The EquipCast

Episode 171: Transform Your Parish: Fr. James Mallon on Evangelization, Discipleship, and Church Growth

Episode  |  January 14th, 2025  |  1 hr 6 mins

archdiocese of omaha, breaking barriers, catholic, catholic ministry, church leadership, church transformation, cultural shift, disciples, divine renovation, evangelism, evangelization, faith community, fr. james mallon, holy spirit, leadership, making disciples, missionary discipleship, missionary focus, parish culture shift, parish evangelization, parish renewal, pastoral activity, personal encounter with jesus, renewing faith, spiritual growth

Pope John Paul II tells us that “evangelization is the cornerstone of all pastoral action, the demands of which are primary, preeminent and preferential.” Yet, let’s be real—how often do we actually see this lived out in our parishes? Evangelization tends to take a back seat, overshadowed by other priorities, rarely making it into budgets or staffing plans. But here’s the truth: holiness and orthodoxy aren’t enough on their own to renew a parish. This week, I sit down with Fr. James Mallon, the author of Divine Renovation, to talk about how we can create parishes that inspire a commitment to Christ and cultivate a dynamic, engaged faith community. We dive into what it takes to make evangelization the heart of parish life, break through cultural barriers, and build leadership teams that lead with purpose.