew our parishes.Even the best programs fail if our parishioners don’t know what’s next. Parishioners will simply hop from program to program if we don’t tell them the process that will lead to growth in their relationship with God. We call this a clear path to discipleship. When a person enters a parish, do they know what steps to take in order to grow in their relationship with God? Today, Andy Dejka tells us that the first step on the clear path is Relational Outreach. Relational Outreach is the efforts of a parish to meet people who don't yet have a relationship with Christ and to build trust and arouse wonder at way that we live as Christians. That is, witnessing to the love of Jesus. Special Guest: Andy Dejka.
How long do you think it takes to change the culture of a parish? While we know that change ultimately takes time, it’s often easy to look for a “silver bullet”, a program or curriculum that will suddenly make all the difference. But we know that behind every program is the people running it, and it’s the people that create culture. So today, Fr. Lorig and I sat down with Kevin Cotter from the Amazing Parish, and he told us about how they help parishes build a healthy culture that allows the pastor and his people to flourish. Special Guest: Kevin Cotter.
I experienced a second conversion when I was a FOCUS missionary. I loved making friends and developing a relationship. And I loved the more catechetical moments where I was able to teach someone about the faith or teach them how to pray the rosary, but talking about Jesus and what he had done for my life…that made me uncomfortable because it didn’t fit with the culture I was trying to reach. However, I was convicted by the writings of JPII when he says that the proclamation of Jesus Christ and the salvation that he offers all people is the “hinge on which all evangelization turns.” Today, I was renewed in this conviction by the words of Jeff Cavins. He tells us, “The proclamation of the gospel is about going into a hurting world and telling them the truth about life.” This may seem daunting at first, but Continue the Conversation and hear how Jeff makes it so very simple to do! Special Guests: Jeff Cavins and Jen Moser.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Jeff Cavins to talk about his latest book, the Activated Disciple. And while he shared so many important truths, I feel like he really shared a bit of himself. Every insight comes with a story from his own life. Continue the conversations with us as we talk about everything from his conversion story to having a posse of saints. Special Guests: Jeff Cavins and Jen Moser.
I was blessed to encounter Jesus in a deeper way in college, but not all people, and certainly, not all cradle Catholics have had this opportunity. So today, we talk with Jodi Meyer, Network Director for Alpha Nebraska. Alpha is a program whose purpose is to propose anew the core of our faith, the Gospel message. If its content were to be summed up into an elevator speech, it would be this: God loves you. He sent His son to die for you, and this truth brings meaning and purpose and hope and joy for your life…and that matters. And, this is a gift so big we have to share it with others. Alpha’s goal is to invite people back to a decision point and to decide for Christ. But, there are so many other aspects to this program that make it work. Continue the conversation with us! Special Guest: Jodi Meyer.
Fr. Lorig and Fr. Dan Andrew both possess GallupStrengths that make them very natural leaders. They love to dream about the future and to figure out how to help people move into that new vision. But is leadership something your just born with, or is it something even these two had to learn about and grow into? They would say that it's definitely that latter. Listen as Fr. Lorig and Fr. Andrews muse on all things leadership. Special Guest: Fr. Dan Andrews.
Moving a parish from maintenance to mission is easier said than done. You can have all the best programs and all the best people on staff, but the key ingredient will always be the pastor. We know our pastors truly desire that their parishes to thrive, but before a pastor can change the culture of a parish, he will have to consider the culture of his heart. This week, Fr. Lorig sat down with Fr. Damien Cook, and they discussed Fr. Cook’s process of continued conversion, the things he’s pondered and the lessons he’s learned in the last few years of his priesthood. Special Guest: Fr. Damien Cook.
Have you ever heard the old adage: A pastor should never change anything in his first year…except his socks and underwear? Well, we think you can’t wait that long to make changes! 40 percent of executives hired at the senior level are pushed out, fail, or quit within 18 months. (“Rise of a headhunter” Financial Times, March 30, 2009 ) So if you can’t wait to make changes, you should manage the transition.
Imagine with me a parish where Religious Education is no longer simply content found in a book, a subject to be picked up once a week on Wednesdays. Imagine instead a parish where Religious Education is centered around the formation of each person’s faith life. Gone would be the days of begging for catechists and of struggling to engage tired students. Gone would be the days of sacramental “graduations” where families disappear after confirmation. And gone would be the days of the pastor introducing children that he doesn’t know to the Archbishop. I know that these fruits (and many many others) follow, because I had the joy of sitting down with Fr. Loseke and Jackie Schuler from St. Charles Borromeo. Over the past few years, they have transformed the way their parish does Religious Education, and by doing so, they have transformed the lives of their parish families. Special Guests: Fr. Jeff Loseke and Jackie Schuler.
Have you heard a compelling presentation of the gospel that transformed your life? The power of our own conversions has led us to the belief that every parish needs a Conversion Engine. Join Andy Dejka and I (Jim Jansen) as we tell a little of our own stories and converse about questions such as: Why do we need a specific program or ministry for conversion if evangelization is everyone’s job? And, If our parish does decide to adopt a Conversion Engine, what should it look like? Special Guest: Andy Dejka.
Pope Francis once said, “We are not living in an era of change but a change of era”. We think that this new era looks a lot like the Apostolic Age. Jen Moser takes us through the parallels, and offers some strategies based on the actions of the Apostles themselves. Special Guest: Jen Moser.
Dr. Ashton, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Fr. Jeff Lorig are known for their impassioned conversations...about school tuition. Yes, school tuition. While not the most obviously interesting topic, it leads us to much larger questions. For example, if I pay all of this money for my child to go to a Catholic School, what am I actually paying for? What is the real mission of Catholic Schools? Join the debate and help us answer the question, "Are Catholic Schools worth the cost?"
We are living in a unique moment in Church history, the transition into a post-Christendom era. It is disorienting and new. While the mission of the Church has not shifted, the way we fulfill the mission to bring the Gospel to the world must change. We need the Holy Spirit to be the inspiration and guide. Pause with Jim Jansen and Fr. Lorig to reflect on the Holy Spirit and to pray that He moves in our lives.
One thing is for sure, the digital church is not going away. Many have tasted its potential and while our buildings begin to open up, our online churches should not be shutting down. For those who want to take full advantage of the potential that digital church offers, it will require more strategy, more thought, and more planning than merely pointing a camera at your in-person events and services. Fr. Lorig and Jim Jansen offer answers to questions like "Which metrics matter?" and "How do we reach the unchurched online?"
As a young associate, Fr. Lorig asked Fr. (now Bishop) Hanefeldt, “As a priest, am I supposed to tithe?” Fr. Hanefeldt responded, “You know? The more I give, the more I receive.” While he didn’t directly answer the question, he got to the heart of the issue. Money influences our relationship with God, and it’s in a competition with Him for our hearts. Most of us in ministry hate to touch the topic of money, but if we want to raise disciples, we have to also start raising givers. Jim Jansen and Fr. Lorig discus what he is going to do differently after reading the book ChurchMoney: Rebuilding the Way We Fund Our Mission.
Evangelization has been a buzzword in the Church for the past few decades, but many of us still don’t know what it means. It conjures up images of knocking on doors and standing on street corners. We know it’s necessary to do. After all, weren’t we commissioned to “Go and make disciples of the nations”? But, for some reason it’s hard to begin. In today's EquipCast, Fr. Lorig and Jim Jansen discuss the hang-ups that many of us have when it comes to evangelization, and they leave us with a few tips to get started.
Sometimes the consumer culture of the United States creeps into our parish life. When this happens, the ideal parishioner becomes the loyal customer who shows up to all the events or the person who “does their time” volunteering. Fr. Lorig and Jim Jansen suggest that the ideal parishioner is instead the person who comes alive because they are engaged in the mission of the Church. The ideal parishioner thrives because they say yes only to the things that give them life. Tune in for some tips on discernment and for ways to draw others into the mission.
Whenever Jesus calls someone to be a disiple, he doesn't stop at "follow me", he says, "and I will make you fishers of men." We cannot separate the call to be a disciple and the call to be a missionary. But how does one create missionary disciples? Jim Jansen spoke at SEEK 2020 unpacking the everyday experience of forming others for mission.
Doing leadership doesn’t mean doing everything, and delegation doesn’t mean giving away tasks. Leadership means giving your superpowers to someone else.
Most of us realize that everything we’re going through now will probably have long term effects on the culture and the Church. What hopes do you have for the Church when this is all over? Join Fr. Jeff Lorig and Jim Jansen share their insights and dreams for the Church that could be.
Everyone is crazy about best practices. Conventional wisdom says if you want to be successful at anything, particularly in ministry, you need to implement best practices, but they don’t always lead to success. Join Jim Jansen, Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, as he shares his insights on the topic of best practices.
On the Wednesday after schools shut down due to the Coronavirus, Christine French was in a continuous stream of webinars and on-line meetings. She felt anxious and busy, and she knew this was not what the Lord was calling her to. Hear from Christine about how she paused and listened to the voice of God. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41b-42) Special Guest: Christine French.
In the midst of the pandemic, what does Church life look like? Mark Nelson shares the lessons that he has learned working at St. Gerald’s and serving on their Servant Leadership Team. Special Guest: Mark Nelson.
In a world where it is as easy to switch parishes as it is to switch the channel or click another link, Blair Bonczynski and David Hazen give their advice on how to rise above the noise and make a real connection with your parishioners. The secret? You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to get out there and try! Special Guests: Blair Bonczynski and David Hazen.
Without a Sunday collection, parishes are wondering how to ask for money in order to keep the lights on and pay the staff. Shannan’s advice, “It’s not actually about paying the bills. It’s about vision, hope and transformation.” Make a connection, tell your story, build relationships, and invite people into the mission! Special Guest: Shannan Brommer.
Accompaniment is the current buzzword that many speak about passionately. Jen and Jim unpack the word. Then, they challenge us to 1) intentionally and consistently journey with a number of people, and 2) equip others to do the same. “…to equip the saints for the work of ministry for building up the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of faith and…full maturity in Christ…” Ephesians 4:12-13 Special Guests: Jen Moser and Jim Jansen.
We’ve always said, “It’s not about the building.” So if it’s not about building, then where does church happen? And where can it happen now? Join Calvin Mueller and Andy Dejka for Friday’s EquipCast as they discuss building a culture of community in small groups during the pandemic crisis and beyond. Members of our Evangelization team here in the Archdiocese of Omaha, Andy and Calvin are both former FOCUS Missionaries who have extensive experience translating those missionary values into parish life. Special Guests: Andy Dejka and Calvin Mueller.
On today’s Equip Cast, Craig Dyke and Jim Jansen will explain how you can help families stay faithful and perhaps even grow more faithful during this time. Sports and busyness are no longer barriers for families to engage in the Church. Therefore, as pastoral leaders we’ll need to be intentional about about helping our families be more intentional. Craig and Jim are both fathers of relatively large families. They’ll be able to offer theological insights on family and evangelization as well as their own personal insights on keeping their families faithful beyond the Sunday Mass. Special Guests: Craig Dyke and Jim Jansen.