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)

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)

In this episode, I talk with Julianne Stanz—a nationally recognized leader in evangelization whose own encounter with God set her on this path—about the real ingredients for lasting renewal. Together, we explore how prayer, vision, relationships, and simple, steady steps can turn hope into a movement. It’s not a program; it’s a way of life that lets God bring new life to His Church.

[01:04] Meet Julianne Stanz: From Ireland to Wisconsin
[06:33] The Power of Pilgrimage
[10:51] Hope and Renewal in Ministry
[17:49] The Green Bay Transformation Story
[26:01] The Role of Prayer in Discipleship
[32:46] Reflecting on Parish Identity and Discipleship
[39:27] Recognizing and Utilizing Gifts and Charisms
[44:58] Inspiring Change and Overcoming Resistance
[50:02] Embracing Poverty and Resourcefulness in Parishes
[54:18] The Importance of Pastoral Planning
[59:02] Witnessing the Church's Global Awakening
[01:05:58] Final Thoughts and Blessings

Check out Julianne’s website and download her infograph of how to minister through complex change at a 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)

When I sit with John 17, I’m struck that He was praying for a unity that’s visible, relational, and compelling—a unity that makes the world stop and notice that He was sent by the Father. That kind of unity shows up in real friendships, in shared service, in conversations where we seek truth together—not to win an argument, but to love each other well and grow together, even when we don’t see eye to eye. It’s messy, but it’s also where the Lord does His best work.

In this episode of EquipCast, I sit down with Max Chapman and Jeremiah Zimmerman from the More Mercy apostolate to talk about what this looks like in real life. Max shares how praying with John 17 sparked a deep desire in him to build bridges with Christians from other traditions. What started as simple conversations turned into friendships that not only challenged him but also strengthened his Catholic faith. You’ll hear why unity isn’t just an ideal for theologians—it’s something we’re all called to live, one relationship at a time.

[01:36] Meet Max Chapman and Jeremiah Zimmerman
[02:46] Max's Journey: From Football to Faith
[06:20] Jeremiah's Path: From Baseball to Theology
[12:50] The Vision for Ecumenical Unity
[22:01] Challenges and Joys of Ecumenical Ministry
[31:39] Unity in Diversity: Different Catholic Ethnicities
[34:37] Practical Steps for Ecumenism
[37:19] Building Friendships Across Denominations
[41:02] Challenges and Joys of Ecumenical Work
[46:33] Mobilizing Lay Faithful for Ecumenism
[53:28] Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Don’t forget to check out More Mercy!

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)

[00:16] Series Overview: Choosing Ministries for Your Clear Path
[03:09] Understanding Relational Outreach
[06:01] Characteristics of Effective Relational Outreach
[09:58] Practical Examples and Parish Initiatives
[15:17] Neighborhood Outreach and Community Building
[20:42] Supplemental Parish Events for Outreach
[24:47] Challenges and Considerations for Parish Events
[27:27] Challenges of Transforming Existing Events
[29:10] Alternative Outreach Methods
[36:08] Discerning Effective Outreach Methods
[41:28] Forming Missionary Disciples
[49:53] Overcoming Mental Hangups in Outreach

Don’t forget to check out Options for Relational Outreach.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. And for more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

But this isn’t just about programs. It’s about creating space for people to meet Jesus—and letting that encounter ripple out into the life of your parish. We talk about what’s working, what’s not, and how to choose a format that actually fits your community. We also get real about the challenges—and the surprising opportunities—of doing this in diverse or bilingual settings. If you're trying to figure out where to start, or wondering how to take your next step toward a more missionary parish, this episode is for you. Get ready to think big—and start small.

[01:09] Understanding Conversion Moments
[07:12] Why Parishes Need Conversion Moments
[12:16] Pros and Cons of Different Formats
[15:50] Small Groups and Flexibility
[18:55] Unity in Multilingual Parishes
[24:28] Cultural Shifts and Strategic Planning
[29:45] Choosing the Right Conversion Moment
[32:59] Forming Missionary Leaders
[37:51] The Role of Discernment in Ministry
[43:03] Practical Tips for Implementing Conversion Moments
[46:24] Inspiring Stories of Conversion
[51:52] Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Don’t forget to check out Options for Conversion Moments. 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)

Father Jamie also reveals why measuring spiritual progress and forming strong leadership teams are key to sustaining this momentum. He shares how his leadership team, a mix of staff and dedicated volunteers, meets weekly to ensure they are always working on the most important things. They even use innovative tools like QR code surveys during Mass to track engagement in key spiritual habits.

Whether you're a parish leader or just passionate about seeing your faith community flourish, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss. Discover how Father Jamie's approach has led to a significant increase in OCIA participants and the success of marriage enrichment programs that have saved marriages and strengthened families.
Give it a listen and let us know—what’s one habit or leadership insight that stood out to you?

[05:12] Building a Team of Prayer Warriors
[10:14] Leadership and Vision Development
[18:37] Measuring Parish Engagement
[23:30] Accountability and Evangelization
[28:42] Building a Healthy Leadership Team
[37:32] Leveraging Business Practices in Parish Management
[44:20] Personal and Professional Rule of Life

Check out Fr. Jamie’s parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

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)