Taking Jesus and Young People Seriously

Send us Fan MailWhat would it look like if we actually took young people's faith as seriously as they're capable of living it? Jim and Meghan sit down with Eric Gallagher, husband, father of five, and executive director of Lolek Ministries, to talk about his own teenage conversion and the two decades he's spent helping young people build a real, lasting relationship with Jesus. From silent retreats to one-on-one spiritual mentorship, Eric shares why he believes "spiritual health" is a more useful measure than "spiritual life," and how a simple toolbox of prayer and discipleship can carry someone from high school through marriage and parenthood.What’s in this episode:Eric's teenage conversion story at a Steubenville conferenceThe priest and father who shaped his early faith formationSt. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life" as a turning pointGoing Deeper Retreats and the shift to one-on-one spiritual mentorshipWhy "spiritual health" is a more actionable term than "spiritual life"The new Spiritual Health Inventory tool from Lolek MinistriesA powerful story of three sisters transformed by quiet discipleshipThe danger of expecting fruit from young converts too soonFriendship and community as an antidote to spiritual isolationEric's toolbox approach to lifelong spiritual growthOne resource every Catholic family should know: The Hallow App, SOCA, Ignatian discernment resources, and Discerning HeartsBook he is currently reading: A study guide on St. Teresa of Ávila's "The Interior Castle"Favorite book: "Into Your Hands, Father" by Fr. Wilfrid StinissenAdvice to his younger self: Trust silence and trust prayer, and seek out St. Francis de Sales soonerFinal wisdom for listeners: Take honest stock of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life, then make time for a day or weekend retreatResources Mentioned:Lolek Ministries – Nonprofit focused on feeding the spiritually hungrySpiritual Health Inventory – New beta tool for assessing your spiritual health baselineIntroduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales – Classic guide Eric credits with transforming his own faithInto Your Hands, Father by Fr. Wilfrid Stinissen – Eric's top recommendation on trust and abandonment to GodThe Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Ávila – The classic Eric is currently working through via a study guideHallow App – Popular Catholic prayer and meditation appDiscerning Hearts – Resources on prayer, discernment, and spiritual formation Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.