EP29: Affinity Groups– Is this the future of Small Group Ministry? with John Zimmer from FOCUS

EP29: Affinity Groups– Is this the future of Small Group Ministry? with John Zimmer from FOCUS

# About this Episode What if effective discipleship begins by paying attention to the friendships that already exist? In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell welcome John Zimmer, Vice President of Apostolic Development at FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). With nearly three decades of experience in evangelization and discipleship, John shares lessons learned from serving thousands of college students across the country and how those lessons apply directly to youth ministry today. Together, they explore why today's young people are experiencing a profound hunger for authentic friendship and meaningful relationships in an increasingly screen-shaped culture. John explains how FOCUS discovered the power of "affinity groups"—existing friend groups, teams, clubs, and communities—and why discipleship often flourishes when faith is introduced into relationships that already exist rather than trying to manufacture new ones. The conversation also dives into the concept of incarnational evangelization: entering into another person's world before inviting them into your own. Through practical stories from both college ministry and parish youth ministry, Pete, Annie, and John discuss how discipleship becomes more effective when leaders prioritize presence, trust, and authentic witness over programs and presentations. Most importantly, John reflects on a lesson that has shaped FOCUS since its earliest days: who we are in Christ matters more than what we do for Him. The fruitfulness of ministry begins not with strategy but with personal transformation, prayer, and a deep commitment to walking closely with Jesus. Whether you're a youth minister, volunteer, parent, teacher, or parish leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink how discipleship happens and encourage you to invest more deeply in the relationships already around you. Connect with Us * Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org [ydpodcast@netusa.org] * Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching * Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. * Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ [https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/] to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: * Who are the natural affinity groups in my ministry? * Am I trying to create relationships or strengthen existing ones? * Where can I enter into a young person's world before asking them to enter mine? * What aspects of my faith are being caught through my witness, not just taught through my words? * How am I prioritizing my own relationship with Christ as the foundation of ministry? Pray for the grace to see the relationships God has already placed around you and for the wisdom to accompany others through authentic friendship and faithful witness.

EP28: Enhance Your Ministry in 4 Days

What do ministry leaders need most right now? In this special episode of The YDisciple Podcast , Pete Burds and Annie Grandell reflect on the recent Youth Discipleship Sprint and share some of the biggest themes that emerged throughout the week. Drawing from conversations with youth ministers, diocesan leaders, volunteers, and parish staff from across the country, they unpack the challenges, questions, and opportunities facing the Church today. Pete and Annie discuss the intentional design behind the Sprint—from inspiring keynote sessions to practical workshops and collaborative working groups where ministry leaders wrestled with real-world challenges together. They share why peer learning, mutual support, and practical application are essential for creating lasting change in ministry. The conversation also explores one of the central insights from the event: we are ministering in a low-trust world. Drawing on insights from sociologist Dr. Josh Packard and other Sprint presenters, Pete and Annie discuss why many traditional approaches to ministry feel less effective today and why authentic relationships, listening, and trusted adult mentors may be more important than ever. Along the way, they highlight powerful takeaways from speakers like Anna Carter, John Zimmer, and Rick Grinstead, offering a hopeful vision for ministry leaders who may be wondering if their efforts are making a difference. Whether you attended the Sprint or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode provides encouragement, practical wisdom, and a reminder that meaningful discipleship still happens through relationships, trust, and authentic community. CONNECT WITH US * Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org [ydpodcast@netusa.org] * Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching * Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. * Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ [https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/] to learn more about the podcast. REFLECTION FOR THIS WEEK Ask yourself: * Am I using ministry approaches that truly meet the reality of today's culture? * Where do I need to spend more time listening before speaking? * Who are the trusted adults helping young people build meaningful relationships in my ministry? * What is one practical step I can take in the next 90 days to move my ministry forward? Pray for the wisdom to recognize the needs of the people in front of you and for the courage to meet those needs through authentic relationships, patient listening, and faithful discipleship.

EP27: What Happens When Great Ministry Minds Share a Room?

About this Episode What happens when ministry leaders are given the space not just to learn, but to be cared for? In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell pull back the curtain on the Youth Discipleship Sprint, an immersive gathering hosted by NET Ministries that brings together youth ministers, diocesan leaders, campus ministers, pastors, and faith formation leaders from across the country. Rather than creating another large conference experience, the Sprint is intentionally designed to be relational, practical, and deeply rooted in discipleship. Pete and Annie share the vision behind the Sprint, reflecting on why ministry leaders need more than inspiration—they need meaningful relationships, practical tools, and a community of peers who understand both the joys and challenges of ministry. They discuss the unique role of working groups, the importance of modeling discipleship rather than simply teaching about it, and how authentic hospitality can become a powerful form of ministry in itself. The conversation also offers a preview of the themes shaping this year’s Sprint, including sacred listening, incarnational ministry, transformational confirmation preparation, creating curiosity-driven content, and building teams of adults who can accompany young people in faith. Throughout the episode, Pete and Annie highlight a central conviction: discipleship is best learned through experience, relationship, and intentional accompaniment. Whether you're a youth minister looking for practical support, a parish leader seeking new ideas, or simply curious about how discipleship movements are forming leaders across the Church, this episode offers a hopeful vision for what can happen when ministry leaders gather not just to learn—but to grow together. CONNECT WITH US * Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org [ydpodcast@netusa.org] * Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching * Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. * Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ [https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/] to learn more about the podcast. REFLECTION FOR THIS WEEK Ask yourself: * Who are the ministry leaders, mentors, or peers helping me grow—and how am I investing in those relationships? * Where do I need more practical support, encouragement, or collaboration in my ministry? * How can I create spaces that prioritize genuine accompaniment and discipleship rather than simply delivering information? Pray for the ministry leaders who serve the Church every day. Ask the Lord to renew their strength, deepen their joy, and remind them that they do not labor alone.

EP26: “Can We Keep Kids Catholic?” with Fr Chad VanHoose

About this Episode Can you actually “keep” kids Catholic—or is that the wrong question entirely? In this episode of the YDisciple Podcast, Pete and Annie are joined again by NET’s chaplain, Father Chad VanHoose, to wrestle with one of the most common—and pressure-filled—questions in ministry and parenting. Together, they unpack the heart behind the question and challenge the assumptions built into it, especially the idea that faith can be controlled, managed, or guaranteed. Through honest conversation, they explore the tension between responsibility and surrender: doing everything you can to form young people in the faith while recognizing that their relationship with God is ultimately not yours to control. They highlight the dangers of a “formula mindset,” the importance of authentic witness, and the role of freedom in true discipleship. Rather than focusing on “keeping” someone Catholic, the conversation shifts toward a more life-giving mission: introducing young people to the person of Jesus and inviting them into a relationship that transforms over time. This episode offers both freedom and challenge—reminding leaders and parents alike that while we play a role, God is the one who ultimately draws hearts. CONNECT WITH US * Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org [ydpodcast@netusa.org] * Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching * Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts * Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ [https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/] to learn more about the podcast REFLECTION FOR THIS WEEK Ask yourself: * Where am I trying to control someone else’s faith journey instead of trusting God with it? * Do I approach discipleship more like a formula—or a relationship? * How am I personally growing in my own relationship with Jesus? This week, shift your focus from outcomes to presence—choose one moment to intentionally witness your faith through joy, prayer, or authentic conversation.

EP25: Going Off Script with YD Coaches, Molly & H

About this Episode What if the most impactful moments in ministry aren’t the ones you plan—but the ones you’re willing to follow? In this episode of the YDisciple Podcast, Annie Grandell are joined by YDisciple coaches Molly Gallagher and H. Dorian for another “Coaches at the Roundtable” conversation. Together, they explore what it really means to “go off script” in ministry—not as a lack of preparation, but as a deeper trust in the Holy Spirit and attentiveness to the young people right in front of you. Through real stories from the field, they unpack the tension between structure and flexibility: knowing when to follow the guide and when to follow the moment. They highlight how powerful it can be to prioritize relationship over content, to pivot when something isn’t landing, and to embrace the unknown with humility and authenticity. You’ll hear why going off script often leads to deeper trust, more meaningful conversations, and real transformation—and how even moments of uncertainty (“I don’t know”) can become the foundation for stronger discipleship. Whether you’re leading a small group, planning a retreat, or navigating real-time conversations with teens, this episode will give you the confidence to trust the process, trust the Spirit, and meet young people where they truly are. CONNECT WITH US * Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org [ydpodcast@netusa.org] * Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching * Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts * Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ [https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/] to learn more about the podcast REFLECTION FOR THIS WEEK Ask yourself: * Where am I relying too heavily on a “plan” instead of being present to the people in front of me? * How can I grow in trusting the Holy Spirit during conversations or ministry moments? * Am I creating space for authentic dialogue—or just trying to “get through” content? This week, practice letting go of control in one small moment—whether in prayer, conversation, or leadership—and ask the Holy Spirit to guide what happens next.