app01 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:20:19 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) The EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Church Community” https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/tags/church%20community Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 The EquipCast is your weekly playbook for practical evangelization and parish ministry tools. Hosted by Jim Jansen and powered by Everyday Evangelization, this show is built for diocesan directors, parish leaders, and everyday Catholics who are ready to stop the programmatic noise, break through the grind, and build a clear path to discipleship that actually changes lives. We’ve been talking about the New Evangelization for thirty years, yet church renewal often feels like an endless cycle of empty activity while generations continue to lose their faith. If you are tired of managing decline and spinning your wheels in the messy middle of ministry, you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Every week, we break the default of "doing more" to deliver honest conversations and real stories from people who are finally seeing their faith communities thrive. Hit subscribe, head over to EverydayEvangelization.org to grab your free tools, and discover how to leave your ministry better than you found it. en-us episodic Practical Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools for Catholic Leaders Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools The EquipCast is your weekly playbook for practical evangelization and parish ministry tools. Hosted by Jim Jansen and powered by Everyday Evangelization, this show is built for diocesan directors, parish leaders, and everyday Catholics who are ready to stop the programmatic noise, break through the grind, and build a clear path to discipleship that actually changes lives. We’ve been talking about the New Evangelization for thirty years, yet church renewal often feels like an endless cycle of empty activity while generations continue to lose their faith. If you are tired of managing decline and spinning your wheels in the messy middle of ministry, you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Every week, we break the default of "doing more" to deliver honest conversations and real stories from people who are finally seeing their faith communities thrive. Hit subscribe, head over to EverydayEvangelization.org to grab your free tools, and discover how to leave your ministry better than you found it. no parish ministry tools, practical evangelization, church renewal, parish renewal, Clear Path to Discipleship, how to share your faith, Catholic discipleship framework, New Evangelization resources, parish leadership training, diocesan directors, parish leaders, Catholic pastors, priest ministry tools, everyday Catholics, Catholic ministry podcast, managing church decline, ministry burnout, how to make disciples, evangelization strategies, Everyday Evangelization, Jim Jansen Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools whitney.a.bradley@gmail.com Episode 205: Witness before Wisdom: What Couples Need When Preparing for Marriage https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/205 971a2d2b-b727-46e1-99f5-b4fbb8ef2a98 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools 205 Witness before Wisdom: What Couples Need When Preparing for Marriage full Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools 56:22 no <p><strong>How can we expect couples to live a sacramental marriage when they’ve never seen one lived?</strong></p> <p>So many of the couples who walk into our parishes today aren’t rooted in the life of the Church. Nine out of ten aren’t attending Mass, many have simply “slid” into the relationship, and most have never witnessed a joyful, vibrant Christian marriage up close. And yet—we hand them content, classes, and checklists and hope it changes their lives. In this conversation with Ryan Verret, we dive into why that model is breaking down and why the real answer isn’t more information, but more relationship. Ryan shares the deeply human insight at the heart of Witness to Love: that authentic conversion only moves at the pace of a friendship… and that the simplest act—having someone waiting for you in the pew—can open the door for grace to take root.</p> <p>If you’ve ever wondered how to truly draw couples into the heart of parish life, this episode will encourage you. Take a listen.</p> <p>[01:13] Ryan Verret's Background and Upbringing<br> [09:35] State of Marriage Preparation in the Church<br> [18:11] Witness to Love: Vision and Approach<br> [26:19] The One Change That Made a Difference<br> [29:39] The Need for Comprehensive Faith Formation<br> [32:45] The Mentor Couple Model<br> [40:38] The Impact of Witness to Love<br> [44:29] Personal Reflections and Broader Implications<br> [53:02] Connecting with Witness to Love </p> <p>Check out <a href="https://witnesstolove.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Witness To Love</a>, or connect with Ryan by emailing <a href="mailto:connect@witnesstolove.org" rel="nofollow noopener">connect@witnesstolove.org</a>.</p> <p>For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to <a href="https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/</a>.</p> <p>A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha<br> Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) </p> marriage preparation, Catholic marriage, witness to love, mentor couples, parish renewal, evangelization, discipleship, sacramental marriage, church community, trust and relationships How can we expect couples to live a sacramental marriage when they’ve never seen one lived?

So many of the couples who walk into our parishes today aren’t rooted in the life of the Church. Nine out of ten aren’t attending Mass, many have simply “slid” into the relationship, and most have never witnessed a joyful, vibrant Christian marriage up close. And yet—we hand them content, classes, and checklists and hope it changes their lives. In this conversation with Ryan Verret, we dive into why that model is breaking down and why the real answer isn’t more information, but more relationship. Ryan shares the deeply human insight at the heart of Witness to Love: that authentic conversion only moves at the pace of a friendship… and that the simplest act—having someone waiting for you in the pew—can open the door for grace to take root.

If you’ve ever wondered how to truly draw couples into the heart of parish life, this episode will encourage you. Take a listen.

[01:13] Ryan Verret's Background and Upbringing
[09:35] State of Marriage Preparation in the Church
[18:11] Witness to Love: Vision and Approach
[26:19] The One Change That Made a Difference
[29:39] The Need for Comprehensive Faith Formation
[32:45] The Mentor Couple Model
[40:38] The Impact of Witness to Love
[44:29] Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
[53:02] Connecting with Witness to Love

Check out Witness To Love, or connect with Ryan by emailing connect@witnesstolove.org.

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)

]]> How can we expect couples to live a sacramental marriage when they’ve never seen one lived?

So many of the couples who walk into our parishes today aren’t rooted in the life of the Church. Nine out of ten aren’t attending Mass, many have simply “slid” into the relationship, and most have never witnessed a joyful, vibrant Christian marriage up close. And yet—we hand them content, classes, and checklists and hope it changes their lives. In this conversation with Ryan Verret, we dive into why that model is breaking down and why the real answer isn’t more information, but more relationship. Ryan shares the deeply human insight at the heart of Witness to Love: that authentic conversion only moves at the pace of a friendship… and that the simplest act—having someone waiting for you in the pew—can open the door for grace to take root.

If you’ve ever wondered how to truly draw couples into the heart of parish life, this episode will encourage you. Take a listen.

[01:13] Ryan Verret's Background and Upbringing
[09:35] State of Marriage Preparation in the Church
[18:11] Witness to Love: Vision and Approach
[26:19] The One Change That Made a Difference
[29:39] The Need for Comprehensive Faith Formation
[32:45] The Mentor Couple Model
[40:38] The Impact of Witness to Love
[44:29] Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
[53:02] Connecting with Witness to Love

Check out Witness To Love, or connect with Ryan by emailing connect@witnesstolove.org.

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 20: Healthy Roots Equal Abundant Fruits – Church Growth Explained https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/cc20 19bc5765-4965-4c59-bc15-daadec81d4bb Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools full Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools What’s the one thing that can produce lasting fruit in our parish ministries? If we want to see real growth in areas like attendance, vocations, and community life, we must focus on making and maturing disciples. There are no shortcuts—superficial fixes won’t yield lasting change. True fruitfulness comes from healthy individuals, thriving ministries, and a clear vision rooted in mission. In this episode, I break it all down using the metaphor of a fruit tree—and show why discipleship is the key to everything. 8:16 no <p><strong>What’s the one thing that can produce lasting fruit in our parish ministries?</strong>If we want to see real growth in areas like attendance, vocations, and community life, we must focus on making and maturing disciples. There are no shortcuts—superficial fixes won’t yield lasting change. True fruitfulness comes from healthy individuals, thriving ministries, and a clear vision rooted in mission. In this episode, I break it all down using the metaphor of a fruit tree—and show why discipleship is the key to everything.</p> <p>[00:34]Vision for Bearing Fruit<br> [00:55] Desiring Good Fruits<br> [02:33] The Role of Discipleship<br> [03:12] Avoiding Shortcuts<br> [04:04] Importance of Branches<br> [05:07] Focusing on the Roots<br> [05:54] Satisfying the Lord's Thirst<br> [07:04] Final Prayer and Reflection<br> [07:46] Closing Remarks</p> <p>For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to <a href="https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/</a>.</p> <p>A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha<br> Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) </p> Discipleship, Church Growth, Parish Ministry, Fruit Tree Metaphor, Making Disciples, Healthy Ministries, Church Community, Missionary Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, Church Leadership, Faith Formation, Ministry Success, Vibrant Church, Root and Branches, EquipCast What’s the one thing that can produce lasting fruit in our parish ministries?If we want to see real growth in areas like attendance, vocations, and community life, we must focus on making and maturing disciples. There are no shortcuts—superficial fixes won’t yield lasting change. True fruitfulness comes from healthy individuals, thriving ministries, and a clear vision rooted in mission. In this episode, I break it all down using the metaphor of a fruit tree—and show why discipleship is the key to everything.

[00:34]Vision for Bearing Fruit
[00:55] Desiring Good Fruits
[02:33] The Role of Discipleship
[03:12] Avoiding Shortcuts
[04:04] Importance of Branches
[05:07] Focusing on the Roots
[05:54] Satisfying the Lord's Thirst
[07:04] Final Prayer and Reflection
[07:46] Closing Remarks

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)

]]> What’s the one thing that can produce lasting fruit in our parish ministries?If we want to see real growth in areas like attendance, vocations, and community life, we must focus on making and maturing disciples. There are no shortcuts—superficial fixes won’t yield lasting change. True fruitfulness comes from healthy individuals, thriving ministries, and a clear vision rooted in mission. In this episode, I break it all down using the metaphor of a fruit tree—and show why discipleship is the key to everything.

[00:34]Vision for Bearing Fruit
[00:55] Desiring Good Fruits
[02:33] The Role of Discipleship
[03:12] Avoiding Shortcuts
[04:04] Importance of Branches
[05:07] Focusing on the Roots
[05:54] Satisfying the Lord's Thirst
[07:04] Final Prayer and Reflection
[07:46] Closing Remarks

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 161: Grow a Healthy Small Group Movement with Michael Hall https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/161 7aa4fc0d-0f3a-4867-81eb-7cff60bfa89a Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500 Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools 161 Grow a Healthy Small Group Movement with Michael Hall full Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools Small groups are vital for parish renewal—you might even be part of one yourself. But is your small group thriving and growing, or is it feeling a bit stagnant? Do you find it challenging to reach beyond the usual participants? And most importantly, are your small groups truly helping people grow in their faith journey? Today, I chat with Michael Hall, author of Intentional Accompaniment and a seasoned leader with Catholic Christian Outreach of Canada. Michael has a wealth of experience building and sustaining healthy small group movements, and he’s here to share some of the strategies and mindsets that can transform your small group from a stagnant gathering into a dynamic, missionary force. Whether you’re leading a small group, coordinating them for your parish, or simply a passionate member of one, this conversation is full of insights that can help you breathe new life into your small group ministry and make a real impact in your community. 56:01 no <p>Small groups are vital for parish renewal—you might even be part of one yourself. But is your small group thriving and growing, or is it feeling a bit stagnant? Do you find it challenging to reach beyond the usual participants? And most importantly, are your small groups truly helping people grow in their faith journey?</p> <p>Today, I chat with Michael Hall, author of Intentional Accompaniment and a seasoned leader with Catholic Christian Outreach of Canada. Michael has a wealth of experience building and sustaining healthy small group movements, and he’s here to share some of the strategies and mindsets that can transform your small group from a stagnant gathering into a dynamic, missionary force.</p> <p>Whether you’re leading a small group, coordinating them for your parish, or simply a passionate member of one, this conversation is full of insights that can help you breathe new life into your small group ministry and make a real impact in your community.</p> <p>Join us as we dive into: </p> <ul> <li>practical tips to identify and nurture potential leaders </li> <li>the power of adopting a missionary mindset</li> <li>structural models that can help your groups grow and thrive</li> </ul> <p>Check out <a href="https://cco.ca/resources/" rel="nofollow noopener">CCO</a>! <br> <a href="https://archdioceseofomaha.formstack.com/forms/small_group_movement" rel="nofollow noopener">Register</a> for the Grow a Healthy Small Group Movement workshop. </p> <p>For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to <a href="https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/</a>.</p> <p>A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha<br> Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) </p> small groups, parish renewal, Michael Hall, Intentional Accompaniment, Catholic Christian Outreach, CCO, missionary mindset, small group movement, faith journey, parish ministry, small group leadership, evangelization, community building, church growth, spiritual growth, small group strategies, podcast, EquipCast, Jim Jansen, Archdiocese of Omaha, faith formation, discipleship, church community, small group dynamics, healthy small groups, small group coaching, small group multiplication Small groups are vital for parish renewal—you might even be part of one yourself. But is your small group thriving and growing, or is it feeling a bit stagnant? Do you find it challenging to reach beyond the usual participants? And most importantly, are your small groups truly helping people grow in their faith journey?

Today, I chat with Michael Hall, author of Intentional Accompaniment and a seasoned leader with Catholic Christian Outreach of Canada. Michael has a wealth of experience building and sustaining healthy small group movements, and he’s here to share some of the strategies and mindsets that can transform your small group from a stagnant gathering into a dynamic, missionary force.

Whether you’re leading a small group, coordinating them for your parish, or simply a passionate member of one, this conversation is full of insights that can help you breathe new life into your small group ministry and make a real impact in your community.

Join us as we dive into:

  • practical tips to identify and nurture potential leaders
  • the power of adopting a missionary mindset
  • structural models that can help your groups grow and thrive

Check out CCO!
Register for the Grow a Healthy Small Group Movement workshop.

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)

]]> Small groups are vital for parish renewal—you might even be part of one yourself. But is your small group thriving and growing, or is it feeling a bit stagnant? Do you find it challenging to reach beyond the usual participants? And most importantly, are your small groups truly helping people grow in their faith journey?

Today, I chat with Michael Hall, author of Intentional Accompaniment and a seasoned leader with Catholic Christian Outreach of Canada. Michael has a wealth of experience building and sustaining healthy small group movements, and he’s here to share some of the strategies and mindsets that can transform your small group from a stagnant gathering into a dynamic, missionary force.

Whether you’re leading a small group, coordinating them for your parish, or simply a passionate member of one, this conversation is full of insights that can help you breathe new life into your small group ministry and make a real impact in your community.

Join us as we dive into:

  • practical tips to identify and nurture potential leaders
  • the power of adopting a missionary mindset
  • structural models that can help your groups grow and thrive

Check out CCO!
Register for the Grow a Healthy Small Group Movement workshop.

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)

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