EquipCast

Archdiocese of Omaha
EquipCast

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/.

  1. Our Mission to Love: How to share your faith without being pushy

    5 DAYS AGO

    Our Mission to Love: How to share your faith without being pushy

    I was recently asked, "How do you share your faith without coming across as pushy?" It’s a big question—how can we invite people into a relationship with Jesus without making it feel manipulative? The answer is simple: We love. The core of the Great Commission—"go and make disciples"—is the call to love because God is love. If we let that love shape and transform us, we become agents of love in our communities. This means nurturing our relationship with God first and letting that love overflow into our relationships with others. In this episode, I talk with Peter Andrastek, Senior Consultant at The Evangelical Catholic. We explore how to share our faith through genuine connections and meaningful conversations. It’s about finding a balance: reaching out with urgency, yet having the wisdom to do it gently. Join me as we dive into what it means to be a missionary disciple, sharing the love we've been given in a way that feels authentic and true. [03:25] The Importance of Evangelization [09:55] Deprofessionalizing Evangelization [17:41] Building Relationships for Mission [28:35] Understanding and Loving Others [33:21] Balancing Holiness and Mission [45:42] Stories of Evangelization Also check out: The Reach More Podcast Priests for an Apostolic Age Podcast The Need for Deprofessionalizing Evangelization 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)

    56 min
  2. Michelle Duppong’s Little Way of Evangelization

    OCT 29

    Michelle Duppong’s Little Way of Evangelization

    Being holy is hard, and most of the people I look up to – the saints – lived extraordinary lives. But St. Therese taught us that sanctity is possible through her “little way”. Today, I want to introduce you to another “little way” – that of Servant of God Michelle Duppong. She lived what I like to call “the little way of evangelization” to the point that I almost didn’t hire her as a FOCUS missionary. Michelle lived an ordinary life showing that small, intentional acts of love can have a profound impact. Even during her battle with cancer, she remained committed to her mission. Her life exemplified God’s mercy and acceptance, welcoming everyone with open arms and a joyful spirit. In essence, Michelle’s story reminds us that we can find strength and purpose in our everyday actions and inspire others through our faith and love. [01:25] Introduction to Our Guest, Mark Bartek [10:58] Spiritual Multiplication and Evangelization [16:53] The Global Impact of Personal Evangelization [22:55] The Little Way of Evangelization [25:17] Spiritual Multiplication and Vision [27:00] Evangelization Beyond College Campuses [29:54] Michelle Duppong’s Personality and Impact [37:16] Lessons from Michelle's Life [45:14] Encouragement for Evangelization See the movie on Michelle’s life Radiating Joy, or watch the trailer. 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)

    51 min
  3. Step 4: Evangelization Formation – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    OCT 22

    Step 4: Evangelization Formation – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    Does your parish actively encourage parishioners to engage in the Church’s mission to "go and make disciples" (Matt 28:19)? The Evangelization Formation step of the Clear Path equips disciples by guiding them to work with the Holy Spirit—the primary agent of evangelization—while surrounding them with a supportive community of missionary disciples who uplift and strengthen one another. It also provides practical skills, training in charisms, and tools to help disciples grow in confidence as they share their faith in everyday life. In this episode, my guests, Dcn. MJ Kersenbrock and Jan Kunz, discuss how they are implementing these efforts in the Catholic Parishes of Western Holt and Boyd Counties. They share the challenges and successes they've encountered while fostering a culture of mission. Their stories highlight the importance of perseverance, prayer, and personal relationships, as well as the transformative impact this formation process has had on individuals, who are now empowered to continue the mission, creating a ripple effect in their communities. [01:35] Understanding the Evangelization Formation Step [02:31] Challenges and Successes in Evangelization [09:20] Personal Stories and Impact [16:40] The Power of One-on-One Connections [20:32] Skills for Missionary Discipleship [27:51] Sharing Stories of Transformation [31:25] Expansion and Multiplication of Cohorts [37:24] Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship, or check out our “cheat-sheet” Clear Path Definitions and Phases. Here's our Options for Evangelization Formation guide. Also, mentioned: Evangelical Catholic 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)

    52 min
  4. Step 3: Faith Formation – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    OCT 15

    Step 3: Faith Formation – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    Most parishes form their people in the faith, but do they truly teach individuals how to pray, help them understand and actively engage with the sacraments, and guide them in making practical, moral changes in the daily lives? Developing the habits of a disciple can be challenging, and it happens most effectively within a community where people support and challenge one another to grow as followers of Jesus. In today’s conversation, Jodi Phillips and Michelle Zuhlke join me to discuss the faith formation step of building a clear path for discipleship. We explore the importance of small groups in fostering spiritual growth, emphasizing the role of personal relationships and mentorship. [01:27] Deep Dive into Faith Formation [06:39] Mentorship and Community Impact [09:00] Education vs. Formation [17:53] Living the Faith Together [23:54] Expressions of Faith Formation [31:51] Characteristics of Effective Faith Formation [34:14] Mentorship and Shared Life [41:02] Diagnosing Faith Formation Issues [43:21] Engaging Content for Faith Formation [51:19] Evangelization Formation and Small Groups For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship, or check out our “cheat-sheet” Clear Path Definitions and Phases. Also, if you were inspired by Michelle, check out Our Catholic Family. 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)

    58 min
  5. Step 2: Conversion Moment – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    OCT 8

    Step 2: Conversion Moment – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    Does your parish have Alpha, Christ Life, a parish retreat, or some other initiative that creates an opportunity for people to hear about Jesus, reflect on their faith, and take a step towards a real and lasting relationship with him? The Clear Path step Conversion Moment is designed to help individuals encounter Jesus and make a personal decision to follow Him by offering a clear proclamation of the Gospel. My guest, Marlo Monico, shares her experience building and sustaining a Conversion Moment. She shares stories of significant personal transformations and emphasizes the importance of hospitality, community, and continuous invitation in evangelization efforts. [01:30] Deep Dive into Conversion Moments [04:51] Building a Clear Path of Discipleship [23:28] Content and Impact of Alpha [28:35] Stories of Transformation [40:00] Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles [46:59] Building Community and Small Groups [52:13] Encouragement and Final Thoughts For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship, or check out our “cheat-sheet” Clear Path Definitions and Phases. Also, here our Options for Conversion Moments guide. If you were inspired by Marlo, check out St. Columbkille’s Alpha. 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)

    55 min
  6. Step 1: Relational Outreach – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    OCT 1

    Step 1: Relational Outreach – The Ministries that Make Up a Clear Path of Discipleship

    Do you have a way to introduce your non-practicing friends and family members to your faith community that doesn’t involve inviting them to Mass or other gatherings that might make them feel isolated? Does your parish offer a space where you can meet and build trusting relationships with those distant from their faith? The Clear Path step Relational Outreach is designed for just that. My guests, Katie Winkler and Beth Carlson, share their experience at the JPII Newman Center, where they’ve created spaces for authentic friendships to flourish. They discuss the importance of intentionality in outreach, creating welcoming environments, and the role of personal stories and experiences in building genuine connections. Katie and Beth also highlight the challenges and learning opportunities in outreach efforts, emphasizing the need for patience and persistence in forming meaningful relationships. [05:46] Creating Welcoming Events [11:24] Training and Preparing Leaders [27:41] Inviting to a Deeper Faith Journey [34:10] Celebrating Effort and Building a Culture of Outreach [38:29] Translating Outreach Lessons to Different Contexts [55:32] The Importance of Personal Prayer in Outreach For more on the Clear Path, read the book, A Clear Path to Discipleship, or check out our “cheat-sheet” Clear Path Definitions and Phases. If you were inspired by Katie and Beth, take a look at JPIIOmaha.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)

    59 min
4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

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/.

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