EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Community Building”

Episode 180: Front Porch Missionaries: What if you never had to leave your home to go on mission?

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if changing the world started with your dinner table?

Today, I sit down with Ennie Hickman, co-founder of the Delray Collective, an organization dedicated to equipping people to be ordinary missionary disciples in their everyday lives. We dive into the quiet power of everyday hospitality—those small, intentional acts that build trust, create belonging, and speak louder than any grand gesture ever could. We’ll chat about how simply opening your home, sharing a meal, or listening with your whole heart can spark something way bigger than you might expect.

It’s not about doing more—it’s about being present. We’ll explore how love and joy in the ordinary can be one of the most powerful ways to live out your faith and impact your community. So grab a cup of coffee and join us as we talk about the beauty of showing up, being real, and letting light shine through the simplest moments.

[01:08] Meet Ennie Hickman: A Journey of Faith
[04:35] The Call to Mission and Evangelization
[07:55] From Discernment to Family Life
[09:32] Challenges and Rewards of Youth Ministry
[18:01] The Importance of Genuine Curiosity
[34:29] Practical Steps to Loving Your Neighbor
[37:09] Overcoming Stranger Danger
[42:49] The Concept of Scruffy Hospitality
[51:12] Unlearning Misconceptions
[54:37] The Long Game of Neighborly Relationships
[01:00:33] Practical Tips for Hosting
[01:07:47] Introducing the Open Porch Network

Check out Del Rey Collective and EnnieHickman.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 179: The secret to getting more volunteers with John Poitevent from Great Catholic Parishes

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Why is it so hard to get more volunteers? The same 10% of parishioners seem do 90% of the work. The key to changing this isn’t just recruiting more volunteers—it’s making disciples.

People step up when they feel seen, invited, and part of something meaningful. That starts with personal relationships. Instead of generic announcements, we need to reach out individually, explain the impact of their involvement, and walk with them on their faith journey. When people feel valued and supported, they naturally want to serve.
In today’s episode, I talk with John Poitevent, founder of Great Catholic Parishes, about how personal invitations and a culture of belonging transform parish engagement. We discuss the power of clear roles, training, and encouragement—because when people know they matter, they show up.

Listen in and let’s build a parish where everyone has a role to play.

[02:38] John's Faith Journey
[05:39] State of Parishes Today
[07:16] Engaging the Emerging Generation
[18:32] Leadership and Parish Renewal
[27:36] Practical Tips for Engaging Volunteers
[30:54] Understanding the Discipleship Problem
[32:35] The Power of Relationships in Parish Engagement
[35:01] Addressing Disaffiliation and Scandals
[41:19] The Importance of Personal Invitation
[50:22] Rethinking Family Faith Formation
[01:00:37] Encouragement for Parish Leaders

Don’t forget to check out Great Catholic Parishes and their podcast!

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

Archdiocese of Omaha — 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 170: How Young Adults Can Find Their Place After College

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Can young adults find their place in a faith community after college? Young adults often face the loss of their college community and the challenge of building new connections. They tend to feel isolated and unsure of how to integrate into a parish. Overcoming this involves actively seeking out parish activities, being open to making friends across different age groups, and finding ways to serve.

In this episode, we explore the unique struggles and opportunities for young adults striving to remain connected to their faith after graduation. Today’s guest, Matt Keller, shares his inspiring journey of founding Arch O Young Adults, an apostolate dedicated to helping young adults navigate these transitions. Matt offers practical advice on creating meaningful relationships, staying rooted in prayer, and trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whether you're a young adult or someone looking to support this age group, this conversation is full of insights and encouragement.

[02:50] The Role of Community in Faith Development
[06:10] Challenges and Transitions for Young Adults
[17:57] Building a Young Adult Ministry
[26:19] Creating a Vision for Young Adult Engagement
[31:58] Leadership Transitions and Identifying New Leaders
[39:10] Engaging Young Adults in Prayer and Community
[44:45] Connecting Young Adults to Their Parishes
[50:59] Balancing Family Life and Ministry
[54:37] Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders

For more, check out archoyoungadults.org or email Matt at archoyoungadults@gmail.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 161: Grow a Healthy Small Group Movement with Michael Hall

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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)

Episode 159: Why Setting Boundaries Matters to Your Ministry

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Is it okay to set boundaries in ministry work? How do we balance being “all things to all people” (1 Cor 9:22) with the need for personal limits? Today’s guest believes that not only is it okay to establish boundaries—it’s essential.

Join me as I sit down with John Gencarelli, Director of Youth and Adult Evangelization at St. Phillip Neri-Blessed Sacrament & Holy Name Parishes in Omaha. John opens up about his experience with burnout and shares how setting boundaries transformed his approach to ministry. By tracking his work hours, taking regular days off, and weaving prayer into his daily routine, John discovered how to protect his well-being while still serving effectively. He also highlights the importance of balancing family time with ministry and how thoughtful planning plays a key role in this. Ultimately, John reminds us that it’s God who saves, not us, and setting boundaries allows us to trust in His plan, ensuring that we serve effectively without burning out.

Tune in and learn to:

Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries
Foster Humility, Openness, Forgiveness and Healing
Build and Maintain Community
Take Rest Seriously

Mentioned in this episode: Revive Parishes.

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)