Coach's Corner 2: Closing Churches

Is unity between Catholics and Protestants really possible? Just imagine the incredible things we could accomplish if we could learn to collaborate. We could address social issues, promote justice, and serve those in need, all while spreading the message of God's love through evangelization. It's an exciting thought, isn't it? But, of course, in order for this dream to become a reality, we need to confront our fears and misunderstandings head-on. We need to foster unity within the body of Christ, embracing humility and openness along the way. That's why I'm thrilled to share an episode of unComfortable with you, a podcast from Christ Community Church in Omaha. I had the honor of joining them for a discussion on ecumenism, and let me tell you, it was eye-opening. In this episode, you'll discover: * Why unity and collaboration between Catholics and Protestants are so important to our faith journey. * Practical tips on how to engage in meaningful conversations and find common ground across different faith traditions. * The power of approaching these discussions with humility, leading to genuine relationships and deeper understanding. To hear more from our Christian brothers and sisters, check out unCOMFORTABLE Conversations About Culture & Christianity (https://www.cccomaha.org/uncomfortable?sapurl=LythNWE4L2xiL21zLyt0cjd0c2t3P2VtYmVkPXRydWUmcmVjZW50Um91dGU9YXBwLndlYi1hcHAubGlicmFyeS5tZWRpYS1zZXJpZXMmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQnRyN3Rza3c=). 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)

Did you know that only 8% of the people in our church pews can claim that they know the names of their 8 closest neighbors? As Christians, we aught to be on the front lines of the fight against what the Surgeon General calls and “epidemic of loneliness”. Omaha itself, , with all its strengths, grapples with mental health issues, people feeling isolated, and disparities in education and opportunities. So, in today's podcast, I sit down with Jed Mullenix, the CEO of Within Reach. He works to unify our local church communities around these issues. Together we can address community needs and spread the love of Jesus. He highlights the significance of pursuing proximity with neighbors, cultivating empathy, and committing to long-term relationships built on genuine care and compassion. As he puts it, "The world needs to know. They need to hear, they need to see, they need to feel and experience the love or the kindness of Jesus. And so, we call the church back to that place of rugged, beautiful, persistent kindness in their lives and in Jesus’ name.” In this episode, you'll learn: The primary concerns of neighbors and how the local church can address them. Inspiring examples of churches actively engaging with their communities. Strategies for cultivating empathy and building long-term relationships with neighbors. The importance of activating Christians to share the story of Jesus through acts of kindness and service. Don't forget to check out Within Reach (https://withinreach.com/)! Jed also recommends The Art of Neighboring (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Neighboring-Building-Genuine-Relationships/dp/080101459X/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580750215260&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9024585&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11296911781463010006&hvtargid=kwd-304064976896&hydadcr=22567_13493270&keywords=the+art+of+neighboring+book&qid=1707333448&sr=8-1) and The Power of the Cross (https://www.amazon.com/Power-Cross-Friday-Sermons-Preacher/dp/1685780032/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=648041675020&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9024585&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6575013877800400065&hvtargid=kwd-1988249758964&hydadcr=18053_13467033&keywords=the+power+of+the+cross+raniero&qid=1707333497&sr=8-1). 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)

Have you ever found yourself saying sorry for something you didn't actually do? Like when your kid makes a mess in a store, or your team had to run extra laps in high school because of one teammate's mistake? The concept of taking collective responsibility isn’t foreign to us, but sometimes, we struggle with the idea of personally owning up to the mistakes of past generations. Today, I'd love to chat with you about the concept of communal repentance. It's about recognizing that even if we didn't directly cause a specific problem, we're all part of the same community and share in the work of seeking forgiveness and renewal together. When we come together and repent as the Body of Christ, we recognize the transformative power of God’s grace to heal relationships, restore communities, and guide them towards a more faithful and righteous path. Join me and: * Uncover the theological foundations and biblical precedents for corporate repentance. * Reflect on the implications of corporate repentance for personal spirituality and the broader mission of the church. * Explore practical strategies for implementing collective renewal within our communities and families. 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)

*Love builds a bridge over which truth can pass *How well do you love your neighbor? Love has this amazing power to change hearts and bring people closer to Jesus. Genuine love, expressed through compassionate actions and selfless service, has the ability to break down barriers, dissolve fear, and inspire individuals to open their hearts to the message of the Gospel. Today, I have the privilege of talking with Dan Burke, the founder and President of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation (http://avila-institute.org/). He shares with me some incredible stories about how people showing him profound love opened him up to encounter Jesus and eventually led to his conversion to Catholicism. For Dan, loving others isn't just an option—it's integral to living out his faith and following Jesus' teachings. He sees love as more than just a feeling or an idea; it's a fundamental part of being a Christian. Dan believes that when we love others with compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, we're not only reflecting God's love but also inspiring others to open their hearts to the message of the Gospel. I can't wait for you to hear Dan's insights on how love can transform lives and lead people closer to Jesus. Join me to learn: * How powerful love can be when trying to bring people closer to Christ and the Church. * How to emulate Christ's love by embracing authenticity and vulnerability. * How to overcome fear and intimidation when sharing the love of Christ with others. * How to live a life centered on love, peace, and service to others. Also, check out his work at https://spiritualdirection.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 Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

Do you feel like your religious education efforts are stuck in a rut, merely churning out sacramental milestones? Do you wish your families would experience true conversion and stop disappearing after confirmation? I know how difficult it can be to transform our most institutionalize programs, so I sat down with Fr. Tim Donovan, a priest who’s vision is reshaping the landscape of catechesis and cultivating thriving, fruit-bearing communities. Join me for a discussion with Fr. Tim, founder of Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries (https://www.fflcm.org/), and you will: Learn the importance of integrating adult, children, and teen programs within a parish, fostering a unified approach to catechesis. Understand the significance of identifying and leveraging different gifts within the parish community, such as galvanizers, enablers, and prayer warriors. Explore the process of managing change effectively within a parish, avoiding pitfalls and fostering a culture of open communication and relational building. Gain insights into successful strategies for transforming faith formation structures, rooted in the principles of communal responsibility and trust in the Spirit's guidance. 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)

Many of you listen to the EquipCast because you want to feel confident sharing your faith. We try to provide practical tools for this, and so we talk a lot about small groups, prayer, evangelizing adults, etc. But these are just tools, parts of a larger strategy to build flourishing parish communities. So, what does it take to actually transform the culture of a parish, to begin witnessing lives changed and to see more people in the pews? A Clear Path to Discipleship. Today, I bring you an episode from the Huntley Leadership Podcast. Ron Huntley, a man who coaches bishops, priests, and ministry leaders all over the world, asked me to be a guest on his podcast to talk about my book: A Clear Path. I want to share this episode with you in order to draw back the veil on some of the big picture work my team and I get to do with your parishes. In today’s episode, you will: * Understand the challenges associated with creating a clear path of discipleship in a parish or diocese. * Explore success stories from parishes that successfully implemented clear paths of discipleship. * Access practical insights and guidance on building a clear path through Jim's book, including success stories and actionable steps. To hear more from Ron Huntley, check out the Huntley Leadership Podcast (https://www.ronhuntley.com/podcast)! And if you want mor information on the book, A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish, go to https://clearpathbook.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 Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com) Special Guest: Ron Huntley.

Have you ever found yourself yearning for deeper connections and genuine togetherness in a world that often feels isolated? Our latest episode is all about uncovering the transformative power of missions in Guatemala. Join us as we explore the significance of presence, beyond just projects, and learn why authentic solidarity is essential in today's culture. In this episode, Charlie Petro shares insights on moving beyond surface-level connections to truly listen, connect, and love those around us. Here's a sneak peek into what’s waiting for you: Gain practical insights on fostering deep connections and breaking down barriers of isolation. Understand the importance of authentic solidarity in today's culture and its role in building a connected community. Discover how simple acts, like stepping beyond our comfort zones, can pave the way for a more compassionate and interconnected world. For more on Ixim and their works check out https://ixim.org/ or email Charlie at cpetro@archomaha.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)

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a heated conversation and wondered how it even got there? Or maybe you've hesitated to bring up a sensitive topic, fearing it could spiral into an emotional rollercoaster? In our latest episode, we explore powerful insights on transforming controversial discussions into opportunities for understanding and connection. I had the pleasure of chatting with Katherine Burow, Executive Director of the Abortion Dialogue Academy, and she shared powerful insights on fostering empathy, finding common ground, and approaching conversations with the most charitable interpretation of others' perspectives. Katherine shares valuable strategies for effective communication, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the Academy. Whether you're interested in pro-life advocacy or simply improving your communication skills, this conversation provides practical tips to approach challenging dialogues with understanding and compassion. Here's a sneak peek into what you'll learn in this episode: * The importance of approaching conversations with empathy and understanding. * Strategies for maintaining calm and de-escalating potentially heated discussions. * Insights on studying and comprehending the other side to engage in more informed debates. * Transformative examples of how being genuine and a bit awkward can make you a more effective communicator. Tune in now to discover how you can navigate difficult conversations with grace and create meaningful connections. Click for more information on the Abortion Dialogue Academy (https://www.abortiondialogueacademy.org/scholarship/) and their scholarship program. To book a speaker, email info@abortiondialogueacademy.org (mailto:info@abortiondialogueacademy.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)

Do you ever find yourself seeking inspiration from secular books, podcasts, or lectures? I get it. Sometimes, the best guidance comes from unexpected places. But here's the thing, how do you know if what you are learning aligns with our faith? I've been pondering this too, and I'm excited to share some practical strategies on how to navigate this delicate balance of acquiring worldly wisdom and staying true to the faith. I call it "plundering the Egyptians". Join me as we talk about how to discern, ask fundamental questions, and align secular wisdom with the teachings and mission of the Church. A sneak peek of what we'll explore together: * Embrace continuous learning for personal and mission-driven growth. * Uncover practical tips for discerning valuable wisdom from all sorts of sources. * Dive into the art of aligning those secular insights with our faith mission. 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)

In this time of preparation for Christmas, do you find it hard to slow down? To appreciate the way Jesus comes to us? Small and humble. Well, I certainly do. I love Christmas, but I’ll be honest, I have conflicting emotions. I want salvation to be bright and loud! I want the world to be all better, and I want it to be all better now. And yet, the Lord asks us, especially during this season, to trust in his slow work and maybe to slow down a bit ourselves. So, spend 10 minutes with me today and discover: * The unexpected joy hidden in the small and slow aspects of Christmas. * My honest reflections on grappling with the desire for immediate, grand transformations. * A prayerful invitation to trust in the slow and small salvation of God. Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability— and that it may take a very long time. And so I think it is with you; your ideas mature gradually—let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don’t try to force them on, as though you could be today what time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow. Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete. —Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ (Excerpted from Hearts on Fire.) 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)