<p><strong>Summary:</strong> </p><p>In this episode, hosts Jordan Biere, Jason Kidd, and Annie Grandell welcome <strong>Christopher Wesley</strong>, founder of Marathon Youth Ministry and author of <em>Rebuilding Confirmation</em>, for a compelling conversation on the <strong>often-overlooked role of sponsors</strong> in the Confirmation process.</p><p>Instead of viewing sponsors as a checkbox or afterthought, Christopher challenges us to think of them as <strong>mentors in discipleship</strong>—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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Notable Quotes:</strong></p><ul><li><p> “Invest in a community where people can find sponsors or just great role models to nurture the faith beyond Confirmation” -Christopher Wesley (42:25) </p></li><li><p>“You can’t force a relationship, but you can set the environment for it.” -Jordan Biere (32:18)</p></li></ul><li><p><br></p><p><strong>Special Guest:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Christopher Wesley</strong> – Catholic author and ministry consultant, best known for <em>Rebuilding Confirmation</em>, which encourages parish leaders to rethink outdated models and focus on relational ministry.</li></ul></li><li><p><br></p><p><strong>References &amp; Resources:</strong></p><ul><li><em>Rebuilding Confirmation: Because We Need More Than Another Graduation </em>by Christopher Wesley</li></ul></li><ul><li><p>Catechism of the Catholic Church 1311, 1255</p></li><li><p>Code of Canon Law,<strong> </strong>Canons 892-893</p></li><li><p>Pope Francis, <em>Christus Vivit, </em>Paragraph<em> </em>242</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Stay Connected:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Find Christopher Wesley at: <a href="http://marathonyouthministry.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">marathonyouthministry.com</a></p></li><li><p>Check us out: <a href="https://www.youthministrymindset.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">youthministrymindset.com</a></p></li><li><p>Get your FREE Confirmation Toolkit from Alpha Youth and YDisciple: <a href="http://confirmationtoolkit.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">confirmationtoolkit.com</a></p></li></ul><ul><li><ul><li>Learn more about Alpha: <a href="http://alphausa.org/youth/catholic" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">alphausa.org/youth/catholic</a></li></ul><ul><li>Learn more about YDisciple: <a href="http://ydisciple.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠ydisciple.com⁠⁠</a></li></ul></li></ul>