---
title: Episode 027 – The Alpha Approach to Evangelization with Jason Kidd and Rick Grinstead
description: Discover practical steps for building a welcoming church culture with Jason Kidd and Rick Grinstead.
---

[The Church Podcast ](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast)

# [Episode 027 – The Alpha Approach to Evangelization with Jason Kidd and Rick Grinstead](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-027-the-alpha-approach-to-evangelization-with-jason-kidd-and-rick-grinstead)

 Written by [Christopher Wesley](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/author/christopher-wesley) | May 27, 2025 11:51:01 AM

In this episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Jason Kidd and Rick Grinstead from Alpha USA for an honest and energizing conversation about what real evangelization looks like today. Drawing on their decades of experience in parish and diocesan ministry, Jason and Rick share how Alpha has transformed their understanding of outreach—not as a program to push, but a culture to cultivate.

Together, they unpack how radical (and even “unreasonable”) hospitality can lower barriers to faith, why evangelization starts with listening without judgment, and how creating space for real questions leads to real transformation. They share practical steps parishes can take to begin building a culture that welcomes the unchurched and equips leaders to accompany others. Plus, hear how a tattooed party host became the perfect Alpha emcee—and why you should probably leave the theologians off the mic.

If you're a ministry leader wondering how to shift your culture from programmatic to personal, or you’ve ever asked “What’s next after Alpha?”—this conversation is for you.

**KEY TAKEAWAYS**

- Why Alpha is more than a tool—it's a culture shift
- Hospitality that feels like home (and not a church basement with stale donuts)
- The importance of belonging before belief
- Best practices for starting Alpha in your parish
- Why the right volunteer isn’t the most knowledgeable—it’s the most relational
- How a parish in San Jose grew Alpha from a Zoom session to 300 guests in four languages
- The rise of the “silent revival” in Gen Z—and what it means for the U.S. Church

**CONNECT WITH JASON AND RICK**

- **Jason Kidd**: [@j6kidds on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/j6kidds)
- **Rick Grinstead**: [Rick Grinstead on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-grinstead-m-a-98821574/)
- Learn more about their work at alphausa.org/catholic

**RESOURCES RECOMMENDED**

- [*The Brothers Karamazov*](https://amzn.to/3FoU7dC) by Fyodor Dostoevsky (recommended by Jason)
- [*Big Dumb Eyes*](https://amzn.to/4kahfvl) by Nate Bargatze (recommended by Rick)
- [*House of David* ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DT4RL4T5/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r)– streaming series on Amazon (recommended by Rick)

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**Recorded on Riverside -**[HERE](https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley)

**A Little From Our Sponsors**

**SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS:** Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at[sockreligious.com](https://sockreligious.com/?ref=CHURCHPOD). Use CHURCHPOD and get 10% off your purchase.

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**MYM MERCH**: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit[HERE](https://parishgear.com/collections/marathon-youth-ministry?ref=mymgear) to see what we have.

 

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