EP31: Are Our Efforts Paying Off?

Every ministry leader has asked it: How do we keep young people Catholic? But what if that isn't actually the right question?

In this follow-up episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell continue reflecting on their conversation with Father Chad VanHoose, exploring why so many ministry leaders and parents carry this question—and what it reveals about our hopes, fears, and assumptions.

Together they examine how fear and anxiety can subtly shape the way we approach evangelization, and why Jesus consistently invites us into a posture of freedom rather than control. Instead of focusing on keeping people in the Church, Pete and Annie challenge listeners to ask a better question: How do we faithfully accompany people toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ?

The conversation also explores the tension between celebrating encouraging signs of renewal in the Church while recognizing the continued need for intentional discipleship. They discuss why baptisms and growing participation are worth celebrating—but why they are only the beginning of the journey.

Finally, Pete and Annie reflect on one of the hardest realities of ministry: watching young people walk away from the faith. They share practical wisdom for responding with compassion instead of panic, asking better questions instead of rushing to correction, and trusting the freedom God gives every person to respond to His invitation.

Whether you're a youth minister, parent, pastor, teacher, or volunteer, this episode offers a hopeful vision for ministering with confidence, compassion, and a deeper trust in the work of the Holy Spirit.

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Reflection for This Week

Ask yourself:

• Am I leading from trust in Jesus—or from fear about outcomes I can't control?
• How can I become more curious before offering correction when someone shares their story?
• Who in my ministry simply needs faithful accompaniment right now instead of a quick solution?

Pray for the grace to trust God with the people He's entrusted to you, to love them without fear, and to faithfully walk beside them as He continues His work in their hearts.