EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Parish Transformation”

Episode 209: OCIA - Rediscovering the Heart of Parish Life

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

What if the ancient way of welcoming seekers is exactly what we’re missing? When Dr. Chris Burgwald, Chancellor for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, and I dug into the roots of OCIA, it struck me how much wisdom we’ve left sitting on the shelf. The early Church knew how to walk with people—slowly, personally, lovingly—and somewhere along the line, we traded that for efficiency. Dr. Burgwald shows why returning to this ancient, relational way of forming disciples isn’t nostalgia; it’s the key to helping people truly encounter Jesus and find a home in His Church again.

And what’s amazing is that this shift doesn’t just change the journey for newcomers—it transforms the entire parish. When we implement OCIA the way the Church actually envisions it, gifts surface, people step forward, and a culture of prayer and hospitality begins to grow. Communities rally around seekers, and in the process, everyone gets formed. One person’s “yes” becomes an invitation for an entire parish to rediscover its mission.

[01:15] Meet Chris Bergal
[12:23] Why People Are Converting
[17:16] What Is OCIA?
[22:34] Vatican II and Mission
[25:22] Doing OCIA Well
[30:20] Three Pillars of OCIA
[37:50] Practical Parish Implementation
[41:41] Parish Renewal and Activation
[45:13] Handling Hard Situations
[48:46] Not Assembly Line Discipleship
[52:20] Model for All Formation
[56:25] Teamwork and Leadership Models

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 202: Confronting the Ghost of St. John Vianney: A Vision for Modern Parish Life

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Is the ideal of priesthood stuck in the past?

I love the saints—especially guys like St. John Vianney—but trying to imitate their circumstances can leave today’s priests feeling defeated before they even begin. In this episode, Fr. Scott Traynor and I get honest about how different our world is now, and why that’s not a problem to mourn but a mission to embrace. We talk about the heart of priesthood today: prayer, the sacraments, and investing deeply in a few people who can carry the Gospel into a culture that’s drifting away from Christ.

And here’s the hope: renewal isn’t about going backward. It’s about priests doing what only they can do—celebrate, preach, shepherd—and unleashing the laity to live their mission with confidence. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations you can’t live up to or wondered whether your parish can actually flourish in a secular age, this conversation will help you imagine a future filled with purpose and hope.

01:21 Meet Father Scott Traynor
04:34 The Legacy of St. John Vianney
10:51 Historical Context of Parish Life
21:25 Modern Parish Challenges and Solutions
31:49 The Role of the Parish Priest
37:07 The Power of Relationships in Evangelization
48:36 Building a Leadership Culture in Parishes
51:20 The Transmission of Faith in Parish Life
56:18 Practical Steps to Start Evangelizing
59:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Books mentioned in this 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 194: When Missionaries Stall-out: My Clear Path Talk at SEEK 2025

Archdiocese of Omaha — 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)

Coach's Corner 21: Hope – The Church’s Key to Renewal

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if real cultural change is just 15% away—and we’re closer than we think?

In this Coach’s Corner, I’m diving into something that’s been really stirring in my heart: hope. Not the wishful-thinking kind, but the kind that’s born from repentance—a deep turning back to God with a holy fear of offending His love. When we do that, we make space for His grace to move, to renew, to restore. That’s where real hope comes alive.

I also talk about why I truly believe cultural change is possible—even now. Did you know it only takes about 15% of a group to shift the culture? That means if just a small part of our parish gets fired up for the Gospel and mission, it can spark something way bigger. I’ve seen it happen. And more importantly—God’s done it before.

I share stories, reflect on saints and past renewals, and talk about how a mission mindset, paired with corporate repentance, can set the stage for transformation. I end the episode with a prayer asking God to move in power again—because I really believe He’s not done with us yet.

If you’ve been feeling discouraged or wondering if your yes to God really matters, this one’s for you.

[00:35] Finding Real Hope for Your Mission
[02:38] Understanding the Concept of Hope
[03:54] Nurturing Expectation Through Stories of Saints
[05:04] The Tipping Point of Cultural Change
[06:27] Nurturing Holy Fear
[08:01] The Role of Repentance in Renewal
[10:53] The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise
[12:22] Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

Also, check out The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.

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 181: The Four Ways Forward: Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World with Susan Windley-Daoust

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Parish renewal is the buzzword of the moment—and with it comes an overwhelming array of resources and ministries. So how do you cut through the noise to find what will truly help your parish move forward?

In today’s episode, I talk with Susan Windley-Daoust, author of The Four Ways Forward: Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World. Susan encourages us to focus on renewal models that prioritize:

Radical hospitality
Small group discipleship
Mission refocus
Signs and wonders

Look for resources that align with these key principles and have a proven track record. Engage your parish leadership team in discernment, and don’t be afraid to start small—what matters most is finding what genuinely supports your parish’s growth in missionary identity.

Want more practical insights? Tune in now!

[04:10] The Call to Evangelization
[19:11] Challenges in Modern Parishes
[28:30] The Four Ways Forward
[33:50] Respecting Individuality in Evangelization
[34:18] The Power of First Proclamation
[37:16] Embracing Small Groups for Spiritual Growth
[43:36] Mission Refocus and Organizational Health
[50:49] Elevating Signs and Wonders
[58:32] Encouragement for Evangelization
[01:03:15] The Mark 5:19 Project

Don’t forget to check out Susan’s book and the Mark 5:19 Project!

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 178: Measuring Faith: How Data and Devotion Are Revitalizing Sacred Heart Parish

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What does it take to build a thriving, faith-filled parish? In this episode, I sit down with Father Jamie Zarse, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, Kansas, to unpack his vision for renewing his parish—starting with a team of prayer warriors and leaders—and the spiritual habits that are transforming his community. From deeper devotion to the Eucharist and the Rosary to more frequent confession and scripture-based prayer, these simple yet powerful practices are sparking real change. Mass attendance is up by 18%, generosity is growing with an additional $408,000 in tithing, and parishioners are coming alive in their faith.

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)

Episode 175: From Comfort Zones to Mission: Transforming Parish Mindsets Through Lifelong Learning

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600

How can we help others shift from a maintenance mindset to a missional one? It starts with prayer and reflection but also requires creating an environment where people feel safe to explore new ideas and take risks. Encouraging continuous learning is key. By embracing new knowledge and experiences, we can deepen our faith and learn to live it out more fully. This journey of growth breaks down silos, builds stronger relationships, and fosters a vibrant, mission-oriented community.

Join me as I sit down with Fr. Dave Belt, Pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr in Omaha, to discuss the transformative power of learning. He shares personal stories, effective team-building practices, and insights on fostering a sense of purpose and mission, Discover how helping others see their efforts as part of something larger and more meaningful can inspire a dynamic, responsive, and Gospel-rooted Church—the Church that God is calling us to be.

[01:05] Meet Father Dave Belt: A Lifelong Educator
[07:46] The Importance of Ongoing Learning
[12:59] Building Trust and Collaboration in Parish Staff
[19:41] Effective Meeting Strategies and Leadership
[25:43] Empowering Second Chair Leaders
[35:06] Embracing the Call to Evangelize
[41:28] From Christendom to Apostolic Mission
[47:01] Canoeing the Mountains: Leadership Lessons
[53:44] Building a Missionary Culture
[56:57] Focusing on the Individual
[59:26] Trusting in the Slow Work of God

Don’t forget to check out Leading from the Second Chair, our episode with Tod Bolsinger, and his book 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)

Episode 137: Making Missionary Disciples in a Parish - A Clear Path

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Many of you listen to the EquipCast because you want to feel confident sharing your faith. We try to provide practical tools for this, and so we talk a lot about small groups, prayer, evangelizing adults, etc. But these are just tools, parts of a larger strategy to build flourishing parish communities. So, what does it take to actually transform the culture of a parish, to begin witnessing lives changed and to see more people in the pews? A Clear Path to Discipleship.

Today, I bring you an episode from the Huntley Leadership Podcast. Ron Huntley, a man who coaches bishops, priests, and ministry leaders all over the world, asked me to be a guest on his podcast to talk about my book: A Clear Path. I want to share this episode with you in order to draw back the veil on some of the big picture work my team and I get to do with your parishes.

In today’s episode, you will:

Understand the challenges associated with creating a clear path of discipleship in a parish or diocese.
Explore success stories from parishes that successfully implemented clear paths of discipleship.
Access practical insights and guidance on building a clear path through Jim's book, including success stories and actionable steps.

To hear more from Ron Huntley, check out the Huntley Leadership Podcast!

And if you want mor information on the book, A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish, go to https://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)

Special Guest: Ron Huntley.

Episode 32: Missional Amnesia

Archdiocese of Omaha — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Have you ever used a Catholic buzz word like missionary disciple or missional church and received blank looks in return? It’s a surprising experience, but the reality is many Catholics still don’t know what the word missional means. It used to be that missionaries were the people who traveled to Africa, and the Church in America grew because Catholics had big families. Our biggest problem used to be caring for all of the people who came to the Church’s doorstep, but now, we find ourselves trying to proclaim the Gospel to a world that doesn’t know much about who Jesus is or what the Church is really about. Many of us even know a family member or friend who has walked away from the faith, but it’s often difficult for us to believe that this is part of a larger cultural trend. However, the reality is that the city of Omaha is among the top 30 most secular or “post-Christian” cities in the US. Collectively, we have missional amnesia. We’ve forgotten that we are called to go and make disciples. We lack an imagination around what a missional church looks likes because, until recently, we haven’t had to be one. So, what do you say to someone who asks what a missional church is? Tune in to hear Fr. Lorig and Jim Jansen's musings on this topic.

[00:57] What Does It Mean to Be a Missional Community?
[01:42] The Unstuck Church and Church Lifecycle
[03:06] The Importance of Being Missional
[04:34] Challenges of Modern Evangelization
[06:37] The Call to Evangelize
[09:58] The Role of Holiness in Mission
[19:48] Strategies for Effective Evangelization
[23:38] The Challenge of Missionary Work
[24:28] Pope Francis' Perspective on Mission
[25:12] Reaching People Outside the Church
[26:16] The Problem with RCIA
[27:58] Evangelization Programs vs. Strategy
[29:13] Empowering Parishioners for Mission
[32:37] Creating a Missional Community
[36:28] Innovative Ideas for Outreach
[41:01] Practical Steps for Parish Staff and Families
[47:28] Conclusion and Call to Action