The Youth Ministry Mindset Podcast

Youth Ministry Mindset
  • 4.5 (12)
  • CHRISTIANITY

A limited series with voices from Alpha and YDisciple that explores what youth ministry in the church has been like during COVID and what needs changing. Hosts Joshua Danis, Annie Grandell, Jason Kid, and Jordan Biere look at past failures and look forward to ways we can make a space for what youth need.

  1. JUL 14

    S2 E8: TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Listen)

    Summary: This finale episode of Season 2 is your TL;DR—Too Long; Didn’t (Listen)—recap of everything we’ve learned, wrestled with, and dreamed about for youth ministry in the Confirmation space. Hosts Jordan Biere, Jason Kidd, and Annie Grandell reflect on the highlights, themes, and powerful insights shared across all episodes and guests. If you didn’t catch the full season, this is your shortcut to the biggest takeaways. Notable Quotes: “We can’t keep domesticating the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Jason Kidd (2:05) “We need to abandon the outcome and embrace the posture of seeking and obeying in the space of Confirmation.” -Jordan Biere (2:43)

    21 min

  2. JUL 14

    S2 E7: Stories from the Wild (with Hollie Danis and Rick Grinstead)

    Summary: In this episode, hosts Annie Grandell, Jason Kidd, and Jordan Biere sit down with two seasoned practitioners—Hollie Danis of STA Catholic Youth Ministry in St. Michael and Albertville, MN and Rick Grinstead from the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, TN—to share some powerful, raw, and often hilarious “stories from the wild” of Confirmation ministry. These aren’t theories. These are real-life moments from youth ministers on the front lines. Join these two seasoned youth ministry veterans as they share Spirit-filled stories from their own Confirmation ministries. This episode is packed with encouragement and grounded wisdom from the trenches. References & Resources: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1302-1305 Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 236-239, 243-247 Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, Paragraph 24 Notable Quotes: “The most important thing to start with is just getting to know one another.” -Rick Grinstead (15:30) “We’re on a journey and we’re getting started, but it doesn’t end.” -Jason Kidd (21:23) “Don’t be afraid to not hyperfocus on the sacrament of Confirmation but to focus on the structure that you’ve built in your youth ministry program.” -Hollie Danis (50:19)

    1 hr

  3. JUL 14

    S2 E6: Cool Guys Don’t Look at Explosions (with Dayrín Perez)

    Summary: In this episode, hosts Jordan Biere, Annie Grandell, and Jason Kidd welcome Dayrín Perez from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to talk about what it really looks like to blow up the old models of Confirmation ministry—and walk away with confidence and clarity. With authenticity and a little humor (yes, the title is a Lonely Island reference), Dayrín shares what’s happening at the diocesan level in L.A., where leaders are giving parishes the freedom—and responsibility—to reimagine confirmation as a place of transformation rather than obligation. The result? A culture shift powered by vision, trust, and missionary zeal. References & Resources: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1309 Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 206, 244-247 USCCB Confirmation Resource Page Notable Quotes: “We're not just changing for the sake of change. The heart behind it is young people knowing Jesus—full stop.” -Annie Grandell (1:30) “Our formation is grounded on: what is a disciple?, how does someone become a disciple?, how did Jesus form a disciple?, and how can I accompany someone to be a disciple?” -Dayrín Perez (18:45) “You’re giving permission to the parish to slow down and pay attention and journey better .” -Jordan Biere (25:12)

    46 min

  4. JUL 14

    S2 E5: A Pastor’s Perspective (with Fr. Peter Wojcik)

    Summary: In this episode, hosts Jason Kidd, Annie Grandell, and Jordan Biere are joined by Fr. Peter Wojcik of St. Clement Parish in Chicago to explore a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Confirmation: the role of the pastor. Fr. Peter brings clarity, encouragement, and challenge as he offers a pastor’s perspective on how clergy and lay ministers can work together, not in silos, but in mission. References & Resources: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1311 Pope Francis, Evengelii Gaudium, Paragraph 31-33 Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 244-247 Notable Quotes: “It isn’t the youth minister’s parish. It’s not the DRE’s parish. It’s the pastor’s parish.” -Annie Grandell (1:55)“We don’t need rogue agents—we need collaboration under pastoral authority.” -Jordan Biere (1:45)“The Church only will grow into the future if people really take responsibility for the Church.” -Fr. Peter Wojcik (16:00)

    37 min

  5. JUN 30

    S2 E4: Why Sponsors Matter (with Christopher Wesley)

    Summary: In this episode, hosts Jordan Biere, Jason Kidd, and Annie Grandell welcome Christopher Wesley, founder of Marathon Youth Ministry and author of Rebuilding Confirmation, for a compelling conversation on the often-overlooked role of sponsors in the Confirmation process. Instead of viewing sponsors as a checkbox or afterthought, Christopher challenges us to think of them as mentors in discipleship—people who can walk alongside teens in a meaningful way. The episode invites ministry leaders to reconsider traditional practices and reimagine how to form sponsors and integrate them intentionally into the journey of Confirmation. Notable Quotes:  “Invest in a community where people can find sponsors or just great role models to nurture the faith beyond Confirmation” -Christopher Wesley (42:25)  “You can’t force a relationship, but you can set the environment for it.” -Jordan Biere (32:18) Special Guest: Christopher Wesley – Catholic author and ministry consultant, best known for Rebuilding Confirmation, which encourages parish leaders to rethink outdated models and focus on relational ministry. References & Resources: Rebuilding Confirmation: Because We Need More Than Another Graduation by Christopher WesleyCatechism of the Catholic Church 1311, 1255 Code of Canon Law, Canons 892-893 Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Paragraph 242 Stay Connected: Find Christopher Wesley at: marathonyouthministry.com Check us out: youthministrymindset.com Get your FREE Confirmation Toolkit from Alpha Youth and YDisciple: confirmationtoolkit.com Learn more about Alpha: alphausa.org/youth/catholicLearn more about YDisciple: ⁠⁠ydisciple.com⁠⁠

    53 min

  6. JUN 30

    S2 E3: Content (Still) Is Not King (with Edmund Mitchell)

    Summary: In this episode, Jason Kidd, Annie Grandell, and Jordan Biere revisit and build upon one of the core ideas from Season 1: Content isn’t king, this time with special guest Edmund Mitchell. While solid teaching is crucial, it’s not the silver bullet for effective Confirmation preparation. This time, we explore what this principle looks like specifically in the Confirmation space. Throwing more curriculum at Confirmation won’t fix it. Relationships and context matter more than content alone when it comes to transforming young hearts. Notable Quotes: “Content does not replace the witness.” -Edmund Mitchell (20:45) “We can’t just throw Truth at young people without doing the work of accompaniment.” -Annie Grandell (49:24) Special Guest: Edmund Mitchell – You can find Edmund on Instagram @edmundmitchell or at https://edmundmitchell.com/ References & Resources: Real+True (realtrue.org) Stay Connected: Check us out: youthministrymindset.com Get your FREE Confirmation Toolkit from Alpha Youth and YDisciple: confirmationtoolkit.com Learn more about Alpha: alphausa.org/youth/catholic Learn more about YDisciple: ydisciple.com

    55 min

  7. JUN 30

    S2 E2: What Confirmation Is…and Isn’t (with Fr. Chad VanHoose)

    Summary: In this theologically rich episode, hosts Jordan Biere, Jason Kidd, and Annie Grandell are joined by NET Ministries Chaplain Fr. Chad VanHoose to lay a strong foundation for understanding the sacrament of Confirmation—and, equally important, clarifying what it isn’t. Too often, Confirmation is surrounded by confusion and cultural baggage, described as a “sacrament in search of a theology.” But in truth, there is a deep and compelling theology behind it—one that has the power to transform hearts and communities. Notable Quotes: “A sacrament is the touch of Jesus.” - St. Augustine (6:40) “In healthy parishes that confirm and send forth disciples, mentorship is at the center.” -Fr. Chad (36:54) Special Guest: Fr. Chad VanHoose - The full-time chaplain of NET Ministries, brings theological depth and pastoral insight to the conversation. References & Resources: Learn more about YDisciple: ⁠ydisciple.comCatechism of the Catholic Church 1285–1321 Stay Connected: Learn more about NET Ministries: netusa.org Check us out: youthministrymindset.com Get your FREE Confirmation Toolkit from Alpha Youth and YDisciple: confirmationtoolkit.com Learn more about Alpha: alphausa.org/youth/catholic

    47 min

  8. JUN 30

    S2 E1: Welcome to Season 2

    Summary: Youth Ministry Mindset is back! In this kickoff episode, Jason Kidd and Jordan Biere from Alpha and Annie Grandell from YDisciple unpack how we can shift from a transactional model of Confirmation to one that's truly transformational.  With honesty, humor, and practical insight, they invite ministry leaders to refocus on discipleship, the work of the Holy Spirit, and God's personal call in each young person’s life. Hosts: Jason Kidd – National Director, Alpha Catholic Context Annie Grandell – YDisciple Director, NET Ministries Jordan Biere – National Director, Alpha Youth USA  References: Confirmation Lobster: Rethinking Confirmation Formation by Dan Harms, mentioned on the Kyle Heimann Show  Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, Paragraph 33 Stay Connected: Check us out: youthministrymindset.com Get your FREE Confirmation Toolkit from Alpha Youth and YDisciple: confirmationtoolkit.com Learn more about Alpha: alphausa.org/youth/catholic Learn more about YDisciple: ydisciple.com

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

A limited series with voices from Alpha and YDisciple that explores what youth ministry in the church has been like during COVID and what needs changing. Hosts Joshua Danis, Annie Grandell, Jason Kid, and Jordan Biere look at past failures and look forward to ways we can make a space for what youth need.

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