web02.fireside.fm Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:02:14 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) EquipCast - Episodes Tagged with “Small Group Ministry” https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/tags/small%20group%20ministry Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, we’ll discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so you can make an impact and make disciples in your own faith community. For more information and to stay connected with us, head to equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. en-us episodic Encouragement and inspiration for sharing your catholic faith Archdiocese of Omaha Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, we’ll discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so you can make an impact and make disciples in your own faith community. For more information and to stay connected with us, head to equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. no Archdiocese, Catholic Church, evangelization, evangelism, disciple Archdiocese of Omaha wabradley@archomaha.org Episode 194: When Missionaries Stall-out: My Clear Path Talk at SEEK 2025 https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/194 069d1928-24d3-433a-9f67-59d0e98c5441 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Archdiocese of Omaha 194 When Missionaries Stall-out: My Clear Path Talk at SEEK 2025 full Archdiocese of Omaha What happens when a parish full of on-fire missionaries still stalls out? I saw it happen—and it taught me something big: even the most passionate disciples need a clear path and a culture that supports mission. In this episode, I share why real change is worth the discomfort, and how parishes can shift from “cruise ship mode” to “fire station mode”—where mission is normal and conversion is celebrated. 28:37 no 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 (https://focus.org/) and SEEK (https://seek.focus.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) Catholic podcast, missionary discipleship, parish renewal, Jim Jansen, Equipcast, FOCUS missionaries, evangelization, church leadership, faith formation, spiritual growth, Catholic community, SEEK conference, small group ministry, clear path to discipleship, Archdiocese of Omaha, making disciples, parish transformation, Catholic evangelization strategy, church culture change, personal apostolate 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)

]]> 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 4): Relational Outreach https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/190 45e83762-6782-4fb1-bda4-0ea507a8d742 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Archdiocese of Omaha 190 How to Choose (Part 4): Relational Outreach full Archdiocese of Omaha What if your parish’s most “welcoming” events are actually pushing people away? In this episode, I sit down with the team to unpack the surprising truth about relational outreach—and why it’s often the last step parishes build, even though it’s the first step many people need. We talk about what makes outreach truly relational (hint: it’s not donuts after Mass), how to create spaces where people feel like they belong before they believe, and why introverts might just be your parish’s secret evangelization weapon. If you’ve ever wondered how to reach people who’ve drifted from the Church—or never really connected in the first place—this one’s for you. 56:39 no What if your parish’s most “welcoming” events are actually pushing people away? In this episode, I sit down with the team to unpack the surprising truth about relational outreach—and why it’s often the last step parishes build, even though it’s the first step many people need. We talk about what makes outreach truly relational (hint: it’s not donuts after Mass), how to create spaces where people feel like they belong before they believe, and why introverts might just be your parish’s secret evangelization weapon. If you’ve ever wondered how to reach people who’ve drifted from the Church—or never really connected in the first place—this one’s for you. [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 (https://equip.archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Options-for-Relational-Outreach.pdf). 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 (https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Path-Missionary-Disciples-Parish/dp/B0CHL7DB58): How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) relational outreach, parish ministry, Catholic evangelization, missionary disciples, outreach strategies, parish engagement, building community, Catholic podcast, Archdiocese of Omaha, EquipCast, neighborhood ministry, faith formation, intentional hospitality, parish leadership, outreach discernment, small group ministry, evangelization training, Catholic outreach ideas, parish renewal, relational ministry What if your parish’s most “welcoming” events are actually pushing people away? In this episode, I sit down with the team to unpack the surprising truth about relational outreach—and why it’s often the last step parishes build, even though it’s the first step many people need. We talk about what makes outreach truly relational (hint: it’s not donuts after Mass), how to create spaces where people feel like they belong before they believe, and why introverts might just be your parish’s secret evangelization weapon. If you’ve ever wondered how to reach people who’ve drifted from the Church—or never really connected in the first place—this one’s for you.

[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)

]]> What if your parish’s most “welcoming” events are actually pushing people away? In this episode, I sit down with the team to unpack the surprising truth about relational outreach—and why it’s often the last step parishes build, even though it’s the first step many people need. We talk about what makes outreach truly relational (hint: it’s not donuts after Mass), how to create spaces where people feel like they belong before they believe, and why introverts might just be your parish’s secret evangelization weapon. If you’ve ever wondered how to reach people who’ve drifted from the Church—or never really connected in the first place—this one’s for you.

[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)

]]> How to Choose (Part 3): Faith Formation https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/189 83ce8752-375c-427b-8a9c-18340663f85e Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Archdiocese of Omaha 189 How to Choose (Part 3): Faith Formation full Archdiocese of Omaha 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. 56:53 no 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 (https://equip.archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Options-for-Faith-Formation.pdf). And for more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship (https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Path-Missionary-Disciples-Parish/dp/B0CHL7DB58): 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) faith formation, Catholic discipleship, small group ministry, parish ministry, missionary disciples, Catholic podcast, EquipCast, Archdiocese of Omaha, spiritual growth, catechesis, clear path to discipleship, evangelization, Catholic coaching, discernment rosary, kerygmatic catechesis, Catholic small groups, parish renewal, adult faith formation, Catholic leadership, church ministry tools _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)

]]> _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)

]]> Episode 176: How Curiosity Transforms Evangelization + A New Resource to Elevate! Your Small Groups https://archomahaequip.fireside.fm/176 0221b382-afe2-4bd4-9447-c8fa674ea99a Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Archdiocese of Omaha 176 How Curiosity Transforms Evangelization + A New Resource to Elevate! Your Small Groups full Archdiocese of Omaha What’s the secret sauce to evangelization? Aside from the Holy Spirit, it's curiosity—genuinely wanting to know and understand the person in front of you. When you show sincere interest in someone's story, experiences, and thoughts, you create space for authentic connection. This curiosity builds trust and opens the door to deeper conversations where faith can be shared naturally. Evangelization isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and letting relationships grow organically. To help you do this, our team has developed Elevate!, a new small group resource designed for meaningful conversations with friends who aren’t ready for a traditional Bible study. In this episode, I sit down with Andy Dejka, the mastermind behind Elevate!, to explore how it fosters deeper dialogue. We discuss its unique four-week, four-person, four-question format, leadership requirements, and the heart behind its creation. Andy also shares his personal call to mission, including how running a stand at a local farmer’s market shaped his approach to evangelization. Join us for this insightful conversation on building real relationships and drawing people closer to the Lord. 34:24 no What’s the secret sauce to evangelization? Aside from the Holy Spirit, it's curiosity—genuinely wanting to know and understand the person in front of you. When you show sincere interest in someone's story, experiences, and thoughts, you create space for authentic connection. This curiosity builds trust and opens the door to deeper conversations where faith can be shared naturally. Evangelization isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and letting relationships grow organically. To help you do this, our team has developed Elevate! (https://archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Elevate.pdf), a new small group resource designed for meaningful conversations with friends who aren’t ready for a traditional Bible study. In this episode, I sit down with Andy Dejka, the mastermind behind Elevate!, to explore how it fosters deeper dialogue. We discuss its unique four-week, four-person, four-question format, leadership requirements, and the heart behind its creation. Andy also shares his personal call to mission, including how running a stand at a local farmer’s market shaped his approach to evangelization. Join us for this insightful conversation on building real relationships and drawing people closer to the Lord. [01:25] Andy's Journey to Mission [04:16] Understanding Small Group Resources [08:41] Introducing Elevate: A New Approach [18:58] The Power of Curiosity in Evangelization [26:31] Real-Life Evangelization Stories [29:34] How to Get Started with Elevate Check out ArchOmaha.org/Lent/ (https://archomaha.org/lent/), Elevate! (https://archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Elevate.pdf), and Generosity (https://archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Generosity-Study-Participant-Book-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.pdf). 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) Elevate small group resource, deeper conversations, small group evangelization, Andy Dejka, meaningful relationships, faith sharing, small group ministry, Christian podcast, evangelization tools, building community, spiritual growth, curiosity in evangelization, small group discussions What’s the secret sauce to evangelization? Aside from the Holy Spirit, it's curiosity—genuinely wanting to know and understand the person in front of you. When you show sincere interest in someone's story, experiences, and thoughts, you create space for authentic connection. This curiosity builds trust and opens the door to deeper conversations where faith can be shared naturally. Evangelization isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and letting relationships grow organically.

To help you do this, our team has developed Elevate!, a new small group resource designed for meaningful conversations with friends who aren’t ready for a traditional Bible study. In this episode, I sit down with Andy Dejka, the mastermind behind Elevate!, to explore how it fosters deeper dialogue. We discuss its unique four-week, four-person, four-question format, leadership requirements, and the heart behind its creation. Andy also shares his personal call to mission, including how running a stand at a local farmer’s market shaped his approach to evangelization.

Join us for this insightful conversation on building real relationships and drawing people closer to the Lord.

[01:25] Andy's Journey to Mission
[04:16] Understanding Small Group Resources
[08:41] Introducing Elevate: A New Approach
[18:58] The Power of Curiosity in Evangelization
[26:31] Real-Life Evangelization Stories
[29:34] How to Get Started with Elevate

Check out ArchOmaha.org/Lent/, Elevate!, and Generosity.

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)

]]> What’s the secret sauce to evangelization? Aside from the Holy Spirit, it's curiosity—genuinely wanting to know and understand the person in front of you. When you show sincere interest in someone's story, experiences, and thoughts, you create space for authentic connection. This curiosity builds trust and opens the door to deeper conversations where faith can be shared naturally. Evangelization isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and letting relationships grow organically.

To help you do this, our team has developed Elevate!, a new small group resource designed for meaningful conversations with friends who aren’t ready for a traditional Bible study. In this episode, I sit down with Andy Dejka, the mastermind behind Elevate!, to explore how it fosters deeper dialogue. We discuss its unique four-week, four-person, four-question format, leadership requirements, and the heart behind its creation. Andy also shares his personal call to mission, including how running a stand at a local farmer’s market shaped his approach to evangelization.

Join us for this insightful conversation on building real relationships and drawing people closer to the Lord.

[01:25] Andy's Journey to Mission
[04:16] Understanding Small Group Resources
[08:41] Introducing Elevate: A New Approach
[18:58] The Power of Curiosity in Evangelization
[26:31] Real-Life Evangelization Stories
[29:34] How to Get Started with Elevate

Check out ArchOmaha.org/Lent/, Elevate!, and Generosity.

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)

]]>