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)
  

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)

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)

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)

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 Wesley

• Catechism 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/catholic
  • Learn more about YDisciple: ⁠⁠ydisciple.com⁠⁠

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
  

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.com

• Catechism 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

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

In Episode 8 of The Youth Ministry Mindset Podcast, a limited series with voices from Alpha and YDisciple, Joshua, Annie, and Jordan discuss the possibilities and practicals of implementing a transformational ministry. Join us as we continue the conversation on youth ministry in a post-COVID world.

SHOWNOTES

• Introduction: What could transformational ministry look like
• Do not change what we teach; change how we teach it
• Need to learn to extend grace and teach others to
    -Create a place of invitation and relationship
• Transformation = slow
• Success isn’t a breakthrough; it’s them coming back
• Can use programs and not see it go anyway
    -It's the person and the culture that matters
• Alpha and YDisciple working together
    -Need an encounter first that leads to evangelization
    -Discipleship isn’t linear; it’s circular
• There are more questions than answers
    -All work together to find answers
    -Be Spirit-led
• What is the most important point to communicate?
    -Start small, don't stay small
    -Discern where the Lord is calling you to transform
    -Be hopeful
    -What you do matters
    -Lean into reliance on the Holy Spirit; that will be the beginning

REFERENCES

1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by  Dr. Carol S. Dweck
   
2. “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” Romans 12:2
   
3. Saul becoming Paul - Acts 9
   
4. The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller
   

PULL QUOTES

9:28 “Transformation is slow, and it's a gradual process that we don’t even see happening in the moment.”

12: 02 “There are no silver bullets.”

18:30 “Disciples start to desire to make other disciples.”

HOSTS:
Joshua Danis
Annie Grandell
Jordan Biere

--------------------

https://www.youthministrymindset.com

https://www.facebook.com/alphausa

https://alphausa.org/youth

https://www.facebook.com/YDiscipleLeader

https://ydisciple.com

https://netusa.org

In Episode 7 of The Youth Ministry Mindset Podcast, a limited series with voices from Alpha and YDisciple, Joshua, Annie, and Jordan bring Jim Beckman, the founding architect of YDisciple, into the discussion on the relationship between content and the culture of youth ministry. Join us as we continue the conversation about how youth ministry could look in a post-COVID world.

SHOWNOTES

• Introduction: Content is not king
• The role of content and what it does and doesn’t accomplish
• Content is the vehicle, but it is not primary
• Culture we need to cultivate that creates a space
    -Jesus is king; the content leads to that truth
• Jim Beckman, currently works for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, has been in youth ministry for many years and is the founding architect of YDisciple
• It’s all about introducing them to Jesus, who is with them their whole life
    -If this doesn’t go into the rest of the kid’s life, then what’s the point?
• The culture is a tsunami of opposition
• Need to think of the context of where the youth are coming from
• Content is critical
    -Need marriage between sharing content of faith and the lived relationship
• GenZ is ready to stand up for the Kingdom, but they don’t know the King
• Need to pay attention to spiritual and physical reality
• Peel back layers and show Truth that is hidden
    -Reveal identity to young people
• Fundamental groups of discipleship are found in small groups
    -Need to provide content, but cultivate with appropriate intimacy
    -Be willing to enter into real relationship
• If you want to be good at this, get close to Jesus
• Key Takeaways
    -It’s all about creating a space for relationships
    -Be in love with Jesus, and ministry will come from the overflow
    -Disciple-making is about the people, not the program
    -Given the freedom to start again fresh
    -Content is a means to the relationship with Jesus

REFERENCES

1. Franciscan University of Stubeunville
2. Young Servant with Elisha - 2 Kings 6:17-20
3. The Lost Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Elms

PULL QUOTES

3:40 “If the point of all of this is for young people to know and love Jesus, well you can’t love what you don’t know.”

13:35 “The landscape has changed so dramatically just in the last two years –this may be controversial– but I would actually venture that youth ministry as we know it is over.”

23:40 “Fundamentally, we have a sacramental reality that is lost on the vast majority of people.”

31:57 “Once they realize that you really love them, you just can’t get rid of them”

Hosts:
Joshua Danis
Annie Grandell
Jordan Biere

--------------------

https://www.youthministrymindset.com

https://www.facebook.com/alphausa

https://alphausa.org/youth

https://www.facebook.com/YDiscipleLeader

https://ydisciple.com/

https://netusa.org

In Episode 6 of The Youth Ministry Mindset Podcast, a limited series with voices from Alpha and YDisciple, Joshua, Annie, and Jordan discuss practicals of reproducing a transformational youth ministry that empowers young people. Join us as we continue the conversation on youth ministry in a post-COVID world.

SHOWNOTES

• Give leadership roles that give youth the ability to be part of the ministry
    -Caused their faith to deepen by answering questions and seeing peers grow
• How do you do that?
• M.A.W.L.
    -Model - what does it look like to be a leader in a community?
    -Assist - be near and help the youth as you go
    -Watch - watch them, but they lead everything
    -Launch - “you got this;” affirm them
• Discipleship is like an apprenticeship, not a program
• Need to walk with them, nurture the gifts
• Invite young people to go with other parish groups
    -Give the youth opportunities to integrate into the parish
    -Ask other staff how the youth can help their mission
• Don’t put on a show; it’s a process they are part of
    -They build the thing they are benefiting from
    -Let them take ownership of the content, give options
• When young people encounter Jesus, they share that
• We need people who will give tools to have conversations and love well
• Key takeaway of how to empower the youth
    -Get out of the way and don’t take control
    -Your failure isn’t a failure
    -Need to launch disciples
    -Find other youth ministers and do it with them

REFERENCES

1. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
2. The Woman at the Well - John 4:4

PULL QUOTES

7:50 “It’s important that we don’t think ‘Oh this is how we reproduce ourselves a million times over, so I don’t have to do anything.’ No, you are doing the work of being a discipler, and you’re integrating them to do something with you.”

12:09 “They are looking for things to integrate themselves into, and we just have to create those opportunities, and we can’t replicate jobs cause they are going to know when a job is hollow.”

31:14 “If you want to see young people who are alive in Christ, then find young people who are activated in Christ.”

HOSTS
Joshua Danis
Annie Grandell
Jordan Biere

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youthministrymindset.com

facebook.com/alphausa

alphausa.org/youth

www.facebook.com/YDiscipleLeader

ydisciple.com

netusa.org