The EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Clear Path To Discipleship”

Hot Take | The New Evangelization Requires Repentance

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0500

We spend a lot of time searching for the next best practice or ministry tool, but what if our efforts are stalling because we have skipped the most essential step? In this hot take, I give my thoughts on why genuine renewal requires turning back to God. JD Flynn, co-founder of The Pillar, joins me to discuss why authentic evangelization flows from converted hearts. And why a collective, public witness of contrition could be precisely what unifies and revives the Church today.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[00:36] – Why best practices are not enough without repentance
[01:46] – Evangelization ad gentes versus calling God's people home
[02:46] – What public and corporate repentance could look like
[04:24] – Reimagining Lent as a collective witness to our neighbors
[05:24] – The power of a penitential revival in the Church today

Our Trusted Partners

Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries (FFLCM) helps Catholic parishes and dioceses transform fragmented faith formation into an integrated, family-centered pathway of lifelong discipleship. Through the Pathways Formation suite, practical resources, leader formation, and ongoing accompaniment, they equip leaders to engage families, build sustainable teams, and cultivate faith that is lived at church and at home.

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Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

The EquipCast is powered by Everyday Evangelization in conjunction with Anchor Consulting, delivering practical evangelization strategies and parish ministry tools to help you leave your ministry better than you found it.

219: Underneath the Pectoral Cross | The Heart of Bishop William Joensen

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Today, I talk to Bishop William Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. I wanted to step past the formal title so you could get to know the man behind the pectoral cross, and he certainly didn't hold back. Bishop Joensen gives us a transparent look into his life and faith, sharing how a pre-med path in Iowa unexpectedly led to the priesthood and what it was like taking the helm of a diocese just months before the pandemic hit. From some fun banter about Iowa-Nebraska rivalries to his honest reflections on leadership missteps, this episode offers a rare and refreshing look into the heart, humor, and wisdom of a bishop shepherding his flock with humility.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[04:14] – Pre-Med, Family Roots, and Discerning the Priesthood
[14:07] – Friendly Rivalries and the State of the U.S. Church
[22:09] – Pastoral Planning and 18 Months of Humble Inquiry
[28:40] – Offering the Unvarnished Truth of the Gospel
[34:01] – Respecting Subsidiarity in Parish Renewal
[40:28] – Navigating Demographic Shifts and Rural Reality
[47:56] – Episcopal Leadership, Prayer, and Learning from Missteps

Resources Mentioned

Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen

Our Trusted Partners

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

218: Partnering with the Holy Spirit

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

God is at work in the hearts of the people around us. His Spirit is everywhere and perfectly working long before we show up. In fact, our job is simply to ask, "Holy Spirit, what are you doing?" We get to ask, listen, and participate in what He is already doing in the lives of others. That is why I decided to sit down with Eric Chow, Director of Ministry and Outreach for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. He is a seasoned missionary with extremely practical advice for parish hospitality and personal mission. And today, he encourages us to recognize the “proximate periphery”, the mission field hidden in our daily routines, workplaces, and families.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction to Eric Chow
[01:32] – Eric's personal conversion
[04:50] – Lessons from Catholic Christian Outreach
[05:46] – Understanding the mission field in Vancouver
[11:29] – What parish hospitality could look like
[17:07] – The origins and mission of the Proclaim movement
[20:22] – Reaching the proximate periphery right in front of you
[27:09] – Prophetic listening and partnering with the Holy Spirit
[29:35] – Why outreach to the furthest away comes first
[32:51] – Balancing personal mission with the call to holiness
[36:31] – Living as a radical disciple while working professionally for the Church
[42:49] – Passing on a missional mindset to our children
[47:02] – A hopeful vision for the future of the Church
[49:16] – Simple steps to start praying for and reaching your mission field

Resources Mentioned

Proclaim

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

217: Inside the USCCB | What's Comes After the Eucharistic Revival?

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Seeing the people we love walk away from Jesus is one of the hardest parts of living the faith today. So I sit down with David Spesia, Executive Director for Evangelization and Catechesis at the USCCB, to talk about the massive shift happening across the country as the US bishops unite around one single priority: seeking and saving the lost. We dive into the quiet fruit of the Eucharistic Revival and talk about how to keep your eyes fixed squarely on Jesus, even when human flaws and institutional friction threaten to pull you off track.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[02:41] – Personal Encounters and Intellectual Conversion
[07:45] – Lessons from Teaching High School Religion
[16:12] – Navigating Diocesan Leadership and Building Collaboration
[22:00] – Behind the Scenes of the National Eucharistic Revival
[33:40] – Measuring Long-Term Fruits of Spiritual Renewal
[40:01] – The USCCB Mission Directive to Seek and Save the Lost
[44:03] – Evangelical Discernment and Evaluating Ministry Fruitfulness
[51:41] – Loving the Church as Christ's Body Amidst Human Brokenness

Resources Mentioned

Living as a Missionary Disciple (PDF)
Companion to the Handbook on the Catechetical Accompaniment Process

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

216: Are You Managing Programs or Making Disciples? | Solving the Parish Puzzle with Christina Semmens

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Parish renewal can feel like trying to assemble a massive puzzle without having the picture on the box to reference. Bringing your parish back to life isn't about running another program. It's an act of loving accompaniment, and Jesus is already in the work with us. Christina Semmens joins me today to talk about how putting the right leadership pieces in place creates a simple, relational way to wake up our parish communities and make disciples who thrive.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[02:00] – Christina’s Journey from Military Leadership to Parish Renewal
[10:00] – What Discipleship Culture Actually Looks Like in a Parish
[15:00] – Moving Beyond Event-Based Evangelization
[19:00] – Customized CPR and Holistic Formation
[25:00] – Waking Up the Walking Dead in Our Pews
[28:00] – Best Practices vs. Quick-Fix Silver Bullets
[34:00] – Eliminating Communication Blind Spots & Building Two-Way Dialogue
[44:00] – A 4-Step Apprenticeship Model for Coaching Leaders
[52:00] – Practical Steps to Begin When You Feel Overwhelmed

Resources Mentioned

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

Evangelization Hot Take | Choose Your Local Parish

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Adam Stephenson, our guest from the episode "Knocking on Doors", joins me for a walk where he gives his hot take on evangelization: you should stick to the parish in your own backyard. He argues that parish shopping keeps us at arms length from the real work of evangelization, while staying local invites us to love the people God has placed right in front of us. And I agreed with him…for the most part. Tune in for a mini-sode on why you should (or shouldn’t) belong to the parish whose geographic boundaries you live in.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[00:32] – The Hot Take: Geographic Parish Boundaries
[00:56] – Why Proximity Matters for Loving Your Community
[02:29] – Modern Disorientation and the Loss of Neighborhood Faith
[04:29] – Valid Exceptions for Stepping Away from Your Local Parish
[06:49] – Accompanying "Dying" Parishes and the Mission Field
[09:21] – How to Supplement Your Spiritual Life Outside Parish Walls

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

215: Overcoming Ministry Burnout | Restoring Order to Your Family and Mission

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

You leave work at five, but your brain stays parked at the office. You sit with your family, yet mentally you carry the entire parish on your back as if saving everyone depends on you. When evangelization becomes a task we tackle with our own strength, we burn out, our programs flop, and our homes suffer. This week, Hannah Keisling, Evangelization Coordinator at St. Vincent de Paul in Omaha, joins me to share how putting God first, family second, and ministry third gave her the freedom to stop forcing outcomes. We unpack why no program works without real accompaniment, how to surrender the urge to carry it all yourself, and what happens when you let the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[06:39] – Transitioning Roles and the Grief of Leaving Youth Ministry
[18:38] – Why Programs Fail Without Real Accompaniment
[22:52] – Parish-Wide Programs vs. Personal Apostolates
[34:27] – Recognizing the Warning Signs of Ministry Overload
[41:08] – Rebuilding Mental Boundaries Between Work and Family
[50:45] – Grounding Your Daily Mission in Scripture and Named Prayer

Resources Mentioned

St. Vincent de Paul Church - Omaha

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

214: Hearing God’s Voice | How to Move from One-Sided Prayer to Intimacy with Jonna Schuster

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Imagine a standing coffee date with a friend who talks at you the entire time, looks at their watch, and then says, “Gotta go! This was great!” You’d walk away feeling pretty unsatisfied. The level of intimacy we can reach is limited when conversation remains one-sided. But, too often, we treat our prayer lives the exact same way. We focus on how well we said our prayers instead of stopping to listen to what God wants to say back.

This week, Jonna Schuster, author of Hearing God's Voice, joins me to talk about listening prayer. We dive into its theological foundations, the four primary "languages" God uses to communicate, and how learning to hear His voice shifts our daily mission from a heavy burden into a rest-filled collaboration.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[01:21] – Jonna's origin story
[08:34] – What inspired Hearing God's Voice
[14:00] – The scriptural foundation for listening prayer
[18:00] – The 4 languages of God: seeing, hearing, feeling, and thinking
[24:41] – Receiving God in the mode of the receiver
[27:58] – Physical vs. emotional feelings in prayer
[35:01] – Asking God for practical solutions and wisdom
[39:33] – Overcoming the biggest obstacles to hearing God
[46:56] – How listening prayer complements Catholic devotions
[50:50] – Moving from performance anxiety to rest and intimacy
[53:02] – What church renewal looks like when prayer becomes the norm
[59:01] – Where to begin and how to find Jonna's work

Resources Mentioned

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

213: Knocking on Doors | Practical Outreach for Parish Renewal

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

What happens when a priest in a cassock and a layman with a clipboard start walking their neighborhood boundaries? Join me, Jim Jansen, as I sit down with Father Jeff Loseke and Adam Stephenson from St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Gretna, Nebraska, to talk about how they took on neighborhood outreach. Instead of waiting for people to walk through their church doors, they exported their parish database into Google Maps and started showing up on front porches. From active parishioners and homebound seniors to those who haven't set foot in a church in decades, they found that personal connection opens doors to healing old wounds and bringing people back to the sacraments. Whether you're responsible for every soul within your parish boundaries or you simply want to be a better neighbor, this conversation will help you turn a walk down the street into an encounter with Jesus.

Episode Timeline:

[00:00] – Introduction
[00:01:46] – Guest Introductions & St. Charles Borromeo’s Rapid Growth
[00:07:59] – Moving from a "Mega-Parish" Mindset to Neighborhood Ministry
[00:12:46] – Mapping Parishioners and Neighborhood Boundaries with Simple Tech
[00:18:34] – The Routine: Door-to-Door Walks, Prayer Booklets, and Door Hangers
[00:24:53] – Balancing Introversion vs. Extroversion in Doorstep Evangelization
[00:29:54] – Training Parish Missionaries and Mobilizing Intercessors
[00:32:30] – Starting the Fuse: Non-Threatening Bridges and Low-Barrier Invitations
[00:44:31] – Fitting Neighborhood Outreach into the Overall Parish Mission & Clear Path
[00:51:40] – Vision for the Future: Empowering Lay Responsibility and Local Presence
[01:00:27] – Final Encouragements for Pastors, Staff, and Introverted Leaders

Resources Mentioned

⭐️ Enjoying the Show?

Connect & Take the Next Step:

Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org.
Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting.
Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

The EquipCast is back!

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The EquipCast is back!

After a few months away, I am excited to kick off a new chapter for The EquipCast. In this quick 3-minute teaser, I share a bit of my own story from this past spring, express my deep gratitude to the Archdiocese of Omaha, and share where we are heading next. Moving forward, The EquipCast is an independent production powered by EverydayEvangelization.org. While the platform is new, our mission remains exactly the same. We are here to give you practical tools, honest conversations, and encouragement for the messy work of parish renewal. You don't have to carry the weight of ministry alone.

👉 Resources & Tools: Visit EverydayEvangelization.org to access specialized tools to help train your team and guide your church renewal strategy.

Note: The EquipCast is an independent production powered by EverydayEvangelization.org and is no longer affiliated with the Archdiocese of Omaha.

Episode 204: How to Break Your Clear Path (Part 2)

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

What happens when we start trusting programs more than we trust people?
Discipleship slows down—because programs don’t accompany anyone. People do. Programs support the mission, but people are the mission.

In part two of this conversation on what really breaks a clear path to discipleship, we talk honestly about why great programming isn’t enough, how over commitment burns out your best leaders, and why accompaniment and simplicity matter more than adding one more initiative.

If you’re longing for a parish that actually helps people take their next step with Jesus, this conversation will challenge how you think about ministry—and invite you to build a clear path that’s relational, sustainable, and truly missionary.

[00:57] Defining a Clear Path to Discipleship
[03:34] Number 6: Skip the Connectors
[14:35] Number 7: Have Something for Everybody
[23:51] Number 8: Start with a Big Public Launch
[29:20] Number 9: Exempt Current Members
[36:50] Number 10: Build it for Your Current Members
[42:28] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

ClearPathBook.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 203: How to Break Your Clear Path (Part 1)

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Why do discipleship efforts that start with so much hope sometimes stall—or fall apart?

In this episode, I sit down with coaches from our Parish Support Team to talk honestly about how Clear Paths to discipleship can break down—often before we even realize it’s happening. We walk through five common ways parishes unintentionally derail discipleship—and what faithful leaders can do differently. We talk about slowing down to listen to the Holy Spirit, why conversion has to come before strategy, and how real fruit grows through relationships, not just programs.

If you care deeply about your parish and want to build something that actually helps people encounter Jesus and grow as disciples, this conversation will meet you right where you are. The Clear Path isn’t complicated—but it does require patience, humility, and a willingness to stay rooted in the Gospel. Take a listen—and let’s make sure we’re building with God, not just working for Him.

[00:38] Overview of the Clear Path to Discipleship
[02:20] Meet the Parish Support Team
[04:10] Number 1: Don’t Discern
[10:46] Number 2: Do it alone.
[18:27] Number 3: Do it all at once.
[26:50] Number 4: Wait for them to come to you.
[33:49] Number 5: Assume Conversion

ClearPathBook.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 196: The Quiet Crisis in Our Pews: Why Saving Marriages will Save the Faith

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if saving a marriage could save a soul?

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Smyth from Communio a consultancy helping parishes build thriving marriage ministries. We talk about the quiet crisis unfolding in our parishes—and the incredible hope breaking through. Parishes that invest just a few hours into helping couples build stronger relationships are seeing renewal from the inside out: healed marriages, thriving families, and faith coming alive again.

[01:57] Jared's Background and Faith Journey
[14:15] The Importance of Marriage and Family
[17:47] Communio's Approach to Strengthening Relationships
[26:31] The Impact of Family Structure on Faith and Society
[30:13] Addressing Loneliness and Relationship Needs
[32:01] Introduction to Communio's Mission
[33:00] Data-Informed Ministry
[35:48] Marriage Enrichment Strategies
[38:54] Engaging Parish Outreach
[40:23] Ministry Engagement Ladder
[46:23] Success Stories and Impact
[55:49] Macro Trends in the Church

Don’t forget to check out Communio.org or contact Jared at jsmyth@communio.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)

Episode 194: When Missionaries Stall-out: My Clear Path Talk at SEEK 2025

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Why would a parish packed with on-fire disciples feel stagnant?

You’d think that if you put a dozen former FOCUS missionaries in one parish, it would explode with fruitfulness—but almost nothing happened. The truth is, even the most passionate disciples need a clear path and a culture that supports mission. Without it, the fire fizzles.

In this episode, I talk about why real change is uncomfortable but necessary, what a parish of missionary disciples actually looks like, and how a community can shift from cruise ship mode to fire station mode—where mission is normal and conversion is celebrated.

[00:00] Introduction and Conference Overview
[01:17] Personal Story and Missionary Heart
[02:46] Challenges in Building a Missionary Culture
[03:13] Three Keys to Developing Missionary Discipleship
[08:26] Key 1: Clarity About Mission and Vision
[13:06] Key 2: Organizational Health
[16:12] Key 3: Making Disciples
[19:44] Building a Clear Path to Discipleship
[22:34] Success Stories and Conclusion
[25:54] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Don’t forget to check out FOCUS and SEEK!

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 to Choose (Part 3): Faith Formation

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

_What if your parish’s faith formation is creating consumer Catholics instead of disciples?_In this episode of EquipCast, I sit down with my team to unpack what faith formation is really supposed to do—and why so many parishes get stuck. We talk about the difference between just teaching information and actually forming hearts and habits.

You’ll hear why small groups matter, how to spot a healthy ministry, and what it takes to move people from simply learning their faith to living it—and then going on mission. We talk about launching apostolates, forming others, and becoming the kind of disciples who don’t just consume content but live it out with joy and purpose. Plus, we share some honest stories, practical tools (like the Discernment Rosary), and plenty of laughs. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right ministry for your clear path to discipleship—or how to fix the one you’ve got—this one’s for you.

[00:00] Series Overview: Choosing Ministries for Your Clear Path
[03:28] Understanding Faith Formation
[05:41] Characteristics of Effective Faith Formation
[10:46] Large Group vs. Small Group Faith Formation
[13:45] The Role of Accompaniment in Faith Formation
[21:00] Practical Tips for Small Group Leaders
[27:25] Facilitating Community in Faith Formation
[28:45] Importance of Support Systems for Small Groups
[39:26] Discerning Faith Formation Options
[48:34] The Power of Small Groups and Community
[52:41] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Don’t forget to check out Options for Faith Formation. And for more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

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)

Welcome to the EquipCast

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0500

Making disciples and leading church renewal is a big commission, but it shouldn't leave you feeling overwhelmed and stuck in an endless cycle of programs, events, and committees while our friends and neighbors desperately search for meaning. If you're tired of the grind and you want to make an impact, you don't have to carry the weight alone. Welcome to The EquipCast, a weekly podcast powered by EverydayEvangelization. I'm Jim Jansen, and whether you're a diocesan director trying to move the needle, a parish leader building a clear path of discipleship, or an ordinary everyday Catholic fighting to change the lives of your own friends and family, we're here to help you break through the default of doing more and give you a practical, actionable playbook built on honest conversations, real stories from real people.

It's time to stop managing decline and to start seeing lives transformed. Hit subscribe today and visit us at everydayevangelization.org to grab your free tools and discover the playbook we've built to help you leave your ministry better than you found it.

Phase 2: Discernment – How to Build a Clear Path of Discipleship

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What does the Lord say about the plans you have for your parish? As you seek renewal for your parish community, are you intentionally asking for the Lord’s input? While many of us are prayerful individuals, praying collectively with a team about the strategy for becoming mission-oriented probably feels like uncharted territory. However, if we want to succeed, we must invite the Lord to be part of the process.

In this second episode of the series How to Build a Clear Path of Discipleship, Fr. Damian Zuerlein, Dcn. Doug Lenz, and Ann Lenz from St. Frances Cabrini discuss how as they brought change to their community, they remained open to God's direction and surrendered to His will, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties. Their experiences reflect a deep sense of faith and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance in their parish life.

Here’s what to expect from this episode:
[06:37] How St. Frances Cabrini embraced Discernment and Renewal
[14:35] The Power of Community and Creativity in Faith
[18:30] Taking Leaps of Faith: Stories of Discernment and Action
[27:04] Navigating Change and Finding Purpose
[29:30] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Guiding the Community
[38:43] Reflections and Advice for Faith Communities

For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish

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)

Phase 1: Assessment – How to Build a Clear Path of Discipleship

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Does your parish’s current list of ministries help your people evangelize? It’s likely the answer is no. Most parish ministries were built during a time where people flocked to church. But the culture has changed, and our ministries need to as well.

So today, I bring you the first episode in the series How to Build a Clear Path of Discipleship. Rachel Gifford, Director of Catechesis & Evangelization at St. Mary’s Parish, highlights her parish's journey through the phase of assessment. She shares how they examined existing programs to identify gaps in reaching newcomers and building up disciples for the work of mission. Challenges included resistance to change and feeling overwhelmed, but the parish found support in prayer, coaching, and revisiting their mission. Despite the difficulties, they saw positive outcomes, with new families registering and a renewed sense of faith in the community.

Here’s what to expect from this episode:
[03:50] The Initial Steps: Vision, Mission, and the Assessment Phase
[07:41] Navigating Challenges and Building Unity Through Assessment
[12:13] The Power of Shared Vision and Language in Transformation
[17:31] Practical Steps and Realizations in the Assessment Phase
[28:59] Detailed Breakdown of the Clear Path Stages
[38:45] Looking Ahead: Next Steps and Advice for Others

For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish

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)

Trailer: How to Build a Clear Path to Discipleship

Jim Jansen | Everyday Evangelization & Parish Ministry Tools — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 23:45:00 -0500

Imagine if your parish provided a place for you to build relationships of trust with nonbelievers. Or if it had a ministry that proclaimed the Gospel and fostered conversions. What if your parish taught you how to evangelize and it gave you a space to celebrate and commiserate with others trying to do the same?

Around here, we’d say that parish had a Clear Path to Discipleship. So how do we get to this ideal? If you want to hear real stories of parishes who have built a clear path, join us for our series "How to Build a Clear Path of Discipleship":

Phase 1: Assessment
Phase 2: Discernment
Phase 3: Implementation
Phase 4: Communication
Phase 5: Alignment
Phase 6: Expansion

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)