The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Brandon Hollern returns to unpack a topic many parish leaders avoid - but can’t afford to ignore: metrics. Brandon reframes parish numbers not as cold data points, but as indicators of real people, real stories, and real souls. Drawing from his experience at Church of the Nativity, Brandon explains how tracking attendance, giving, small groups, and serving helps leadership teams shepherd people more intentionally along a discipleship path. The conversation explores how metrics reveal what’s working, where growth is needed, and how parishes can respond with pastoral care rather than fear. If you’ve ever worried that tracking numbers feels “too business-like,” this episode offers a renewed perspective: numbers matter because people count - and faithful stewardship requires clarity, consistency, and courage. Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation   Key Takeaways: Metrics matter because people count. Every number represents a real person with a story, a soul, and a place on the discipleship pathway. Tracking numbers is an act of pastoral care, not a business practice. Metrics help leaders see who is engaged, who may be drifting, and where care or attention is needed. You can’t lead what you don’t measure. Attendance, giving, small groups, and serving provide directional clarity about whether your parish is helping people grow. Downward trends are not failures. They are invitations to respond, adjust, and shepherd more intentionally. Consistency matters more than sophistication. Start simple, track weekly, and build habits over time rather than waiting for a perfect system. Small groups and serving fuel discipleship and stewardship. Data consistently shows that engaged parishioners grow spiritually and give more generously. Volunteer metrics help leaders care for ministers, not just deploy them. Tracking service participation allows parishes to notice burnout, life changes, and moments for encouragement. Dashboards align the entire staff around the mission. Shared visibility reinforces that making disciples is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of role or title. Numbers tell stories when paired with context. Weather, seasons, life events, and parish rhythms all matter when interpreting data. Start where you are and grow from there. Even basic tracking can spark better conversations, clearer priorities, and more faithful leadership over time.   Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why metrics matter because people count 01:09 – When Brandon realized metrics are about shepherding people 02:11 – Using data to inform future parish decisions 03:07 – Overcoming the fear that metrics feel too business-like 04:04 – Using metrics to evaluate what’s working (and celebrate wins) 05:22 – When numbers trend down—and why that’s not a failure 06:24 – How Nativity identified a decline in serving and responded 07:29 – Where parishes should start with tracking metrics 09:00 – How Nativity tracks Mass attendance at scale 10:53 – Accounting for context (snowstorms, livestreams, anomalies) 13:50 – What small-group metrics reveal about discipleship 15:16 – Using data to trigger pastoral care, not just reports 17:16 – Tracking volunteer engagement and caring for ministers 20:03 – Reframing offertory as trust, commitment, and spiritual growth 21:57 – Why groups and serving lead to healthier parish finances 25:12 – Nativity’s weekly rhythm for collecting and reviewing metrics 27:04 – Dashboards as a discipleship alignment tool for staff 28:11 – Practical first steps for parishes just getting started 30:52 – Consistency over time: the long view of parish renewal Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish  Parish metrics, church data, Catholic parish leadership, discipleship tracking, church attendance, offertory trends, small groups ministry, volunteer engagement, parish dashboards, church analytics, pastoral care systems, Rebuilt Parish, Church of the Nativity, ministry metrics, parish renewal, making disciples, parish operations, faith and data, church leadership tools

Pastors carry more than most parishioners will ever see—and when they’re supported well, the whole parish gets healthier. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Henry White, Assistant to the Pastor at Church of the Nativity, to hear his faith story (including a very real season of wrestling with belief and the Catholic Church), how God opened an unexpected door into parish ministry, and what it looks like to support Father Michael White day-to-day. Henry shares the unseen pressures pastors carry, why a strong team matters spiritually and practically, and how small groups become real pastoral care in action—especially in a time when loneliness is everywhere. Looking to strengthen your leadership team? Download our free Leadership Evaluation to gain clarity, align your staff, and take your next faithful step forward. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome + Meet Henry White 00:47 — Henry’s faith story: conversion, discipleship, and coming back to the Church 04:29 — The “Nativity phone call” that changed everything 06:15 — How working closely with Father Michael has shaped Henry’s faith 08:35 — The unseen pressure pastors carry (and why staff support matters) 11:10 — Why teams + small groups help care for people beyond Sunday 11:36 — The pastor as “rock”: support that frees him to lead prayerfully 14:02 — Gifted teams help pastors focus on what only they can do 15:28 — A day in the life: messages, writing, edits, and rhythms of support 18:22 — A real difference-maker: small groups as pastoral support and belonging 23:25 — Simple ways to build stronger support around your pastor 25:28 — The traits that make someone thrive in a support role: humility + initiative 29:26 — Hope for the Church: conversions, passion, and healthier parish leadership Key Takeaways Pastors are one person carrying spiritual, relational, and leadership responsibility for many. A strong support team helps pastors lead more prayerfully and stay focused on mission. The best teams operate out of gifts and trust—when someone owns what they’re good at, the pastor’s plate gets lighter. Small groups provide real pastoral care and belonging, especially when loneliness is widespread. Support roles require a humble heart and a willingness to go the next step—often quietly, consistently, and faithfully. If you serve on a parish team—or wish your pastor had more support—share this episode with a staff member, key volunteer, or your pastor’s closest collaborators. The Church doesn’t thrive on leadership alone; it thrives when people serve together.   Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish leadership, assistant to the pastor, supporting pastors, parish staff, Church of the Nativity, Father Michael White, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, parish renewal, leadership teams, pastoral support, small groups, discipleship, Catholic conversion, Gen Z Catholicism, parish operations, healthy parish culture  

 What if conversations about giving felt less like “asking for money” and more like helping people talk with God about the gifts He’s entrusted to them? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Charlie Hiebler, Director of Stewardship for both Church of the Nativity and Rebuilt, to unpack a deeply relational—and deeply pastoral—approach to stewardship. Charlie shares how gratitude, visibility, and mission clarity can reshape a parish culture over time, why stewardship is really about people (not dollars), and how generosity becomes a real step on the pathway of discipleship. Looking to strengthen your leadership team? Download our free Leadership Evaluation to gain clarity, align your staff, and take your next faithful step forward. Chapters 00:01 — Welcome + Meet Charlie Hiebler 00:27 — Charlie’s background: banking, Loyola, and the “magis” 03:24 — Stewardship as prayerful discernment: helping people talk with God 04:29 — “It’s not about money”—it’s ministry, relationships, and mission 06:11 — Why Nativity felt different for Charlie’s family 09:59 — The joy of transformation through giving 10:16 — “Work the weekend”: being visible and meeting people where they are 11:50 — Why the development director shouldn’t be stuck counting money 12:14 — Coffee, lunch, and conversations that get deep fast 15:17 — Connecting people to parish care, small groups, and support 17:36 — Defining stewardship in gospel terms 20:34 — How Nativity shifted culture: STEPS and a focused stewardship weekend 23:50 — Humor + stewardship: the “Dr. Rick” parody and why joy matters 28:16 — Simple ways to start: gratitude, clarity, relationships, and presence 35:18 — Transformation story: an anonymous gift with ripple effects 39:12 — More than cash: a family heirloom offered for the next generation 41:57 — Hope for the Church: generosity evolving, not disappearing 44:29 — “Lead with your heart”: where your treasure is, your heart will be 46:56 — Final encouragement + how to reach Charlie Key Takeaways Stewardship is best framed as discipleship and discernment, not fundraising. Gratitude comes first: thanking people cultivates trust and joy. The work is deeply relational—when relationships grow, giving often follows naturally. Healthy parish culture shifts when stewardship is integrated into a clear discipleship pathway (like Nativity’s STEPS). Humor can disarm fear and help people experience generosity as joyful and faith-filled. Generosity isn’t only cash—people give through time, talent, and meaningful assets offered with love. Mentioned in the Episode Nativity’s STEPS discipleship pathway: Serve, Tithe/Give, Engage (small groups), Practice (prayer & sacraments), Share your faith Stewardship weekend as a focused annual moment of invitation and gratitude The power of storytelling and impact-sharing to connect giving to mission If this conversation sparked ideas for your parish—especially around building a culture of gratitude and generosity—share the episode with a pastor or staff member who carries stewardship in their role. Want to connect with Charlie? He invites parish leaders to reach out: charlie@rebuiltparish.com. Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic stewardship, parish giving, tithing, discipleship pathway, church fundraising, development director, parish renewal, generosity, stewardship weekend, donor relationships, parish culture change, gratitude in ministry, time talent treasure, Nativity STEPS, Rebuilt Parish, Catholic leadership, cheerful giver, Matthew where your treasure is, parish development, mission-driven giving

What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest? In this episode, Tom flips the script and sits down with Melissa to hear her story—from a “cradle Catholic” upbringing (and a surprising family connection to parish life), to an eighth-grade encounter with the Holy Spirit, to seasons of doubt, leadership lessons from Target, and the moment God pulled her back into the Church in a deeper way. Melissa shares the full-circle threads that shaped her vocation: The Purpose Driven Life, Walking with Purpose, discovering Rebuilt, and how a simple “don’t leave your church—change your church” nudge became a turning point. You’ll also hear how COVID-era webinars connected her to Rebuilt more directly, what it was like rebuilding a parish team from the inside, and the discernment that led her from local parish leadership to serving the wider Church through Rebuilt. Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation Chapters with Timestamps 00:01 Turning the tables: Tom interviews Melissa 00:06 Cold remedies: bone broth vs. raw garlic (and the “man cold”) 02:20 Behind the curtain: how Melissa usually prepares for interviews 02:46 Why this episode: hearing Melissa’s faith story 03:11 Growing up Catholic + Puerto Rican roots and a parish-planting surprise 04:07 An eighth-grade invitation to an evangelical youth group 05:06 Encountering the Holy Spirit + what felt different than CCD 07:04 “Devastated”: being told she couldn’t go back—and what she learned there 07:50 A stronger Catholic youth group experience in high school 08:16 Penn State years: faith drift, Mass inconsistency, and accessibility challenges 11:27 Doubts in college: The Da Vinci Code + youth minister scandal 12:59 Target leadership: running a $30M store at 25 14:04 Biggest leadership lessons: delegation, layers, accountability, follow-up 16:04 Anxiety, remodel season, and stepping away to start a family 17:49 A leap of faith: money, identity shifts, and learning to rely on God 20:10 Faith reignited: a faith-based company and praise & worship 21:10 2017 turning point: The Purpose Driven Life and “change your church” 22:40 Why she almost left St. Mary’s: welcome, kids ministry, and culture gaps 25:25 A mom’s prayers + The Word Among Us + learning Scripture 27:50 Pastoral Council, website rebuild, and the COVID connection to Rebuilt 29:42 Laying down a personal project: the faith journal “cease and desist” moment 33:49 Going full-time at the parish + NextGen rebuild 34:29 Rebuilding the parish team: culture, structure, and hard decisions 40:12 Lessons learned the hard way (including passwords and online giving!) 41:08 Discernment to join Rebuilt: “global impact” and a Holy Spirit-led opening 45:47 Favorite podcast guests: Rick Warren, Lisa, Jeff Cavins, partner parishes 47:29 Dream guests + Catholic voices she’d love to interview next 49:19 Wrap-up and thanks Key Takeaways Faith formation isn’t just information - it’s encounter and community. Melissa’s story highlights how fellowship, real conversation, and prayer can awaken faith in a lasting way. Leadership skills translate—when they’re rooted in mission. Delegation, clear roles, and accountability matter in parish life, especially when rebuilding culture and team health. God weaves “full circle” moments over time. Books, studies, and relationships that once shaped Melissa’s faith became part of her vocational path years later. Renewal often requires courageous change. Sometimes that means restructuring roles, setting standards, and making hard decisions for the health of the mission. Discernment happens in community. Melissa shares how prayer, pastoral conversations, and timely invitations clarified her next “yes.” Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson, Tom Corcoran, faith story, cradle Catholic, Catholic testimony, Holy Spirit encounter, youth ministry, Penn State Catholic, Our Lady of Victory, The Da Vinci Code faith doubts, delegation, accountability, parish staff leadership, parish renewal, Rebuilt book, Walking with Purpose, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, Jeff Cavins, Catholic discipleship, parish culture, church communications, parish website, COVID church ministry, NextGen ministry, rebuilding parish teams, discernment, vocation, Catholic leadership development, Hallow app, Jonathan Roumie, Craig Groeschel, Carey Nieuwhof

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   Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Curtis Martin, FOCUS Catholic, FOCUS missionaries, SEEK conference, Catholic evangelization, parish renewal, missionary discipleship, relational evangelization, friendship evangelization, making missionary disciples, Catholic young adult ministry, campus ministry, reaching college students for Christ, Catholic vocations, parish hospitality, welcoming parish culture, parish discipleship pathway, Catholic parish growth, Rebuilt Parish podcast, Church of the Nativity, strategic evangelization, repeatable evangelization model, Catholic leadership, Great Commission Catholic Church, evangelizing the next generation, small groups, Catholic marriage and family renewal.

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa sits down with longtime Church of the Nativity parishioner and volunteer minister, Eva Fiastro, who has been connected to Nativity for over 40 years (and whose husband goes all the way back to the “Mass-in-the-middle-school” days). Eva shares a vivid before-and-after picture of Christmas Eve at Nativity—from a stressful holy day of obligation with hidden nativity scenes, seat-saving battles, overflow rooms, and parking chaos… to a joyful, outward-facing celebration at the Maryland State Fairgrounds that welcomes thousands and puts newcomers first. Along the way, she walks through how a deeper embrace of mission, message series, hospitality ministries, layered leadership, and a bold move off-campus transformed one of the biggest days of the year. Eva also offers practical, low-cost ideas any parish can start using right away—from clean bathrooms and warm smiles to parking shuttles and clear preaching that invites people back. If you’re a pastor or parish leader wondering how to move Christmas Eve from obligation to celebration, Eva’s story will give you both hope and concrete next steps. Chapters & Timestamps 00:01 – Welcome & Introduction to Eva 00:39 – Eva’s Story: Family, Vocation, and Nativity Roots 02:58 – What Christmas Eve Used to Look and Feel Like 05:11 – Seat-Saving, Parking Lot Stress, and Unwelcoming Culture 07:10 – Hosting on Christmas Eve and Feeling the Frustration 08:58 – How The Purpose Driven Life Sparked Parish-Wide Change 10:53 – Growing a Culture of Service: Greeters, Hosts, and Coffee & Donuts 15:35 – Layers of Leadership and Building Hospitality Teams 19:15 – Overflow Rooms, Big Screens, and a Lack of Community 21:45 – The Bold Idea: Moving Christmas Eve to the Fairgrounds 23:14 – Outgrowing the Exhibition Hall and Moving to the “Cow Palace” 26:20 – Caring for Volunteers: Behind-the-Scenes Hospitality Suite 26:46 – Eva’s “Aha” Moment: The Candlelit Silent Night 29:44 – Christmas as Celebration, Not Obligation 31:02 – Evangelization at the Fairgrounds: Billboards and Invitations 32:00 – From Hidden Crèche to Front-and-Center Nativity 34:12 – Practical Advice for Pastors and Parish Leaders 37:04 – Final Encouragement: From Obligation to Celebration 38:37 – Closing & Christmas Blessing Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Christmas Eve Mass, Catholic parish Christmas ideas, Church of the Nativity Christmas Eve, Rebuilt Parish podcast, Nativity Maryland State Fairgrounds Mass Cow Palace Christmas Eve liturgy parish hospitality teams ushers greeters and hosts in church Catholic parish renewal Christmas Eve evangelization making Christmas Eve more welcoming from obligation to celebration holy day of obligation Christmas overflow seating for Christmas Mass parking lot ministry for churches volunteer hospitality for Mass Purpose Driven Life in Catholic parish message series for Advent and Christmas candlelight Silent Night tradition transforming parish culture at Christmas  

Tom and Melissa sit down with Jeff Cavins—Catholic speaker, author, and creator of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible. Jeff shares his powerful journey from leaving the Church to coming back to the Catholic Church with a renewed fire for Scripture. He talks about how people truly meet Jesus in the Church, why priests must preach so the Word lands in everyday life, and how Scripture moves people from passive pew-sitters to active disciples. Along the way, Jeff shares lessons from Mother Angelica, stories from his years as a pastor, and insights for every parish leader who wants to make Scripture come alive. Resources Mentioned The Great Adventure Catholic Bible – Ascension Press Hallow App – Daily Reflections with Jeff Cavins Jeff Cavins Website & Pilgrimages Bible in a Year Podcast (with Fr. Mike Schmitz & Jeff Cavins) Highlights Jeff’s journey: from Catholic roots to Protestant pastor and back home to the Church The prophetic bishop who told him, “You’ll be back to teach your people” Why relational preaching matters more than polished rhetoric The “Holy Osmosis” myth—why Catholics need to be taught how to read Scripture Practical ways priests can preach the Word so it connects to people’s lives How curiosity and empathy make great communicators The art of questions—how Jesus used them, and why you should too Moving parishioners from consumers to contributors What “innovators” and “early adopters” have to do with parish renewal Behind the scenes of Jeff’s new Great Adventure Bible Study, filmed on location Chapters 00:00 — Welcome & the Father Michael / Justin Jefferson laugh 01:00 — Jeff’s quick story: leaving and returning to the Catholic Church 03:50 — A prophetic bishop’s words and blessing the journey 10:10 — Why people don’t always meet Jesus in church—and what to do about it 14:42 — Teaching Catholics to read the Bible 17:47 — Preaching that opens the Word for daily life 23:16 — Stop talking to “one”: speak to you 27:45 — Asking questions that open hearts 29:15 — From stage fright to communicator: speaking to individuals 34:06 — Knowing Scripture and people’s burdens 40:29 — Moving pew-sitters to disciples 44:18 — Innovators, early adopters, and parish renewal 48:05 — The impact of The Great Adventure 52:09 — The new on-location Bible study 53:03 — Where to find Jeff & wrap-up Quick Takeaways Preach to people, not at them. Lead with relationship, not content overload. Every parent and priest should teach how to read Scripture. Great communication starts with listening and curiosity. Renewal begins with innovators and early adopters—start small, then multiply. Resources Mentioned The Great Adventure Catholic Bible – Ascension Press Hallow App – Daily Reflections with Jeff Cavins Jeff Cavins Website & Pilgrimages Bible in a Year Podcast (with Fr. Mike Schmitz & Jeff Cavins) Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish 

In this episode, Melissa talks with Casey Phillips and Micah Johnson from the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington, Kentucky — the first cathedral to partner with Rebuilt. They share their honest, often funny journey from “closet Rebuilt meetings” to a thriving culture of hospitality, alignment, and mission. Hear how they moved from simply maintaining programs to forming disciples, the practical steps that followed their Weekend Observation, and the ripple effects they’re already seeing in new volunteers, stronger leadership, and even newcomers discovering faith. 👉 Grab our free Weekend Experience Evaluation to assess your parish weekends and unlock simple changes that make every Mass more welcoming and impactful. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation  Key Takeaways Start with curiosity. Their journey began by asking, “What’s it like for someone new walking into our parish?” Fresh eyes reveal blind spots. The Weekend Observation gave clarity, affirmation, and a roadmap. Hospitality matters. A welcome desk became a visible sign of welcome — and led to eight OCIA inquiries. Vision casting changes everything. Positive picture > pushback from the “old guard.” Unified message = unified mission. A parish-wide series launched their new mission statement and recruited volunteers. Coaching creates accountability. Regular check-ins and goals kept the team aligned. Relationships sustain momentum. Coaches provided encouragement, prayer, and friendship. Immediate fruit. New volunteers, new engagement, and newcomers exploring faith. It’s not about perfection. Trust the process and the Holy Spirit. Renewal is worth it. A simple weekend visit became a catalyst for lasting growth. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup 00:22 – Meet Casey (Director of Evangelization) 01:09 – Meet Micah (Stewardship & Advancement) 02:16 – First Cathedral in Coaching 03:25 – Why Invite Rebuilt (Weekend Observation) 07:13 – First Impressions of the Observation Weekend 11:39 – What the Feedback Revealed 16:08 – Turning Feedback into Action 18:34 – Building a Real Welcome Desk 19:59 – Rethinking the Gift Shop for Hospitality 22:44 – Deciding to Start Coaching 27:42 – Early Fruit: OCIA Inquiries from the Desk 28:35 – Team Alignment & a Clear Mission Statement 32:16 – Launching a Unified Message Series 33:42 – Visible Impact & Outside Interest 34:35 – Coaching as Alignment & Accountability 36:00 – Personal Invitations that Recruit Volunteers 38:18 – Coaches as Partners & Friends 42:05 – Why a Weekend Observation Is Worth It 43:55 – Advice: Parish-Specific, Not One-Size-Fits-All 46:02 – Closing & Thanks Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish renewal, Rebuilt Parish, Cathedral of Christ the King Lexington, weekend observation, parish coaching, hospitality ministry, welcome desk, unified message, mission statement, evangelization, discipleship, parish leadership team, Lexington diocese, parish growth, volunteer recruitment, parish alignment, Catholic podcast

Jason Simon shares his journey from an evangelical Protestant upbringing to entering the Catholic Church—and ultimately leading Evangelical Catholic. He unpacks what “missionary discipleship” really means (hint: it’s not a buzzword), why true formation begins in communion (small, deep relationships), and how parishes of any size can build a replicable, dialogical process that sends everyday Catholics into mission at work, at the gym, and across their neighborhoods. Jason also offers a powerful “glory story” from Iowa that shows communion naturally spilling over into life-saving mission. Evangelical Catholic: evangelicalcatholic.org Contact Jason: jsimon@evangelicalcatholic.org ➡️ Take the first step toward renewal—get our free Weekend Experience Evaluation to identify what’s working, what’s not, and where your parish can grow. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation  Key Highlights From Protestant to Catholic: How family witness, Scripture devotion, and one-to-one mentoring opened Jason to the Church. Mutual enrichment: Why Protestants often mirror back Catholic “impoverishments” (Scripture, preaching, worship) and how Catholics offer sacramental/liturgical depth in return. Missionary discipleship ≠ cliché: A robust, heroic vision inspired by Evangelii Gaudium—formed laity sent into secular culture with love, zeal, and prudence. Formation flows from communion: Real formation happens in small groups / micro-groups / one-on-one, not large lectures. A replicable pathway: Communion → plan/curriculum → dialogical learning → daily prayer → bi-weekly one-on-ones → discern the who before the what. Glory story (Des Moines): A “baby believer” in a dads’ group reaches out—prompting a conversation that literally saves a life. Any parish can start: Rural or suburban, staff or no staff—assemble a small formation team and prioritize a repeatable process. Pastors’ role: Preach to awaken desire (not compulsion), make the “hot” disciples hotter, and trust them to accompany the lukewarm. Chapters with Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & guest intro (Jason Simon, Evangelical Catholic) 00:18 — Jason’s story: evangelical roots, Catholic conversion, mentor, and EC leadership 03:27 — Protestant strengths, Catholic riches & “mutual impoverishment” 06:36 — Family witness: lectionary after dinner & proactive evangelizing at home 10:13 — What is “missionary discipleship”? A robust, heroic vision 15:24 — Depth first: relentless relationships, learning the “language” of secular life 19:08 — Formation that starts in communion (small groups & real friendship) 21:30 — Plan + pedagogy + dialogue: why conversation forms people 24:24 — The formation rhythm: weekly meetings, daily prayer, one-on-ones 27:45 — Discern the who before the what—and support the missionary 28:45 — “Glory stories” from Iowa—communion spilling into mission 34:24 — Rural vs. suburban: different constraints, shared opportunity 37:30 — First steps for overwhelmed parishes: build a small formation team 40:20 — Pastors: preach to awaken desire for holiness & mission 43:44 — Preach to the disciples; let them accompany the lukewarm 46:27 — Vision casting: missionary disciples on the pastor’s team 47:27 — How to connect with Evangelical Catholic & closing Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    missionary discipleship, catholic small groups, parish renewal, Evangelical Catholic, Jason Simon, Evangelii Gaudium, catholic evangelization, forming disciples, lay apostolate, Rebuilt Parish podcast, parish coaching, catholic leadership, catholic preaching, pastoral strategy

Creative Director Kathy O’Leary (New Roads Catholic Community, MA) joins Melissa to share a decade of parish renewal experience: saying yes to coaching, building a weekend experience for newcomers, preaching in message series, and shifting staff from “doing ministry” to equipping ministers. Kathy unpacks Boston’s Disciples in Mission collaborative model, why New Roads chose its name from Pope Francis’ call to “create new roads,” and how clear goals + prayer (hello, 100 serve cards) catalyzed momentum. If you’ve felt alone, stuck, or second-guessed by the “old guard,” this conversation offers perspective, practicals, and a lot of hope. ➡️ Take the first step toward renewal—get our free Weekend Experience Evaluation to identify what’s working, what’s not, and where your parish can grow. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation  Key Takeaways Mission first, structure second: The Boston collaborative model gave permission to experiment—evangelization is the point, not just maintaining buildings. Outward over inward: Design every weekend assuming new people are present; that posture eventually attracts them. Equip the saints: Staff exist to build teams and layers of leaders, not to do all the work (prevents burnout and multiplies impact). Set goals and pray boldly: Coaching pushed New Roads to name a hard number for volunteer signups—and God met it. Fresh eyes matter: Outside coaching provides perspective, language, and accountability that accelerate change. Community beats isolation: Peer parishes and coaching cohorts remind leaders they’re not alone (think Moses’ arms upheld). One Church, One Message: Shared message series unifies across worship sites and keeps the parish focused on mission. Grace, not grind: Results belong to God; leaders can release both criticism and compliments to Him. Name signals mission: “New Roads” (inspired by Pope Francis) keeps the team oriented to reach the lost. Perseverance bears unseen fruit: We are “prophets of a future not our own”—keep going. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro  01:00 – Role & Responsibilities  05:01 – First Contact with Rebuilt  07:52 – Boston’s Disciples in Mission  10:33 – Rediscovering the Why  12:35 – Reaching the Lost Changes the Found  15:08 – Why “New Roads”  17:30 – Culture Shifts  19:34 – Equipping vs. Doing  20:27 – Let God Lead  22:00 – Coaching Wins  23:30 – Accountability & Community  26:40 – Two Sites, One Message 29:20 – Encouragement to Leaders:  31:00 – Wrap-Up & Thanks Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish renewal, Rebuilt Parish, New Roads Catholic Community, Disciples in Mission, Boston collaboratives, evangelization, discipleship, weekend experience, message series, one church one message, parish coaching, parish leadership team, volunteer recruitment, serve cards, accountability, culture change, Pope Francis “new roads,” equipping ministers, parish growth, Catholic podcast

In this very special (and longest-ever!) episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran sit down with legendary pastor and author Rick Warren — founder of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church. Rick reflects on how he mentored Fr. Michael White and Tom during the earliest days of the Rebuilt movement and shares wisdom from a lifetime of global ministry. Together, they discuss the five phases of renewal every church must go through, the future of evangelization leading to the 2000th anniversary of the Church in 2033, and how Catholics and Christians of every denomination can unite to “finish the task” of the Great Commission. This conversation is packed with encouragement, laughter, and timeless principles for parish renewal and disciple-making in every context. Key Takeaways: The Rebuilt Connection: How Rick Warren’s mentorship helped inspire the Rebuilt model of renewal and mission at Church of the Nativity. Five Renewals for Every Church: Personal, Relational, Missional, Structural, and Cultural renewal — and why they always begin in the heart of the leader. The Power of Unity: Why collaboration among Catholics, Evangelicals, Orthodox, and Pentecostals is essential to the future of evangelization. Finishing the Task: Rick’s new global initiative to fulfill the Great Commission by Pentecost 2033 — the 2000th birthday of the Church. Jesus’ Model for Ministry: Preaching, teaching, healing, praying, and building — the five actions every parish can emulate to transform its community. The Role of Pain in Evangelization: How God uses our struggles, not our successes, to connect with others and bring them to faith. Finishing the Task — Rick Warren’s global initiative for the Great Commission Get your FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation here: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation  Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction: The Rebuilt–Saddleback connection 03:00 – How Rick met Fr. Michael and Tom and why he believed in Rebuilt’s vision 08:00 – Rick’s early experiences with the Catholic Church and stories from the Vatican 11:00 – The five renewals that spark parish transformation 19:00 – Why structure must change as your parish grows 23:00 – God’s plan for renewal and why the Church will always endure 33:00 – The movement toward unity and the 2000th birthday of the Church 38:00 – “Finishing the Task” and the Great Commission Allies initiative 47:00 – What it means to follow the model of Jesus in ministry 55:00 – How the early Church grew without buildings or technology 1:12:00 – Evangelization through pain: witnessing from our struggles 1:22:00 – Reaching every people group before 2033 1:40:00 – “Come and See” to “Come and Die”: discipleship and mission 1:45:00 – Passing it on: the Rebuilt movement as part of a four-generation legacy Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Rick Warren, Rebuilt Parish, Church Renewal, Great Commission, Finishing the Task, Parish Growth, Purpose Driven Church, Evangelization, Parish Leadership, Discipleship, Unity, 2033 Church Anniversary

When Rebuilt first introduced the idea of preaching in message series to him, Fr. Mark Peacock wanted nothing to do with it. “How could I possibly talk about one topic for five weeks?” he remembers thinking. In this candid conversation, he shares how partnership, planning, and prayer helped him move from resistance to enthusiasm — and how preaching in series has transformed Holy Spirit Parish. Fr. Mark explains the teamwork that goes into every series with his associate Fr. Nick, the role of their communications staff, and the parish-wide systems that keep everyone — from the pulpit to the school — focused on the same mission. You’ll also hear practical ideas like Homily in a Minute videos, themed prayer cards, and small-group alignment that keep parishioners engaged long after Sunday. Key Takeaways Honest beginnings: Fr. Mark once called himself “the resistor.” His biggest fear — running out of content — vanished once he began planning collaboratively. Shared preaching: Two priests, one unified message. Fr. Mark and Fr. Nick align weekly on the Know / Feel / Do of each homily while adding their personal stories. Integrated planning: Every message series flows from the parish’s mission statement and strategic plan; annual retreats map themes across the year. From content to community: Pairing Rebuilt Faith with a parish-wide small-group launch gave Holy Spirit record participation and deeper discipleship. Creative communication: Short “Homily in a Minute” recap videos, printed prayer cards, and social-media posts reinforce the weekend message all week long. Lay collaboration: Communications, music, and ministry leaders meet to carry each theme through the school, religious ed, and parish life. Flexibility with resources: The team mixes original series (like Fruits of the Spirit) with customized content from the Rebuilt Content Library. Practical advice: Start small, use available tools, ask for help, and make the message your own — but don’t preach alone. Chapters 00 : 00 — Intro: Fr. Mark’s journey from resistor to advocate 01 : 08 — About Holy Spirit Parish: size, staff, and mission 04 : 03 — Initial hesitation: “How do I preach one topic for weeks?” 06 : 28 — Turning point: Collaborating with Fr. Nick and the team 09 : 00 — Planning the year: Themes rooted in mission and strategy 11 : 06 — Rebuilt Faith & small-group launch: Lenten momentum 13 : 46 — Writing and preaching together: Aligning message and tone 17 : 36 — Parishioner feedback: “Now I want to hear the next week!” 21 : 11 — How to connect each week: Recaps & reminders 23 : 06 — Homily in a Minute: Quick videos with big impact 26 : 28 — Creating original series: Fruits of the Spirit collaboration 31 : 00 — Extending the message: Prayer cards, emails, social media 33 : 07 — One message across parish and school: Shared Advent theme 35 : 19 — Next generation impact: Bringing series into the school 37 : 00 — Encouragement for pastors: “Ask for help and just start.” Resources & Links Rebuilt Content Library: Customizable message-series resources Rebuilt Faith book + small-group materials: [Insert link] Homily in a Minute examples from Holy Spirit Parish: [Insert link] Upcoming Rebuilt Workshops: [Insert link]   Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic preaching, Catholic homilies, message series Catholic church, parish renewal, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, homily planning, small group launch, Rebuilt Faith book, parish communications, Holy Spirit Grand Rapids, preaching team, Catholic leadership, parish mission statement, sermon series Catholic, Homily in a Minute, parish media strategy, clergy collaboration, Rebuilt Content Library.

What actually works in Catholic youth ministry right now? Dan DeMatte shares how Damascus is forming 30,000+ young people each year through high-adventure Catholic camps and year-round missions—combining ropes courses, paintball, and beach time with Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer labs, and small groups. We unpack the “culture of encounter” (with God and with one another), why play is a pathway to discipleship, and how parishes without a youth minister (or with frequent turnover) can still anchor teens in transformational experiences. Dan also previews the new Emmitsburg, Maryland camp and adult retreats that mirror the same encounter-driven model. Learn more about Damascus camps and all that Damascus has to offer: https://www.damascus.net/  Key Takeaways Encounter first, then formation: Damascus builds a culture of encounter—teaching teens to hear God’s voice, recognize Jesus in the Eucharist, and welcome the Holy Spirit—while also fostering authentic peer/community encounter. Theology of play: Good fathers play with their children—adventure + joy (ropes, zip lines, paintball) open hearts to deeper prayer and discipleship. Mass that engages: Daily camp Mass with quick “micro-catechesis” (e.g., epiclesis, penitential rite) and varied expressions (candlelight, men/women liturgies, robust worship) helps teens enter the mystery. Measurable fruit: Common testimonies include first-time experiences of hearing God, healing from anxiety/loneliness, and teens leading families back to Sunday Mass. Anchor experiences for parishes: With youth-minister tenure averaging ~18 months, parishes can anchor youth work with reliable summer camps/retreats to ensure continuity and momentum. Adult & team options: Damascus hosts women’s and men’s retreats (same encounter model + adventure elements); team-building options are available. Scale with excellence: “Start small, perfect, iterate, then scale.” Damascus now serves ~9,000 in summer and 20–25k during the school year across Ohio, Michigan, and Maryland. Local relevance: A vibrant Sunday experience at home is critical so teens can sustain what God did on the mountain. Get FREE Sample Access of Rebuilt’s Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content  Chapters 00:00 — Why this conversation matters: Youth ministry that actually bears fruit 00:32 — Dan’s calling & early story: From 7th-grade mission to a lifetime serving the young Church 06:35 — What pastors face: Cost, turnover, and why many give up on youth ministry 07:22 — “Secret sauce” (part 1): Culture of encounter (God + authentic community) 10:36 — “Secret sauce” (part 2): High-adventure faith & the theology of play 15:16 — A day at camp: Prayer lab, adventure blocks, micro-catechesis, Mass, adoration, small groups 19:20 — Outcomes: Healing, courage, and teens leading families back to Mass 22:25 — Scaling the mission: From one week of camp to three sites and 185 missionaries 26:49 — Parishes & anchor experiences: How to leverage camps/retreats when staff turns over 30:35 — Adult retreats & team impact: Women/men weekends, expressive prayer, confidence 32:50 — Maryland launch: Emmitsburg site, million-dollar adventure build-out, how to support 34:30 — Next steps: How to get your parish and teens involved Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic youth ministry, Damascus Catholic camps, high adventure Catholic camp, Emmitsburg Maryland Catholic camp, Catholic teen retreat, Eucharistic Adoration youth, Catholic summer camp ropes course, culture of encounter, theology of play, Catholic small groups for teens, parish youth ministry ideas, Catholic parish renewal, youth minister turnover, men’s Catholic retreat, women’s Catholic retreat, Rebuilt Parish podcast, Church of the Nativity.

Where do you start with parish renewal—and how do you keep it practical? Maria Pulitano unpacks Rebuilt’s Equip Courses: short, action-oriented video series with workbooks that help pastors and parish leaders take clear first steps (and next steps) across the Four Anchors of renewal. From onboarding new staff to aligning councils and launching small groups, Maria shares how parishes use these courses at their own pace to create unity, momentum, and measurable progress—without trying to “become Nativity.” Key Takeaways Clarity on where to start: Begin with Foundations to understand the Four Anchors, then choose the next course based on your parish priorities. Built for action, not theory: Each session includes tools, discussion prompts, and a simple action plan your team can implement right away. Paced for real parish life: 8–12 10–12 minute videos per course; watch weekly or batch—whatever fits your calendar. Whole-parish alignment: Use with staff, councils, volunteer leaders, and ministry teams so everyone shares a common playbook. Not “mini-Nativity”: Courses translate proven, widely applicable strategies so your parish becomes the best version of itself. Quick wins → lasting culture: On-ramps for small groups, Next Gen, volunteering, stewardship, leadership culture, and more. Great for onboarding: Speed up new staff formation and get councils on the same page about direction and values. Get FREE Sample Access of our Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content  What’s Available (and What’s Coming) Available now: Foundations • Leadership Strategies • Church Money (Finance & Stewardship) • Small Groups • Every Member a Minister (Volunteering) • Next Generation Coming soon: Grow Wider (reach the unchurched/de-churched) • Preaching in a Message Series Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Why It Matters: The heart behind Equip Courses. 00:56 – Maria’s Background: 30 years at Nativity; from ambassador to Head of Parish Transformation. 02:20 – What Are Equip Courses? Purpose, the Four Anchors, and practical design. 04:03 – How It Works: Video length, pacing, and the companion workbook. 05:16 – Course Catalog: What’s live now and what’s launching soon. 07:03 – Where to Start: Why Foundations first, then your chosen priority. 08:03 – Who Uses Them: Staff, councils, volunteers, and ministry leaders. 09:09 – From Idea to Action: Sessions with steps, tools, and team discussion. 10:01 – Not Mini-Nativity: Contextualizing strategies for any parish. 11:48 – Results on the Ground: Onboarding, small-group launches, Next Gen upgrades. 14:03 – Bigger Picture: How Equip fits Rebuilt’s mission to make disciples. 15:15 – Low-Lift Start: One session a week = real momentum in 8 weeks. 17:07 – How to Get Started: RebuiltParish.com → Get Equipped. Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish renewal, parish leadership training, Rebuilt Equip Courses, Four Anchors, Catholic small groups, parish stewardship, volunteer ministry, Catholic Next Gen ministry, preaching in a message series, parish council onboarding, Catholic discipleship pathway, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish resources.  

How do you help parishioners move from consumers to disciples? Tom Corcoran shares the story behind STEPS (Rebuilt’s simple path of discipleship), why he and Fr. Michael wrote Rebuilt Faith for people in the pews, and how a new YouVersion Bible App plan makes daily formation easy and communal. You’ll hear how Nativity and partner parishes have used STEPS to launch small groups, increase serving and generosity, and sustain a culture of renewal—plus details on Global Bible Month and YouVersion’s Beyond a Billion celebration.   Join us in the Rebuilt Faith Bible plan on the YouVersion App: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/62006 Key Takeaways STEPS = action. Discipleship is a journey of concrete practices (serving, giving, small groups, prayer, evangelization) that change people and parishes. Personal + corporate = momentum. Rebuilt equips leaders; Rebuilt Faith equips parishioners—together they align culture and accelerate renewal. Proven fruit. Nativity saw ~1,000 people join small groups during a Rebuilt Faith push; partner parishes report hundreds more—with rises in serving and giving. Small groups multiply impact. Group participants are more likely to serve and give; community fuels growth in every STEP. YouVersion makes it daily & shared. The 30-day Rebuilt Faith plan lets individuals or small groups read together, comment daily, and stay connected. https://www.bible.com/  Free and accessible. The Bible App is donor-supported and free for parishes and parishioners—an easy on-ramp for formation. Renewal takes time. Keep teaching STEPS regularly; new people are always arriving, and veterans need periodic renewal. Contextualize wisely. Use STEPS as a clear model, then adapt language and stories to your local context. Get FREE Sample Access of our Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content  Chapters 00:00 – Intro: STEPS, Rebuilt Faith, and the YouVersion partnership. 00:30 – Why STEPS: Origins of the discipleship path and why it’s verb-driven. 02:20 – Why Rebuilt Faith: A book for people in the pews that complements Rebuilt for leaders. 04:36 – Practices, not obligations: Serving, giving, prayer, groups as formation. 06:22 – Parish impact: Nativity’s small-group surge; culture of engagement. 08:29 – Partner parish fruit: Stories of growth in groups, serving, generosity. 12:57 – Big news: The Rebuilt Faith 30-day YouVersion plan and how to use it in groups. 15:21 – Global Bible Month: November challenges and “Beyond a Billion” celebration. 18:14 – One mission, many partners: Ecumenical collaboration for making disciples. 19:28 – Why STEPS matters most: A simple handle for everyday discipleship. 22:18 – Generosity & surrender: How giving (and each STEP) forms the heart. 26:17 – Culture you can feel: Critical mass of disciples changes the parish. 31:57 – What’s next & resources: Plan launch timing, series, kits, and speaker options. Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish renewal, discipleship pathway, STEPS Rebuilt, Rebuilt Faith book, YouVersion Bible App, Global Bible Month, Catholic small groups, parish generosity, serving in parish ministry, Catholic evangelization, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish resources, message series, parish culture change, Bible reading plan for Catholics.  

“Sunday is always coming.” In this episode, Colleen Droney shares how Rebuilt’s Content Library helps pastors and parish teams preach in message series aligned to the Catholic lectionary, launch small groups, and support Children’s Liturgy of the Word—without starting from scratch. Colleen traces the Library’s roots at Church of the Nativity, explains the “One Church, One Message” framework, and offers practical ways parishes can adapt transcripts, summaries, and planning tools to their unique context. You’ll also hear real-world wins (including a pastor who prepped months of homilies ahead of a new assignment) and simple on-ramps for teams just getting started. Get FREE Sample Access of our Content Library to try it out for yourself! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/content  Key Takeaways Start with series, not add-ons. Greeters and cafés help, but preaching in a message series is often the single most catalytic shift for parish culture and discipleship alignment. One Church, One Message. Homilies, small groups, and kids’ lessons move together around the same Scripture/series so the whole parish hears a unified call to discipleship. Built for Catholic parishes. Content is organized by liturgical year and season and tracks with the lectionary (with notes for annual nuances). From busy to better. Ready-made summaries, transcripts, Know/Feel/Do, videos, and lesson plans remove friction so pastors and message teams can focus on people, prayer, and proclamation. Adapt, don’t copy. Use the framework and Scripture alignment, then add local stories and your parish voice for authenticity. Team sport. A message team can plan ahead (Nativity meets weekly + seasonal planning), support multiple preachers, and ensure consistency across Mass times. Plan ahead with confidence. A long-range planning calendar (readings + suggested series) gives pastors and DREs a clear runway for Advent, Lent, and beyond. Quick win pathways. New to the Library? Pilot a 3–5 week Advent or Lent series, or start with small groups that follow the weekend message. New training. The forthcoming Equip Course: Preaching in a Message Series walks leaders step-by-step through the approach and planning rhythm. We’re here to help. Free sample access is available; Rebuilt’s team can coach you on tailoring content to your parish. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Why this conversation matters for overwhelmed pastors. 00:27 – Colleen’s Story: Parishioner → minister → Rebuilt staff; pandemic pivot and global reach. 03:23 – Heart for Pastors: Tackling isolation; walking alongside leaders. 05:45 – Origin of the Content Library: From Nativity’s archives to a scalable resource. 08:26 – What’s Inside: Homily/message series, small groups, Children’s Liturgy, support docs. 09:18 – Why It’s Different: Lectionary-aligned, organized by season & liturgical year. 12:38 – How It Fits Together: “One Church, One Message” across weekend, groups, and kids. 14:52 – On-Ramps for Beginners: Start with Advent/Lent; reduce Sunday prep stress. 16:05 – Success Story: Pre-planning months of homilies for a new assignment. 18:50 – Why Start with Preaching: Culture change begins from the pulpit. 20:42 – A Blessing, Not a Burden: Curated tools that buy back time. 21:43 – Practical Planning: The big calendar (“the beast”), teamwork, and workflow. 26:31 – Free Sample & Equip Course: Try the Library; training for message-series preaching. 27:49 – Where to Find It: RebuiltParish.com → Get Equipped → Content. 28:42 – Final Encouragement: Start small, adapt locally, and unite your parish around the Gospel. Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish renewal, preaching in a message series, homily series, lectionary-based preaching, Catholic liturgical year, small group ministry, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, One Church One Message, discipleship pathway, parish message team, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish Content Library, Advent series, Lent series, Catholic preaching resources, parish leadership, Sunday planning, Know Feel Do framework, Catholic DRE resources, pastor support.  

How do you build a worship culture—not just a music set? In this Rebuilt Conference breakout, worship leader Simon Piles (Church of the Nativity) shares a practical, parish-tested playbook for clarifying vision, recruiting and developing a team, aligning tech and space (including using lighting as “architecture”), and creating campus-wide moments that form people in praise. He makes a clear case that excellence in music is evangelization—great music lowers the barrier for the unchurched to step into church and encounter Christ. You’ll hear why vision comes before volunteers, how talent attracts talent, when to pay musicians (and how to care well for volunteers), and simple ways to embed worship beyond Sunday—like student band leadership and open-mic worship nights. If you’re ready to raise the praise and reach those not yet in the pews, this conversation offers clear, concrete steps you can start this month—with a humble, honest tone aimed at pastors and parish leaders who want to lift hearts to God. Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session this Fall: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops   Key Themes Vision first: Define what you want music to do for the weekend and message before you build the team. Who you’re reaching: Program for the unchurched/seekers (Nativity’s “Timonium Tim”)—music as invitation. Play to your space: Fit your approach to architecture, acoustics, and tech; lighting can function like “architecture.” Short- and long-term tech plan: Name what’s possible now, and what upgrades are needed to serve the vision later. Team + leader: Invest in a leader and a bench; cultivate “layers of leaders” so the ministry isn’t fragile. Skill, worship heart, team player: Aim for all three—don’t compromise on skill. Evangelize your musicians, too. Paying musicians vs volunteers: Why paying can stabilize quality/availability, and how to pastor volunteers well. Campus-wide culture: Concerts, summer worship nights, staff/ministry events with worship, and open-mic worship nights. Next Gen pipeline: Student band leadership forms future worship leaders and normalizes praise among youth. Leadership alignment: Music leaders must be at the table for parish-wide vision; worship is not a silo. Chapters 0:00–0:47 — Intro: Rebuilt Conference breakout, “Creating a Worship Culture: Raise the Praise” 1:03–2:29 — Why vision precedes team building 2:41–4:11 — Who are we reaching? (“Timonium Tim”) 4:47–6:46 — Play to your space; lighting as “architecture”; tech planning 6:49–8:17 — Bring tech into the vision early; recruit tech-minded volunteers 8:48–10:02 — Team vs. “star”: you need both (leader & team) 10:02–12:16 — Layers of leaders; seamless transitions over decades 13:04–14:55 — The 3 qualities: skill, worship heart, team player 14:55–17:44 — Pay vs. volunteer; consistency, availability, and investing in excellence 18:02–21:04 — Campus-wide culture: concerts, summer worship series, worship at staff/minister events 21:04–24:18 — Student band & open-mic worship nights (every other month) 24:19–25:50 — “Nativity’s way isn’t the only way”—but great music draws people; leadership alignment Tags / Keywords: worship culture, Catholic worship, parish music ministry, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish, worship leader, music ministry recruiting, paying church musicians, lighting in worship, tech for churches, student band, open-mic worship night, parish renewal Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!  “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish   

In this episode, Biblical scholar Dr. Mary Healy pours into pastors and parish leaders on cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and how that relationship drives parish renewal. She shares how Confirmation is meant to “perpetuate the grace of Pentecost,” why many never experience its full fruit, and how leaders can move parishes from maintenance to mission. From preaching that majors on the mighty deeds of God to creating safe spaces for charisms (prophecy, healing, discernment), Dr. Healy offers practical steps, stories, and a powerful prayer of impartation for listeners.   Key Takeaways: Model friendship with the Holy Spirit. Share concrete, current examples (“Here’s how the Spirit prompted me this week…”). Pray—and pause. Begin meetings: “Come, Holy Spirit,” then leave actual silence for Him to move. Reframe preaching. Major on what God has done—the Gospel’s power—then invite a clear response. Teach charisms. Offer a talk/workshop or short homily series; explain gifts and how they build up the Church. Create safe practice spaces. Praise & worship/adoration nights with guided discernment; small groups that read Scripture (esp. 1 Cor 12–14) and practice gifts. Plan light-touch evangelization. Send parishioners out two-by-two to pray with people who are open; debrief and celebrate fruit. Choose on-fire leaders for key ministries. Especially OCIA—place radiant, prayerful disciples where seekers first land. Guard the team’s heart. Bring complaints to the Lord, end in praise, practice daily forgiveness, and ask to see people as He sees them.   Connect with Dr. Healy: https://www.drmaryhealy.com/    Books by Dr. Healy Healing: Bringing the Gift of God’s Mercy to the World: https://a.co/d/dIPSXUA  The Spiritual Gifts Handbook: Using Your Gifts to Build the Kingdom: https://a.co/d/9kYFZ4I  The Gospel of Mark Commentary: https://a.co/d/e0tu15D  Hebrews Commentary: https://a.co/d/e2Hdf16  Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & intro to Dr. Mary Healy 02:25 – Knowing the Holy Spirit personally 03:33 – Confirmation & Acts 8: origins and obstacles 05:27 – Pentecost power (Acts 2): joy, boldness, gifts 06:55 – From striving to yielding: ending “white-knuckle” faith 10:31 – Pastors as witnesses; moving hearts, not just minds 13:38 – How to open meetings to the Spirit (pray, then pause) 16:06 – Learning to recognize the Lord’s voice; “God winks” 21:22 – Charisms: teaching, testing, practicing in parish life 24:05 – Small groups that exercise and discern gifts 25:13 – Evangelization two-by-two; stories from the field 30:18 – Luke 10: authority over the enemy; Jesus rejoices 35:26 – Preaching: indicative vs. imperative 39:30 – Staffing key roles with radiant disciples (OCIA) 41:33 – Deepening your interior life as a leader 46:46 – Prayer of impartation for listeners   Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish   

In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Cynthia Marr, longtime music director at Ascension Parish in Sudbury MA, to talk about one of the most vital elements of the weekend experience: music. Cynthia shares her decades of experience in parish music ministry, what she learned from attending the Rebuilt Conference and visiting Nativity, and how her parish has transformed its worship culture. From adopting praise and worship as the primary repertoire to seamlessly integrating screens in a traditional sanctuary, Cynthia explains how excellent music creates energy, evokes emotion, and makes the weekend message stick. If you’re a pastor, music director, or parish leader looking to strengthen your liturgy and engage your congregation more deeply, you’ll be inspired by Cynthia’s insights and practical strategies. See Cynthia’s worship team in action here: https://youtu.be/wV2-v75MbFY    Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session in September: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops  Key Takeaways Music shapes memory. People remember messages more when paired with music, humming refrains long after Mass ends. Consistency builds participation. Keeping a set of songs for several weeks helps congregations learn and sing confidently. Excellence matters. A strong sound system, prepared musicians, and professional rehearsal practices elevate the entire parish’s worship. Screens can unify. With thoughtful placement, screens help people look up, engage, and sing together without being obtrusive. Recruitment never stops. Building a “bench” of musicians and investing in relationships ensures sustainability in music ministry. Vision drives culture. Music aligned with the pastor’s vision and parish mission creates a unified weekend experience that attracts and retains parishioners.   Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish   

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lisa Brenninkmeyer, founder of Walking with Purpose, to hear her powerful story of faith, conversion, and mission. Lisa shares her journey from an evangelical Protestant background to embracing the Catholic Church, the struggles she faced with poor formation and belonging, and the transformative moments that shaped her ministry. Together with Tom and Melissa, Lisa explores the treasures of Catholic faith—especially the Eucharist, redemptive suffering, and authentic community—and how these truths equip lay leaders to evangelize and disciple with confidence. Catholic pastors and parish leaders will find encouragement in Lisa’s insights on leadership, discipleship, and creating intergenerational “sisterhood” within the Church. Her story reminds us that Jesus calls us not to transactional religion but to deep, life-giving transformation. Learn more about Walking with Purpose:  Hope for Right Now: A Walking with Purpose podcast Heart of Vines book link Heart of Vines Masterclass link Website: https://walkingwithpurpose.com/ Social: Instagram: @walkingwithpurpose_official FB: www.facebook.com/walkingwithpurpose X:https://x.com/walkingwpurpose Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/walkingwpurpose/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/WalkingwithPurpose_official Key Takeaways Conversion is less about information and more about belonging and transformation. Poor RCIA or weak parish hospitality can leave wounds—but God redeems them through authentic community. The Eucharist as daily nourishment is central to Catholic discipleship. The Catholic Church offers a unique and life-changing perspective on redemptive suffering. Lay leaders are essential in evangelization because they are closest to those outside the Church. Pastors and parish leaders must stay connected to people—small groups and one-on-one ministry reignite mission focus. Gen Z brings great hope with their hunger for authenticity, dignity, and deeper questions of faith. Chapters 00:01 – Welcome and introductions 00:54 – Lisa’s Protestant upbringing and journey into the Catholic Church 04:38 – Early struggles: lack of belonging and poor formation 07:59 – Leading seekers and facing opposition abroad 12:41 – The beginnings of Walking with Purpose 19:30 – Discovering Catholic treasures: Eucharist, saints, redemptive suffering 23:55 – How Walking with Purpose transforms women’s lives 28:29 – The call to love, listen, and lead women in faith 31:28 – Leadership lessons: protecting what fuels your ministry 36:35 – What gives Lisa hope: the faith and openness of Gen Z 40:24 – Final thoughts and encouragement Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Hashtags #RebuiltParish #CatholicLeadership #ParishRenewal #WalkingWithPurpose #CatholicPodcast #MakeDisciples #ParishLife #CatholicEvangelization Keywords: Catholic parish renewal, discipleship, Walking with Purpose, women’s ministry, Catholic evangelization, parish leadership, conversion story, Eucharist, redemptive suffering, lay leadership, small groups, parish community, Lisa Brenninkmeyer