The EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Christian Podcast”

Episode 192: How to Lead Change Without Losing Your People

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

*How do you lead change when you don’t know where you are going (yet)? *

Today I sit down with Brian Miller, a change management expert from Coach Approach Ministries, to talk about adaptive change. Adaptive change is when you know something needs to change, but you don’t yet know what the solution is. It’s not just fixing a broken pipe—it’s realizing the whole plumbing system might need to be rethought. It’s the kind of change that requires people to shift their values, beliefs, and behaviors, not just learn a new skill. And that’s why it’s hard—because it’s not just about doing something different, it’s about becoming someone different.

When you lead this kind of change, the danger isn’t just that people leave—it’s that they check out. So Brian focuses on the following things: keep the pace people can handle, invite them into shaping the vision, really listen to the voices of concern, and anchor the change in habits and identity. That way, people don’t just stick around—they stay engaged in the mission.

[00:01] Meet Brian Miller: Coach and Consultant
[01:26] The Three Cs: Character, Competence, Chemistry
[03:23] Brian's Journey: From Sunday School to Seminary
[08:51] Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving World
[17:58] Adaptive Change: Technical vs. Adaptive Challenges
[25:04] Technical vs. Adaptive Change
[25:12] Regulating the Heat of Change
[29:13] Handling Rebellion and Sabotage
[30:38] Giving Work Back to the People
[31:23] Inspiring a Shared Vision
[35:20] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Leadership
[38:48] Protecting Early Warning Voices
[43:21] Anchoring Change in New Habits
[45:22] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Don’t forget to check out Coach Approach Ministries and Canoeing the Mountains!

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)

Coach's Corner 19: Four Metaphors for a Clear Path of Discipleship

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Have you ever thought about how discipleship is like a school, a training table, or even an operating system? Probably not—but I love a good metaphor (maybe too much!). In this episode, I share four powerful ways to think about building a clear path of discipleship as well as the importance of creating a communal context where people can grow, mature, and ultimately be sent out as missionary disciples.

If you're looking for a fresh way to approach ministry—or just love a good analogy—this episode is for you. Give it a listen and let me know: What’s your favorite metaphor for discipleship? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[01:18] Defining a Clear Path of Discipleship
[03:24] Metaphor 1: Discipleship as a School
[05:08] Metaphor 2: Discipleship as an Athlete's Training Table
[06:49] Metaphor 3: Discipleship as a Trellis
[08:11] Metaphor 4: Discipleship as an Operating System
[09:59] Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Don't forget to check out the clear path book!

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)

Episode 176: How Curiosity Transforms Evangelization + A New Resource to Elevate! Your Small Groups

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

What’s the secret sauce to evangelization? Aside from the Holy Spirit, it's curiosity—genuinely wanting to know and understand the person in front of you. When you show sincere interest in someone's story, experiences, and thoughts, you create space for authentic connection. This curiosity builds trust and opens the door to deeper conversations where faith can be shared naturally. Evangelization isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and letting relationships grow organically.

To help you do this, our team has developed Elevate!, a new small group resource designed for meaningful conversations with friends who aren’t ready for a traditional Bible study. In this episode, I sit down with Andy Dejka, the mastermind behind Elevate!, to explore how it fosters deeper dialogue. We discuss its unique four-week, four-person, four-question format, leadership requirements, and the heart behind its creation. Andy also shares his personal call to mission, including how running a stand at a local farmer’s market shaped his approach to evangelization.

Join us for this insightful conversation on building real relationships and drawing people closer to the Lord.

[01:25] Andy's Journey to Mission
[04:16] Understanding Small Group Resources
[08:41] Introducing Elevate: A New Approach
[18:58] The Power of Curiosity in Evangelization
[26:31] Real-Life Evangelization Stories
[29:34] How to Get Started with Elevate

Check out ArchOmaha.org/Lent/, Elevate!, and Generosity.

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)

Episode 174: Experience Miracles: How Alpha Youth Changed the Culture of a School

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Do you expect the miraculous from God? As believers, we are invited to trust in God's power and love, knowing He desires to move in our lives in profound and unexpected ways. Miracles are not confined to biblical times; they are a testament to God's ongoing presence in our world. When we step out in faith, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to work, transforming lives and communities.

In this episode, I sit down with Fr. Walter Nolte, Pastor of the Padre Pio Family Parish Group, to discuss the incredible impact of the Alpha Youth program at Archbishop Bergan High School. Fr. Nolte shares inspiring stories of miracles, heartfelt prayers, and the transformative changes in students’ openness to God. We explore how simple acts of prayer and listening have broken down barriers—within students, families, and the broader faith community. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of following the Holy Spirit's lead, connecting authentically with youth, and trusting in the transformative power of God's love.

[01:25] Father Nolte's Journey to Priesthood
[06:00] Challenges in Engaging High Schoolers with Faith
[10:52] Transforming School Culture with Alpha Youth
[15:24] Experiencing God's Presence
[25:26] Miraculous Moments and Personal Testimonies
[29:25] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Modern Times
[31:46] Transforming School Culture Through Prayer
[36:25] Engaging Parents and the Larger Community
[38:13] The Importance of Sharing Personal Faith Stories
[42:23] Implementing Alpha Youth in Schools

For more check out Archbishop Bergan, Alpha Youth, and their story in video form, A Catholic School Runs Alpha Youth.

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)

Episode 173: The Art of Neighboring with Dave Runyon

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Is busyness subtly drowning out your ability to love God and love others? When we're constantly rushing from one task to the next, we lose the time and mental space to notice the needs of those around us, let alone build meaningful relationships with them. Our hurried lifestyles often turn our homes into mere refuges from the chaos instead of places of true connection and community.

Today’s guest, Dave Runyon, author of The Art of Neighboring, shares how simple acts of loving and connecting with our neighbors can create a profound social safety net – stronger than governmental programs – and foster a deeper sense of community.

[01:59] Dave's Journey to Ministry
[10:29] The Power of Neighboring
[15:47] Practical Steps to Neighboring
[22:10] The Impact of Neighboring
[26:14] Spiritual Conversations Without Pressure
[28:54] Challenges and Realities of Neighboring
[30:56] The Importance of Mildly Awkward Moments
[32:07] Taking the Great Commandment Seriously
[32:51] Navigating Awkward and Dangerous Situations
[36:02] The Art of Receiving from Neighbors
[39:04] Evangelization and Genuine Neighboring

Also, check out Dave’s website, ArtOfNeighboring.com.

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)

Episode 158: Turn Fatigue into Flourishing: Reignite Your Passion for Evangelization with Fr. John Riccardo

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Do you find it hard to maintain enthusiasm for evangelization? You’re not alone. Many of us in ministry face moments of profound fatigue and discouragement. But let me share something with you: the key to reigniting that passion lies in rediscovering the love and hope gifted by God which first called us to this mission.
Today, I bring you the wisdom of Fr. John Riccardo, founder of Acts XXIX and The Rescue Project. He discusses how to:

Create intimate environments where the gospel can come alive.
Turn prayer into more than an agenda item, listening for God’s direction.
Build a family out of those on mission with you
Restore hope, unity, and zeal to tired laborers in the vineyard

Yes, the challenges are real, but so is the power of God’s plan. Lean into that, and you’ll find your enthusiasm renewed and your mission reinvigorated.

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)