This past week, I was at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. This annual gathering celebrates the mission to make faith matter for ten million young people in the next ten years, inspired by John 10:10. It’s an ecumenical effort that requires immense coordination and collaboration across denominations and organizations. Throughout the days we were together, there were moments of both discomfort and beauty.
Over the years, I’ve participated in several ecumenical events. Most times I’ve been welcomed as a Catholic, but there have been times in the past when I’ve been met with skepticism—or even a little coldness. I’ve heard questions like, “Does the pope know you’re here?” and “Do you all really worship Mary?” Early on in ministry, I didn’t know how to respond to that kind of curiosity or criticism.
At the same time, this movement is about centering leaders of color to reflect the beautiful diversity of God’s Kingdom. As a white man, that has meant learning how to get uncomfortable in ways I never expected. I used to think I wasn't a part of the problem, but throughout recent years, I’ve realized I have a lot to learn.
It would be far easier to stay in what’s familiar—a white, suburban, Catholic community—but that would be going against God’s will. Through TENx10 and Marathon Youth Ministry, I’ve learned the importance of getting uncomfortable so that I can be vulnerable, humble, and more like Christ.
Even in the discomfort, I was inspired and filled with hope. When we work through our differences, we don’t just find common ground—we start to see God’s Kingdom come to life. During the summit, we heard stories of God’s love transforming individuals, ministries, and churches that are proclaiming the Gospel in powerful ways.
In a time filled with uncertainty and chaos, the Truth still prevails.
The beauty of this experience was unity—the willingness to accompany, sit, and walk with one another despite theological, racial, or gender differences. People were willing to listen, to pray together, and to see one another as part of the same mission.
It’s experiences like the TENx10 Summit that remind me working harder isn’t enough. We can get lost in strategic planning and goal setting. While grit and strategy matter, what truly transforms us is our willingness to listen—even in the tension and discomfort—because what emerges from that space is something greater.
This summit reminded me of something I’ve been hearing from several sources lately:
If we truly want to bring Christ to the world, it’s not just about how well we can proclaim the faith—it’s about how well we can listen. Listening requires presence. And when we are consistently present, we become reliable. In a world of uncertainty, people are looking for stability.
Listening might look like sitting with a frustrated volunteer instead of rushing to fill a role, or asking parents what spiritual questions their teens are actually asking before planning your next series. It might mean listening to your pastor’s pressures before presenting a new idea, or asking your team what’s draining them before you add another event. Listening takes time, but it builds trust—and trust is the soil where discipleship grows.
If you want to know what to teach or share with the next generation, you first need to understand their reality. Every church leader should conduct a needs assessment for the people living within a two- to three-mile radius of their parish. When you know what’s important in their lives, you can speak to it, serve it, and become truly relevant.
Moving forward, we need to embrace discomfort so that healing can happen in our world. We also have to look for beauty—because despite all the challenges, there is so much hope.
Discomfort isn’t failure—it’s formation. It’s how God stretches leaders to see beyond what’s familiar and listen with love.
Don't lose hope, instead go out and find it. And maybe start small—this week, ask three people outside your ministry what they wish the Church understood about their life. Listen to their answers, ask some follow up questions, and take your time to build the relationships that will lead them closer to Christ.