The EquipCast

Let's talk about productivity. There is this lie that is a two-edged sword in the Christian world. For some, getting tasks done does not come naturally, and so it can rob them of the peace that comes with a relationship with God. On the other hand, we often deeply feel the urgency that comes with a call from God causing us to "over produce" or to work ourselves to the bone in order to "achieve" His will.

Neither is good.

Growing in skills of execution can help us be productive without falling into either lie. Thus, I want to offer you an 8-minute skill demo. Nothing too deep, just some tips from one of the executors on my team.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

The Archdiocese's Big Goal, each parish in the Archdiocese of Omaha will be a missional community, has three characteristics: collaborative leadership, a clear path to discipleship, and a culture of generosity. I believe we can't talk about these enough.

So today, I have another episode on the clear path to discipleship for you. In many ways, the clear path isn't a new idea; it's just a new expression of something that is as old as the Church. Thus, people don't respond negatively to it, but I have encountered quite a few misconceptions that seem to trip people up. They think the clear path is just the newest buzzword, a quick fix that puts people on an assembly line and cuts all ministries out of a parish. 

If you've thought these things (or if you know someone else who has), let me mythbust for you!

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

With the Journey of Faith underway, the words “flourishing” and “missional community” have become buzzwords in our diocese. Many good people have been asking, “Wait…ARE we a missional community? What does it even mean for an entire parish to be missional?”

We have a definition: an outward looking group of disciples, under the care of a pastor, sent by Jesus to make disciples.

However, a definition is only a starting point for understanding, so today, I bring you You Might Be a Missional Community If… Calvin Mueller and I discuss some indicators of a missional community so that you might know if you are or not.

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Making the shift towards becoming a missional community, whether that's in a parish or a ministry, often means taking steps into the unknown. It means opening ourselves to new the things that God desires for us, and as silly as it might sound, good meetings are important to discerning the steps to following his will.

But, have you ever had the experience of going to a meeting, having good discussion, getting through the entire agenda only to discover that you didn't actually talk about the most important topics.

Today, I'm going to teach you how to set a real time agenda to help ensure you and your team have the most productive meetings.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

As the archdiocese goes through the pastoral planning process called Journey of Faith, I'm sure you've heard some of the statistics. One of the most striking is: Since 2003, Mass attendance in the archdiocese has declined by 42%.  This is more than a number; it's souls.

Who comes to mind when you think about that reality? A friend? Neighbor? Siblings or children?

We all have someone who has left the Catholic faith, and I hazard to guess that this causes all of us some grief. We want to know why people walk away, and where they go. We want some way to talk to them and to, hopefully, bring them back.

Today's conversation is about just that.

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I’ve got a program this is going to change hearts and transform lives! It builds relationships, causes conversions, and could be a real blessing to your parish, BUT there’s a catch…

Program’s aren’t silver bullets, and they can’t survive in a vacuum.

A program that works has:

All this may seem like a lot, but today’s episode provides some easy first steps for fostering good programs that flourish.

(Note: No actual program is being promoted in this episode. We simply hope to impart some wisdom around using programs in a way that they will truly thrive at your parish.)

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

One thing the pandemic taught me is that people are starving for friendship. It is unfortunately easy to go through life making surface level connections with people but not to form the deep bonds of true friendship. We can be surrounded by people and yet feel so very alone.

And so, today I bring you Austin Casselberry, a person that I like to call a “prophet of friendship”. He offers wisdom on how to intentionally cultivate friendships with true depth.

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He is risen! He is risen indeed! Are you convinced that Jesus’s death and resurrection can have a profound impact on your life and on the lives of others? If yes, are you comfortable and confident sharing that good news with others?

Jesus has changed my life, and I want others to have that same experience. However, it took me a long time to feel comfortable sharing the gospel, and it took a lot of practice to share it well.

How do I reflect on the work Jesus is doing in my life and share it in a way that is intentional but not forced? Jen Moser, breaks down the answer in 13 minutes.

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“We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!” This season is meant to have a lasting effect on our lives, so today, I invite you to pause and reflect. Archbishop Lucas gives his insights on the resurrection and his desire for each of us to experience the grace of Easter personally.

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As disciples, we are called to "give back" or to steward the gifts that we have been given by God. I'd be very surprised if this was a new concept to any of you. 

However, an area where most of us are less comfortable is development. Asking a person directly for money is a difficult conversation without the right perspective and tools. 

Today's guest, Chris Kuetemeyer, is a professional in the world of development and a former FOCUS missionary. He understands that to ask for money, he needs to first invite people into the mission of the Church. When he sits down with a donor, he invites them to be a partner in a ministry. The donor may not be doing the physical work, but they are responsible for that work even happening. This inclusion makes all the difference.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha