The Church Podcast

Summary

Charlotte McCorquodale, co-founder of Ministry Training Source, discusses the challenges and joys of pastoral leaders serving young Catholics. She highlights the need for pastors and ministry leaders to be on the same page regarding expectations and measuring success. McCorquodale emphasizes the importance of listening to the community's needs and sharing the stories of young people to inspire and recruit others. She also mentions strategies such as weekly video podcast messages and utilizing technology to engage and impact the community. 

The conversation explores the importance of building relationships with young people and the shift towards smaller, more intimate youth ministry models. It also highlights the need for support and formation for pastoral ministry leaders. The guest shares her insights on the future direction of youth and young adult ministry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sustainable models. The conversation concludes with advice for new ecclesial ministry leaders and a message of hope for the Church.

Takeaways

• Pastoral leaders face challenges in justifying their role and dealing with an expectations gap.
• Listening to the needs of the community is crucial for effective ministry.
• Sharing the stories of young people can inspire and recruit others.
• Strategies such as weekly video podcast messages and utilizing technology can engage and impact the community. Building relationships with young people is crucial in youth ministry
• There is a shift towards smaller, more intimate youth ministry models
• Pastoral ministry leaders need support and formation
• There is hope for the Church through the dedication and love of pastoral leaders

Sound Bites:

"Pastoral leaders of youth and young adult ministries are a conundrum of joy-filled ministers serving in a bleak post-COVID mission field."

"The decline of youth ministry and youth ministry leaders may lead to a decline in ministry leaders in general."

"Getting people on the same page about measuring success is critical."

Charlotte Recommends:

Wired to Series by Britt Andreatta

Follow Charlotte: 

Ministry Training Source

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Summary

Scott Williams, the owner of Catholic Concepts, discusses his journey from ministry to entrepreneurship and the development of his flagship brand, Sock Religious. He shares how his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for ministry influenced his decision to start his own business. 

Scott also discusses the challenges he faced and his intentional approach to developing new products. He emphasizes the importance of living out his Catholic faith in his business and how Catholic social teaching guides its operations. Catholic Concepts aims to start conversations about the Catholic faith through joyful products. They want to be a spark that develops conversations and empowers people to share their faith. 

The company has impacted the founder's faith and helped him live out his faith more authentically. It engages the Catholic community by partnering with organizations and providing merchandise for events. Its vision is to make ministry and evangelization easier and become a dream place for people to work and make a difference in the Church. It also wants to help parishes by developing products and services that serve the Church in a unique way.

Takeaways

• Scott Williams transitioned from ministry to entrepreneurship and started Catholic Concepts, which owns Sock Religious, a Catholic sock company.
• The entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to serve the Church influenced Scott's decision to start his own business.
• Scott emphasizes the importance of living out his Catholic faith in his business and using Catholic social teaching as a guide.
• Product development at Catholic Concepts involves intentionality, brainstorming sessions, and incorporating customer requests.
• Christmas is the busiest season for Catholic Concepts, followed by Easter, Father's Day, Mother's Day, and sacramental seasons. Catholic Concepts aims to start conversations about the Catholic faith through joyful products.
• The company has impacted the founder's personal faith and helped him live out his faith more authentically.
• They engage the Catholic community by partnering with organizations and providing merchandise for events.
• Their vision is to make ministry and evangelization easier and become a dream place for people to work and make a difference in the Church.
• They also want to help parishes by developing products and services that serve the Church in a unique way.

Sound Bites

• "We like to start conversations through joyful products."

Scott Recommends:

All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams by Mike Michalowicz

Follow Scott: 

Sockreligious.com

Catholic Concepts

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Summary

Regina Boyd, a therapist, and founder of Boyd Counseling Services, shares her journey into counseling and the inspiration behind her book 'Leaving Lonely Behind.' The conversation delves into the importance of vulnerability, mental health challenges in ministry, and the role of the church in addressing mental health issues. We also explore the intersection of faith, therapy, and mental health within the context of ecclesial ministry. It delves into the importance of finding therapists who hold a similar worldview, the bright spots in addressing mental health issues within the church, and the significance of setting boundaries in ministry. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media and the hope it brings for evangelization in the church.

Takeaways

• The importance of vulnerability in building strong relationships and addressing loneliness.
• The need for mental health awareness and support in ministry settings.
• The role of the church in normalizing conversations about mental health and providing resources for mental health challenges. The importance of finding therapists who hold a similar worldview to provide effective therapy within the context of faith and church teachings.
• The significance of setting boundaries in ministry to prevent burnout and maintain enthusiasm for the work.
• The hope and potential of social media for evangelization and creating dialogues within the church community.

Sound Bites

"You can't give what you don't have, right? You have to have that full cup to pour into people.”

Follow Regina: https://www.reginaboyd.com/ 

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Summary:

Cynthia Psencik, the Mentoring Program and Alumni Director at the Given Institute, joins us to discuss the organization's mission to activate the gifts of young adult women for the Church and the world. The Given Institute offers leadership training, faith formation, and a year-long mentoring program for young women.

Cynthia emphasizes the importance of equipping and empowering women in all areas of the Church, not just in ministry roles. She encourages young women starting out in ministry to explore different areas, find a support network, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.

Cynthia also shares the challenges she faced as a leader in ministry and the importance of finding support and setting expectations. She expresses gratitude for her time in the Archdiocese of New York and the opportunities it provided for her growth as a leader. She highlights the need for dioceses and parishes to support and sponsor women to attend the Given conference. Cynthia's hope for the Church is that more women will listen to the voice of God and respond to His invitation to use their gifts for the transformation of the Church.

Takeaways

• The Given Institute activates the gifts of young adult women for the Church and the world through leadership training, faith formation, and mentoring.
• Women in the Church have unique perspectives and gifts to offer, and it is important to provide them with platforms and support to share their ideas and contribute to the Church.
• Young women starting out in ministry should explore different areas, find a support network, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.
• Diocesan leaders and lay leaders in the Church would benefit from more formation and training, especially in areas like staff management and HR.
• Creating a balance between ministry and personal life is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being. Leaders in ministry need support and guidance to effectively lead their staff and hold them accountable.
• It is important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your staff and to seek support when needed.
• Gratitude should be expressed for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped one's leadership journey.
• Investing in the leadership development of young women is crucial for the future of the Church.
• Dioceses and parishes should sponsor women to attend leadership conferences and provide ongoing support and mentorship.

Sound Bites

"Maybe I've gotten as far in this ministry as I needed to... Sometimes we can stay beyond because we're comfortable."

Cynthia Recommends: 

Bible in a Year 

The House of Pines

Follow Cynthia: https://giveninstitute.com/

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Summary

Matthan Teves, a media enthusiast and content creator, discusses his passion for using media and film as a gift to the Church. He shares his experience working as an associate for live streaming and creative content at St. Joseph's parish and emphasizes the importance of capturing the Holy Spirit in media production. Matthan also talks about his project, Project Faith Moves, which combines his love for dance and faith. He highlights the role of community in ministry and the need for young people to realize that the Church needs them and their innovative ideas.

Episode Takeaways:

• Using media and film as a gift to the Church can be a powerful way to capture the Holy Spirit and share the faith.
• Community is essential in ministry, providing accountability, support, and the opportunity to use one's talents for the Church.
• Young people have a unique perspective and skill set that can be harnessed to engage others and bring them closer to the Church.
• The Church needs young people to step up and contribute their innovative ideas and talents to help spread the faith.
• Capturing the Holy Spirit in media production requires reverence, authenticity, and a focus on the viewer's experience.

Sound Bites from Matthan

• "Don't try to capture something or don't try to set up artificially what's happening. But instead capture the Holy Spirit."

• "Put ourselves in the audience viewer perspective and receive it how we would want to receive."

• "The market in a way is not saturated in a way where there's true competition. We're all fighting for souls and fighting together in a way."

Matthan Recommends: 

Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse

Follow Matthan: https://linktr.ee/matteverse

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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Juan Escarfuller, who shares his inspiring journey from the Dominican Republic to the United States. Juan's story is one of finding home, belonging, and purpose through his experiences in Catholic schools and his calling to ministry with Instituto Fe y Vida.

Juan begins by recounting his immigration journey and the challenges and triumphs of growing up in the United States. He shares how his experiences in Catholic schools not only shaped his faith but also instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and belonging within the Church.

Discussing his decision to pursue ministry, Juan opens up about his transformative work with Instituto Fe y Vida, a formation institute dedicated to empowering young Latinos to lead in the Church and society. His story is one of dedication and service, deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and cultural heritage.

Juan emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creating safe spaces within the Church where young people can explore their identity and purpose. He shares how encounters with young individuals inspired him to establish free schools and innovative educational models that address the needs of marginalized communities, bringing a sense of roots and belonging.

Highlighting the integration of faith and daily life, Juan discusses the need for cultural responsiveness within the Church. He encourages parishes to incorporate practices from Fe y Vida that resonate with young Latinos, fostering a community where faith and culture are intertwined.

Juan also talks about the importance of seeking support through therapy, coaching, and spiritual direction. He stresses that personal and professional growth in ministry requires ongoing self-care and the support of a faith-based community.

Looking to the future, Juan shares his hope for the Church to become a place where the abundance of God's grace is witnessed and celebrated. He dreams of a Church that embraces cultural inclusivity and empowers young leaders through programs like Fe y Vida to shape its future.

Episode Takeaways:

• Finding home and belonging within the Catholic Church is a crucial part of one's faith journey.
• Authenticity and safe spaces are essential for young people to explore their identity and purpose within the Church.
• Ministry requires dedication, service, and a deep connection to one's Catholic faith.
• Empowering young Latinos to lead in the Church and society builds strong, vibrant Catholic communities.
• Establishing free schools and providing education in the language of the people can meet the needs of marginalized groups.
• The integration of faith and life is vital, making the Church a place where young people can connect their beliefs with the world around them.
• Cultural responsiveness and inclusivity are key to engaging young Latinos in the Church.
• Local parishes should learn from successful models like Fe y Vida and ensure young people are involved in decision-making.
• Seeking support through therapy, coaching, and spiritual direction is important for growth in ministry.

Join Juan Escarfuller in this inspiring episode as he shares his journey and insights on building a more inclusive and supportive Catholic community. Whether you're involved in ministry or passionate about cultural inclusivity within the Church, this conversation offers valuable lessons and hope for the future.

Juan Recommends: 

La Biblia Para Jovenes

The Diary of a CEO Podcast with Steven Bartlett

Follow Juan: Instituto Fe Y Vida

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In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Lewis, the VP of Catholic Faith Technologies, to unpack the fascinating blend of technology and ministry. Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge on how we can use tech to enhance our Church's mission and build stronger, more connected communities.

Jonathan kicks things off by highlighting the importance of using technology to meet people in their everyday lives. He sees tech as a tool for accompaniment, helping us support and guide others on their faith journey, right where they are.

One of Jonathan’s key points is the need for tech solutions to reflect the unique flavor of local parishes and dioceses. Customizing technology to fit local contexts ensures that it's not only useful but also resonates deeply with the community.

We delve into the benefits of online learning. Jonathan stresses that with clear goals and engagement strategies, online platforms can be a powerful complement to our in-person interactions, enhancing our educational outreach.

Jonathan emphasizes the importance of using technology strategically to achieve specific ministry goals. He advises parishes and dioceses to set clear objectives on a quarterly or annual basis and to regularly check their progress. Tech should support these goals, not replace the personal connections that are at the heart of our ministry.

Practical Tips and Recommendations: 

• Clarity and Delegation: Jonathan recommends taking regular clarity breaks to reassess priorities and delegate tasks that don’t energize you. This helps keep leaders focused and invigorated.
• Grounding and Spiritual Tools: For spiritual grounding, he suggests reading 'Life of the Beloved' by Henry Nouwen, especially during Lent. He also recommends the 'Pray As You Go' app for daily reflection and liturgical music.
• Openness to New Ideas: Jonathan encourages us to avoid dismissing ideas with "we've already done that" and to stay open to innovative approaches.
• Building a Positive Culture: He talks about the importance of actively contributing to a positive ministry culture and remembering that our unity in the Church is rooted in faith in Christ, not external affiliations.

Episode Takeaways:

• Using technology to meet people in their daily lives and deepen faith connections.
• Ensuring tech solutions reflect local contexts and community needs.
• Leveraging online learning with clear goals and engagement strategies.
• Using tech strategically to support, not replace, personal ministry connections.
• Practical tips for maintaining clarity, delegation, and spiritual grounding.
• Building a positive ministry culture and staying open to new ideas.
• Striving for unity in the Church beyond political divides.

Join Jonathan Lewis as he shares his visionary insights on harnessing technology to enhance ministry, build community, and deepen our connections in the Church. Whether a tech enthusiast or a ministry leader, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for integrating technology into your faith practices.

Jonathan Recommends: Henry Nouwen Society

Follow Jonathan: [email protected] and catholicfaithtech.com

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MYM MERCH: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit HERE to see what we have.

Dive into an enlightening episode with Craig Gould as he unravels the profound impact of asking questions within ministry leadership. This conversation isn’t just about techniques—it’s a deeper exploration of how questions can transform relationships and enhance spiritual growth both for leaders and those they guide.

We kick off the discussion by framing the act of asking questions as a fundamental aspect of discipleship. They explore how this approach helps leaders not only better to understand the needs and aspirations of their communities but also to forge stronger connections with the individuals they serve.

The conversation delves into leaders' inherent challenges when adopting a question-based approach. From overcoming personal barriers to addressing the broader cultural hesitations within organizations, they discuss strategies for embracing inquiry as a primary tool in leadership.

Highlighting the transformative power of questions, Craig shares insights into how effective questioning can lead to significant self-discovery and mutual growth. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the personal stories and experiences of community members, fostering a deeper engagement and sense of belonging.

The discussion emphasizes the crucial shift from a directive to an inquisitive leadership style. By prioritizing questions over quick answers, leaders can cultivate a culture that values continuous learning and open dialogue, enhancing their ministries' overall health and dynamism.

Key Takeaways

• The role of questioning in deepening discipleship and enhancing leader-community connections.
• Overcoming the challenges associated with implementing a question-based leadership approach.
• The benefits of fostering self-discovery and growth through effective questioning.
• Strategies for creating a ministry culture that embraces and prioritizes inquiry.
• The importance of engaging and empowering the laity in the evangelization and growth of the church.

Follow Craig: McGrath Institute For Church Life 

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GET CUSTOM GEAR for your next ministry event from our partner 4 Marks Printing. They make ministry and evangelization easier! Visit 4marksprinting.com/churchpod for more.

MYM MERCH: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit HERE to see what we have.

Join us for a transformative episode with Elissa Tiprigan, the innovative creator of Catholic Family Crate, as she unveils the journey behind her subscription box service designed to enrich Catholic family life. This discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of fostering faith at home and offers invaluable insights for families and ministry leaders alike.

Elissa begins by sharing the inspiration behind the Catholic Family Crate. She identifies a crucial gap in available resources for Catholic families wishing to deepen their faith within the home environment. She aims to provide engaging and accessible materials that help families explore and celebrate their faith together, closely aligned with the liturgical calendar.

A major theme of our conversation is the balance between work and personal life. Elissa opens up about her strategies for managing time and setting boundaries, ensuring she remains productive while nurturing her family's spiritual and emotional needs.

Elissa shares practical tips on prioritizing tasks and focusing on actions that yield the most significant results. Her approach enhances her business efficiency, family life, and ministry impact.

Emphasizing the importance of community, Elissa discusses the benefits of connecting with others who share similar roles and challenges. This network of support and shared learning is vital for personal growth and the continuous improvement of her offerings.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of providing families with resources that enhance faith learning at home.
• Effective strategies for balancing professional productivity with personal life and spiritual growth.
• The benefits of community involvement and mutual support among like-minded individuals.
• The necessity of prioritizing high-impact tasks to maximize productivity and fulfillment.
• The positive influence of dedicated parents on the future of the Church.

Follow Elissa:

Catholic Family Crate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholicfamilycrate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicFamilyCrate/ 

Elissa Recommends:

Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt

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CATHOLIC FAMILY CRATE: Bring the faith home with subscription boxes filled with incredible resources for the whole family. To learn more visit them at: https://catholicfamilycrate.com/

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com

GET CUSTOM GEAR for your next ministry event from our partner 4 Marks Printing. They make ministry and evangelization easier! Visit 4marksprinting.com/churchpod for more.

MYM MERCH: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit HERE to see what we have.

Tune in to this enlightening episode with Doug Tooke, the visionary head of school at St. Andrew's Catholic School in Montana. Doug brings the evolving landscape of Catholic education to the forefront, diving deep into its challenges and celebrating its profound opportunities.

At the heart of our conversation, Doug emphasizes the crucial role of Catholic identity in educational settings. He advocates for an education that weaves the language of faith into religious studies and all subjects, enriching the academic experience and strengthening students' spiritual foundations.

Doug outlines a visionary approach to collaboration between schools and parishes. He stresses the importance of teachers being active parish members, contributing to a vibrant community that supports sacramental encounters and spiritual growth. Central to Doug's philosophy is cultivating authentic relationships within Catholic schools. He discusses teachers' pivotal role as mentors and disciples' formation through genuine connections. 

Highlighting the mutual benefits of close cooperation between schools and parishes, Doug shares strategies for creating a nurturing community that values friendship and authentic discourse. He also addresses the specific needs of the up-and-coming generation, emphasizing the importance of teaching young people how to forge and sustain friendships. 

Join Doug Tooke as he shares his expert insights and heartfelt experiences from the front lines of Catholic education. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about the future of Catholic schooling, this episode offers valuable perspectives on shaping environments where faith and friendship flourish.

Key Takeaways:

• The significance of integrating Catholic identity into all aspects of school life.
• The benefits of a collaborative relationship between Catholic schools and parishes.
• The role of authentic relationships and mentorship in the formation of disciples.
• The importance of creating a community where friendship and spiritual growth are prioritized.
• Practical advice for teaching young people the essential skills of building and maintaining authentic relationships.

Follow Doug:

St. Andrew School Montana

Doug Recommends:

Multipliers by Liz Wiseman

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A Little From Our Sponsors

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com

GET CUSTOM GEAR for your next ministry event from our partner 4 Marks Printing. They make ministry and evangelization easier! Visit 4marksprinting.com/churchpod for more.

MYM MERCH: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit HERE to see what we have.