In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lisa Brenninkmeyer, founder of Walking with Purpose, to hear her powerful story of faith, conversion, and mission. Lisa shares her journey from an evangelical Protestant background to embracing the Catholic Church, the struggles she faced with poor formation and belonging, and the transformative moments that shaped her ministry. Together with Tom and Melissa, Lisa explores the treasures of Catholic faith—especially the Eucharist, redemptive suffering, and authentic community—and how these truths equip lay leaders to evangelize and disciple with confidence.
Catholic pastors and parish leaders will find encouragement in Lisa’s insights on leadership, discipleship, and creating intergenerational “sisterhood” within the Church. Her story reminds us that Jesus calls us not to transactional religion but to deep, life-giving transformation.
Learn more about Walking with Purpose:
Hope for Right Now: A Walking with Purpose podcast
Heart of Vines Masterclass link
Website: https://walkingwithpurpose.com/
Instagram: @walkingwithpurpose_official
FB: www.facebook.com/walkingwithpurpose
X:https://x.com/walkingwpurpose
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/walkingwpurpose/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/WalkingwithPurpose_official
Key Takeaways
Conversion is less about information and more about belonging and transformation.Poor RCIA or weak parish hospitality can leave wounds—but God redeems them through authentic community.The Eucharist as daily nourishment is central to Catholic discipleship.The Catholic Church offers a unique and life-changing perspective on redemptive suffering.Lay leaders are essential in evangelization because they are closest to those outside the Church.Pastors and parish leaders must stay connected to people—small groups and one-on-one ministry reignite mission focus.Gen Z brings great hope with their hunger for authenticity, dignity, and deeper questions of faith.
Chapters
00:01 – Welcome and introductions
00:54 – Lisa’s Protestant upbringing and journey into the Catholic Church
04:38 – Early struggles: lack of belonging and poor formation
07:59 – Leading seekers and facing opposition abroad
12:41 – The beginnings of Walking with Purpose
19:30 – Discovering Catholic treasures: Eucharist, saints, redemptive suffering
23:55 – How Walking with Purpose transforms women’s lives
28:29 – The call to love, listen, and lead women in faith
31:28 – Leadership lessons: protecting what fuels your ministry
36:35 – What gives Lisa hope: the faith and openness of Gen Z
40:24 – Final thoughts and encouragement
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Keywords: Catholic parish renewal, discipleship, Walking with Purpose, women’s ministry, Catholic evangelization, parish leadership, conversion story, Eucharist, redemptive suffering, lay leadership, small groups, parish community, Lisa Brenninkmeyer