EquipCast

Ever wonder if your prayer life is making a difference? Look for the fruits. Are you experiencing more peace, patience, and love in your relationships? Do you feel more attuned to God’s presence and guidance in your daily life? Challenges can also be a signpost—when your prayer life is strong, you’re more likely to face difficulties with grace and clarity. But what about those times when it feels like nothing is happening? Often, God is quietly working in your heart in ways you may not immediately notice.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Nathan Crankfield, Sales Lead at Hallow, to uncover the transformative power of prayer. Nathan shares personal insights and practical tips on recognizing when your prayers are bearing fruit and how to overcome the challenges of staying consistent in prayer. He also highlights how tools like the Hallow app can support your spiritual growth and help you connect with God more deeply. Join us for an inspiring conversation about building a vibrant prayer life, embracing God’s work in your heart, and navigating life’s highs and lows with faith and grace.

[01:08] Nathan's Background and Faith Journey

Don’t forget to check out Nathan Crankfield on Instagram and his website Seeking Excellence. And if you aren’t using the app yet: Hallow.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

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

Also check out:

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

Why is it so hard to prioritize evangelization? I want to love God, love my neighbor, and introduce others to Jesus, but life often gets in the way.

In today’s Coach’s Corner, I’m here to offer some encouragement. When I focus on what Jesus truly asks of me—giving my heart to him in prayer and helping others draw closer to him—everything else falls into place. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for inspiration, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement to reignite your missionary spirit and live out your faith more fully.

Don't forget to check out Pope Francis and the Joy of the Gospel: Rediscovering the Heart of a Disciple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you believe that God continues to work even when you don’t? In my own life, I’ve struggled with the idea that rest has to be earned, that I can only rest once everything on my to-do list is checked off. But the Christian vision is different.

God’s work doesn’t stop when we rest. In fact, our rest is a testament to our trust in His ongoing work. Join me as we explore the beauty of working from rest, drawing examples from Jesus’s life, and discover practical ways to incorporate this principle into your daily routine.

[01:17] Jesus' Example of Rest

Check out The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

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

Small groups are vital for parish renewal—you might even be part of one yourself. But is your small group thriving and growing, or is it feeling a bit stagnant? Do you find it challenging to reach beyond the usual participants? And most importantly, are your small groups truly helping people grow in their faith journey?

Today, I chat with Michael Hall, author of Intentional Accompaniment and a seasoned leader with Catholic Christian Outreach of Canada. Michael has a wealth of experience building and sustaining healthy small group movements, and he’s here to share some of the strategies and mindsets that can transform your small group from a stagnant gathering into a dynamic, missionary force.

Whether you’re leading a small group, coordinating them for your parish, or simply a passionate member of one, this conversation is full of insights that can help you breathe new life into your small group ministry and make a real impact in your community.

Join us as we dive into:

Check out CCO!

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