Episode 176: How Curiosity Transforms Evangelization + A New Resource to Elevate! Your Small Groups

What’s the secret sauce to evangelization? Aside from the Holy Spirit, it's curiosity—genuinely wanting to know and understand the person in front of you. When you show sincere interest in someone's story, experiences, and thoughts, you create space for authentic connection. This curiosity builds trust and opens the door to deeper conversations where faith can be shared naturally. Evangelization isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and letting relationships grow organically. To help you do this, our team has developed Elevate! (https://archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Elevate.pdf), a new small group resource designed for meaningful conversations with friends who aren’t ready for a traditional Bible study. In this episode, I sit down with Andy Dejka, the mastermind behind Elevate!, to explore how it fosters deeper dialogue. We discuss its unique four-week, four-person, four-question format, leadership requirements, and the heart behind its creation. Andy also shares his personal call to mission, including how running a stand at a local farmer’s market shaped his approach to evangelization. Join us for this insightful conversation on building real relationships and drawing people closer to the Lord. [01:25] Andy's Journey to Mission [04:16] Understanding Small Group Resources [08:41] Introducing Elevate: A New Approach [18:58] The Power of Curiosity in Evangelization [26:31] Real-Life Evangelization Stories [29:34] How to Get Started with Elevate Check out ArchOmaha.org/Lent/ (https://archomaha.org/lent/), Elevate! (https://archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Elevate.pdf), and Generosity (https://archomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Generosity-Study-Participant-Book-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.pdf). 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)