The Church Podcast

The first week of a new employee starting a new job is one of the most critical times. The first week can often set them up for success in your ministry. Therefore, it's important to have an intentional plan for onboarding your new hire. In this episode, Chris and John walk through what the first day and the first week should look like for your new staff member so that they can thrive in their new ministry under your leadership.

A requirement for leadership in the Church is the need for flexibility and creative thinking. COVID has required us to test our resilience and brought us into a realm of discomfort. In this episode, Chris and John discuss the need to embrace the pain of change now before the pain becomes even harder later because we choose not to change now. In this episode, we refer back to the following podcast episode: Creating a Personal Growth Plan

As we enter into a more polarized society both in the secular and religious realm, the need for the Church to step in with an open heart and a listening mind is crucial. In this episode, we discuss how our parishes can walk the fine line of sharing truth while doing it in a trusting and open setting where dialogue and discussion are encouraged and welcomed. In this episode, we refer back to the following podcast episode:       Judgement, Social Media, and Christ

It may be October, but now is the time that we should be planning for Advent and Christmas in this interesting year of 2020. In this episode, we are joined by special guest Rich Curran from Parish Success Group to talk about the steps we should all be taking in preparation for this special season as we plan for a hybrid Mass experience. In this episode, we reference Fr. Bob Chorey's daily reflection as a tool to try during Advent.

In this episode, Chris shares how we managed to keep 80% of his pre-COVID young people involved in his parish youth ministry by being innovative. He walks through his process of focusing on evangelization and outreach, while developing a new subscription based model of formation that invites young people to engage in small groups throughout the year. Specifically, Chris shares in detail what his “subscription box” looks like that he gives to all families engaged in youth ministry. SUBSCRIPTION KITS INCLUDE: Something fun (e.g., candy, youth ministry gear) Sacramentals (e.g., rosary, prayer rocks) Journal & Pen Content for reflection and discipleship Something seasonal In this episode, we refer back to the following resources: Small Groups from Scratch: A Church Podcast Series Rebuilding Youth Ministry

Evangelization in a post-COVID church needs to be re-energized. Here we discuss that the opportunity to evangelize is high as people are dealing with so many traumatic issues in their lives. How do we meet them where they are at so that they recognize that God is there for them? In this episode, we refer back to the following resources:   Small Groups from Scratch: A Church Podcast Series Neighborhood Evangelization with Tony Vasinda

In this episode, Chris and John discuss strategies to create more effective communication within your parish staff. In so doing, you intentional begin to create more effective external communication. In this episode, we refer back to the following resources:   Episode #10: Leading Meetings Well Books by Patrick Lencioni

Since COVID began, Catholic parishes have been a force in the digital space. As COVID begins to loosen up, it is becoming clear that our shift to digital needs to become a permanent part of our ministry efforts. But what does that look like? In this episode, we begin to explore exactly what that looks like and what are some of the first steps we can take to get there. For a sample job description click HERE

The reopening of our churches has been slow. Numbers in the pew and faith formation are much lower than expected? Are they coming back? Some data suggests that they aren't ready to come back to church. So what are we to do? How do we rise to the occasion? In this episode, Chris and John discuss the opportunity that has arisen because of COVID and suggests some further strategies as it becomes clear that people will not be coming back in the same numbers as they were in February 2020. In this episode, we refer briefly to the previous podcast episodes with Doug Tooke:   Episode 21: The Realities of Rural Ministry Episode 68: Using Multi-Media Tools in the 21st Century Ministry

In this fourth episode on Pastoral Councils, Chris and John delve into the topic of how we choose and discern pastoral council members. We discuss the need to develop a discernment committee, have discernment interviews of potential council members, and more. Join us for our upcoming master class on Leveraging and Structuring Pastoral and Finance Councils for Parish Growth. Begins October 20, 2020.

John and Chris continue their conversation on structuring your Pastoral Council. In this episode, we focus in on developing sub-committees to help enhance your parish and to set up your parish from success and growth. Join us for our upcoming master class on Leveraging and Structuring Pastoral and Finance Councils for Parish Growth. Begins October 20, 2020. In this episode, we refer back to the following podcast episodes:   Leading Meetings Well Effective Use of One on Ones

In this second episode on parish councils, we begin to discuss how to structure a council so that it is functional and set up for success. We share specifically how many members should be on the council, what the term limits look like, how often they should meet, and what should be in the agenda.

In this episode, we begin a series on the topic of developing and managing a parish council. In this first episode, we address the purpose of a parish council and why every parish needs one.

This summer has been like no other. With social distancing and ministry being totally upended, many ministry leaders are rightfully tired. In this episode, Chris and John share strategies to find rest and to rejuvenate so that we can continue to bring our best to our ministry.

To stay balanced and effective as a minister, vacation is an important tool for each of us to embrace. Yet, too many of us don't take a vacation. Ministry takes energy and work. As ministers, we should be intentional about how we relax and rejuvenate so that we come back to our ministry more energized and focused. In this episode, John and Chris share best practices when it comes to taking the vacation you deserve.

The circumstances of today don't allow us to connect with parishioners like we usually do. We limited Masses irregular face-to-face interaction; we have to rethink how we are recruiting and invite volunteers into ministry. In this episode, Chris shares how we can effectively recruit volunteers when we can't do it face-to-face. In this episode, we reference: Chris' blog post on Marathon Youth Ministry; Volunteer Job Description Templates PSG's master class on Recruiting, Training, and Sustaining Volunteers For Missionary Discipleship

As it becomes more clear that COVID will continue to impact Catholic parishes and Dioceses in the United States, we have to continue to plan for our ministries from a point of realism. We cannot plan formation like we have in the past. In this 2-part episode, Chris and John continue to explore creative ideas for formation to children, youth, and adults in this continually ambiguous time. This includes considering formation in hybrid models that includes onsite, in homes, and digitally. We reference this video from the Thrive Conference in this podcast.

As it becomes more clear that COVID will continue to impact Catholic parishes and Dioceses in the United States, we have to continue to plan for our ministries from a point of realism. We cannot plan formation like we have in the past. In this 2-part episode, Chris and John continue to explore creative ideas for formation to children, youth, and adults in this continually ambiguous time. This includes considering formation in hybrid models that includes onsite, in homes, and digitally. We reference this video from the Thrive Conference in this podcast.

In the release of the new Directory for Catechesis, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, suggested that their are 3 obstacles to effective catechesis. In this episode, Chris and John delve into the 3 obstacles, name the implications for pastoral leaders, and, as a bonus, offer a fourth obstacle that must be overcome if our parishes are to be evangelizing in nature. This podcast episode refers to numerous references, including:   Don't ‘blackmail' kids into coming to church, archbishop says [article] Will Restored Order Fix the Confirmation Problem? [podcast] Restored Order from a Theological Perspective [podcast]

Well functioning pastoral and finance councils are necessary if a Church is to be successful. In this episode, Chris and John talk about why inviting members to be on your council is much more effective than having an election process.

Rich Curran, Executive Director of the Parish Success Group, joins Chris and John for a conversation around the future of the Catholic Church in a COVID and post-COVID world. Rich argues that parishes will need to reassess their models and ministries to adapt to the new culture we are in, including looking at how we offer Mass, rethinking programmatic offerings, and shaking up old models that will not work moving forward.

Special guest Dr. Leonard deLorenzo joins co-hosts Chris and John as they explore the definition of Co-Responsibility in the Catholic Church and its implications for parishes and dioceses. Lenny shares new forms of shared leadership that allow the faithful to live out their baptismal call as co-responsible for the mission of evangelizing the world. Lenny is a faculty member at the University of Notre Dame and is part of the team at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, which is hosting a summer series on Called and Co-Responsible: Summer Seminars for Church Life Renewal. He is also the author of many books, including his latest release, A God Who Questions.

"I do not share the fear they put on when they and their children leave their homes every day” -Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago Dr. Ansel Augustine joins Chris and John in this episode to break open the topic of racism and justice in our communities. Stemming from his experience as a Black Catholic in a Black community, Dr. Augustine shares small and practical ways that parish leaders can discuss racism in our ministries, noting that it will be uncomfortable for us. As Dr. Augustine says, “Jesus calls us to do the right thing, not the easy thing.” Catholic resources on race that were mentioned in the podcast episode can be found here:   “Open Wide Our Hearts: the Enduring Call to Love” - a pastoral letter against racism by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops “Brothers and Sisters to Us” - Pastoral Letter on Racism, USCCB Racial Justice and the Catholic Church, Bryan Massingale The African American Catholic Youth Bible, Saint Mary's Press Sesame Street Town Hall on Racism “When They See Us” - Netflix Series “13th” - Netflix Film

As parishes are caught up in the requirements for opening the Church back up for Mass, we can't forget that we still need to plan for the Fall. In this episode, Chris and John discuss how to plan for the new ministry year while dealing with the ambiguity of what the Fall might look like. We explore the opportunity that has been given to us to be creative, provide new and more effective ministry, and still be adaptive and nimble as we embrace an uncertain future.

In the second part of this two-part episode, Chris and John continue their discussion as to asking the question “why” we should open back up the doors of the Church for Mass. Many leaders have asked the question “how” but not as many have asked the question, why?

In the second part of this two-part episode, Chris and John continue their discussion as to asking the question “why” we should open back up the doors of the Church for Mass. Many leaders have asked the question “how” but not as many have asked the question, why?

Many parishes and dioceses have been asking the question, “how?” when it comes to opening back up for Masses. Not as many parish leaders have asked the question, “why?” In this two-part episode, Chris and John explore 3 “why's” parishes might resume Masses and delve into critical questions that all parishes should be asking before they determine whether they should or should not open back up for liturgy. In this episode, we refer back to these podcast episodes:   When The Church Doors Open Back Up A Vision of Tithing During a Crisis

In this episode, Chris and John explore the importance of engaging in non-Catholic resources to help expand our leadership within a Catholic setting. We specifically talk about books, authors, experiences, and podcasts that have helped us become better Catholic ministry leaders.

In this episode, we are joined by Diana Macalintal and Nick Wagner from Team RCIA as we discuss how to go about the sacraments of initiation during Covid-19 and when we open the doors back up. We answer the question of when to celebrate the sacraments, what to do with the Elect right now, and what a year-around model of RCIA could look like. To find more information about Diana, Nick, and their ministry, and hear previous podcast episodes with them, visit: Covid-19 Resource page for RCIA Sample Calendar for celebrating the Sacraments post Covid-19 Previous podcast with Diana: Looking at the RCIA Through a Different Lens Previous podcast with Nick: Restored Order from a Theological Perspective

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Josh Packard, Executive Director of the SPringtide Research Institute as we discuss the reality of loneliness in 13 to 25 year olds and how parishes and ministries can respond to this trend. For more information on this study, please visit:   Website: https://www.springtideresearch.org/ To purchase the book: https://www.springtideresearch.org/belonging/ Or connect with them on social media @WeAreSpringtide

And they will open back up. When they do, what is your plan? In this episode, Chris and John explore some ideas and questions to discern as we prepare to welcome people back on to our Church campuses, with the hope of not only getting people to come, but keeping them with us over the long-term.

And they will open back up. When they do, what is your plan? In this episode, Chris and John explore some ideas and questions to discern as we prepare to welcome people back on to our Church campuses, with the hope of not only getting people to come, but keeping them with us over the long-term.

In this episode, Chris and John are joined by Rich Curran, Executive Director for the Parish Success Group, as we discuss the need to take care of ourselves and our colleagues as we continue our Covid-19 adventure.

Covid-19 has redefined the realities of the Domestic Church at home, especially since we cannot gather together on church grounds. In this episode, special guest Paul Canavese shares strategies and resources for building up the church at home and empowering parents to take a lead on passing on a legacy of faith to their families. Find out more about Paul and The Pastoral Center by visiting their website: http://PastoralCenter.com and https://www.growingupcatholic.com/.

In all likelihood, your parish will take a financial hit as Masses are cancelled. In this episode, Chris and John break open the idea of communicating and encouraging giving strategies beyond giving in the offertory basket, as well as looking at the budget to see where there are costs savings now that your Church campus is closed.

In this episode, John and Chris continue our conversation about creative strategies for ministering during the Coronavirus crisis. Specifically, we share ideas to be calm and proactive, managing and leading your staff while working from home, and thinking pastoral about the needs of your parishioners.

In this episode, Chris and John break open ideas on how we can still evangelize and catechize our communities even when extraordinary events, like Covid-19 (Coronavirus) happen. More specifically, we talk about your communication strategies, online giving, continuing formation, and pastoral outreach during this unprecedented time.

In this episode, John and Chris interview Joshua Miller, Executive Director for the Inscape Center for Personal Vocation. Josh shares with us why exploring our core motivations is essential to understanding and nurturing our personal vocation. You can check out this resources shared on our podcast episode by clicking on the links below: Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person (book) InscapeVocations.com

Ministry leaders need to be intentional about setting goals for their ministry. In this episode, John and Chris share how that looks in parish ministry and how it is connected with growing your parish and planning the budget. In this episode, we refer to these previous podcast episode: The Joys of Budgeting

We are all broken people. And God mends all brokenness. In this episode, Chris and John explore the role of brokenness in our lives, how we can embrace it, and how we can use our brokenness in our ministry to help heal other broken people.

“Good youth ministry leads to readiness for Confirmation. Confirmation does not lead to involvement in youth ministry.” In this episode, Chris and John explore the intersection of youth ministry and the sacrament of Confirmation, and how effective comprehensive youth ministry prepares young people well for Confirmation. In this episode, we refer to these previous podcast episodes:   Rebuilding the Sacrament of Confirmation (Part 1) Rebuilding the Sacrament of Confirmation (Part 2) Will Restored Order Fix the Confirmation Problem?

In this episode, Chris and John break open the National Certification process for Lay Ecclessial Ministers in the United States and explore it's pro's and con's. Find out more about the National Certification Process by checking out this page on the USCCB website. In this episode, we also refer back to Episode 41: Is Getting a Graduate Degree Worth It?

John and Chris debate how to best tackle the email problem many in ministry have. John suggests that we should all respond to emails within 24 business hours and Chris pushes back, naming that not all emails take priority. In this episode, they share strategies about how to effectively manage your email and be responsive to the needs of your ministry.

Do you have an idea? A vision? A way to do ministry differently? And you wonder, is your pastor supportive? In this episode, Chris and John share a 4-step strategy to get your pastor's support about how to move your ministry forward.

In this episode, Chris and John delve into the question of parish staff working on Sunday. Sunday is when our parishes impact the most people. There is an argument to be made that Sunday needs to be a work day for parish staff. John and Chris dive into some things to consider when making a decision about this important question.

In this episode, special guest, Katherine Angulo, shares what thriving ministry looks like and how we can prepare our young lay leaders and priests to be successful in ministry and to have longevity in their roles.  Katherine is the Program Director for Thriving in Ministry Initiatives at the McGrath Institute at Notre Dame University. She also shares about her experience leading the Bishop D'Arcy Program in Priestly Renewal and what our priests are experiencing in the 21st Century Church.

All too often, parishes look like a revolving door of staff members being hired and then moving on. Turnover of staff is of tremendous concern and thwarts effective ministry. In this episode, John and Chris share how parish leaders and pastors might go about stopping the constant turnover that can often plague parishes. In this episode, we refer to 2 previous podcast episodes: Hiring In Ministry Managing Underperforming Staff

Sherry Weddell, in her great book Forming Intentional Disciples, suggests that we have raised Catholics who are “sacramentalized, but not evangelized.” Wow! Powerful statement! In this archived episode, Chris and John begin the first episode of a series looking at sacramental preparation programs and how we can evangelize as well as sacramentalize. At the center of this conversation is this idea that Weddell shares: “If our pastoral practice is to be life changing, then we must be acutely aware that the reception of a valid sacrament and the fruitful reception of sacramental grace are two different but related issues. Validity means that the sacrament was truly bestowed and the intended grace made truly present to the person receiving the sacrament. But validity does not guarantee that the grace made available has been actively received and is bearing fruit in that person's life.” –pg. 99

Do people feel welcome in your church? That is a question that all ministry leaders need to ask themselves. In this archive episode of The Church Podcast, Chris and John explore strategies for being intentional about developing a ministry of hospitality.

At the heart of Diocesan ministry is service to their parishes and schools. In this episode, Chris and John discuss the role of Diocesan ministry and how they can best support parishes and schools. At the same time, we share ideas for parish and school leaders on how to connect with their Diocesan structure.

Parish leaders often bemoan the lack of giving, mass attendance, volunteerism, or (insert other expectation here). We complain because we have expectations of parishioners that parishioners don't have of themselves. In this episode, John and Chris talk about the importance of developing and communicating clear expectations of what it means to be a member of our Catholic parish.