138| Welcome, Friendship, Mission: Curtis Martin on Evangelizing the Next Generation

In this episode, Melissa and Tom sit down with Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS, to explore what it truly takes to form missionary disciples in our time. Curtis shares his own journey back to Christ and back to the Catholic Church, the heartbeat behind FOCUS, and why evangelization begins not with programs but with people rooted in prayer.

He unpacks the simple, relational, and deeply biblical methodology FOCUS missionaries use to make disciples—one that works not only on college campuses but also in parishes. Through powerful stories, practical wisdom, and his signature analogies, Curtis casts a compelling vision for any parish longing to reach the lost and welcome them home.

Whether you're serving on a parish staff, volunteering in ministry, or simply longing for renewal in the Church, this conversation will encourage you to “get on the field” and step boldly into Christ’s mission.

Highlights

• Curtis’ prodigal journey back to Christ and the Catholic Church
• Why people are “doing worse than we think” and waiting to be rescued
• The simple, repeatable evangelization method modeled by Jesus
• Why friendship—not force—is the doorway to discipleship
• How daily prayer fuels all missionary effectiveness (“hot pot” analogy)
• The explosive fruit of FOCUS: vocations, missionary families, and spiritual multiplication
• The critical role of parish hospitality and why welcome is evangelization
• What parishes can learn from the momentum of FOCUS campuses
• How to build a culture where disciples make disciples
• Why evangelization is not osmosis—it's intentional, relational, and urgent

Chapters

00:01 — Welcome & Introduction
00:47 — Curtis’ Story & Passion for Evangelization
03:22 — Realizing He Was Lost
08:28 — Patterns in Students Whose Faith Comes Alive
11:35 — The Fruit of 28 Years: Vocations, Families & Mission
15:45 — Surfing the Wave of Renewal
16:44 — Why Catholics Need More Than Osmosis Evangelization
21:46 — The Story of Amy: The Power of Welcome
24:29 — Hospitality as Evangelization
29:19 — Placing Christ at the Center of Each Day
32:24 — How FOCUS Missionaries Evangelize
36:45 — Discipleship That’s Strategic, Systematic & Repeatable
43:25 — Momentum in Parishes & Campuses
45:32 — What Parishes Should Do First
48:26 — Collaboration Across Ministries
49:42 — Plugging Leaders Into Christ
51:34 — Where to Learn More & Closing Thoughts

Resources & Links

• FOCUS: https://focus.org
• Learn more about SEEK: https://seek.focus.org
• Rebuilt Parish: https://rebuiltparish.com

 

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