In Episode 051 of The Church Podcast, I continue my engaging conversation with Michael Marchand, co-founder of ProjectYM. We delve into the importance of community and the vital role volunteers play in youth ministry. Michael shares insights on common pitfalls youth ministers encounter while building and managing volunteer teams. We discuss effective strategies for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, emphasizing the need for long-term investment in their growth. Additionally, we explore how youth ministers can shift from a do-it-all mentality to a leadership style that empowers others. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for those looking to enhance their ministry efforts. Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your approach to volunteer management and community building.

In this episode of The Church Podcast, I sit down with Michael Marchand, co-founder of Project YM, to discuss the vital role of community and calling in youth ministry. Michael shares his journey from a youth group participant to a leader, highlighting the challenges faced in ministry and the importance of connection among youth ministers. We delve into the inception of Project YM, a resource for Catholic youth ministers, and its evolution into a thriving community that fosters support and collaboration. This is the first part of a two-part conversation that promises to inspire and equip those in ministry. Join us as we explore how to better serve and uplift our communities in faith.

In Part 2 of this conversation with Dr. Julia Sadusky, Christopher and Julia move from principles to practice.

If Part 1 focused on integration and posture, Part 2 tackles the real-world questions parents and ministry leaders are actually facing:

“When did this get so complicated?”

“When should I talk to my kids about sex and pornography?”

“How do I protect my kids without isolating them?”

“What does it mean to care for people on the margins in distinctively Catholic ways?”

Julia draws from her books on gender and sexual identity, her clinical work, and years of youth ministry experience to offer grounded, developmentally wise guidance for families and churches.

Go to https://thechurchpodcast.org for show notes

In this first part of a two-part conversation, Christopher sits down with Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed psychologist specializing in sexuality, gender, and faith. What unfolds is not a debate—but a deeply pastoral and thoughtful exploration of how faith and psychology actually belong together.

Julia shares her personal journey—from a theology of the body student at Ave Maria University to working at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and Christian discipleship. She reflects on the formative influence of Mark Yarhouse, and how encountering real people with real questions reshaped her vocational path.

Together, Christopher and Julia explore:

Why Catholics don’t need to fear psychology

How therapy and spiritual direction can complement one another

What the Church actually does well in teaching about sexuality

Why wrestling with Church teaching can be a sign of faith—not rebellion

How youth ministers can respond when teens ask difficult questions

The “iceberg principle” and why the real question is often beneath the surface

This episode is especially helpful for ministry leaders who want to hold truth with confidence—but without defensiveness.

In this dynamic and deeply personal conversation, Christopher Wesley sits down with Joe Melendrez, Catholic musician, speaker, and creative evangelist, to explore what it means to proclaim the Gospel through music, movement, and art. Joe shares his journey from a life-changing Teen ACTS retreat as a teenager to an international ministry that blends worship concerts, testimony, retreats, and faith-based apparel.

Together, Christopher and Joe unpack the creative process behind evangelization, the importance of participation over performance, and how intentional rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and self-care sustain long-term ministry. The conversation also addresses burnout, innovation in the Church, and why empowering young voices is essential for renewal.

For more go to https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down once again with longtime friend and pastoral leader John Rinaldo for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, accompaniment, and formation in the Church today.

John shares about a new season of ministry that includes launching the podcast Called to Lead, founding Accompaniment Partners, and continuing his work as an adjunct lecturer at Santa Clara University.

Together, they explore what it means to lead faithfully amid complexity, why accompaniment is more demanding than it sounds, and how leaders can resist the urge to rush toward solutions instead of formation. The conversation closes with a reflective invitation for listeners to consider the questions they are living with—not to solve them quickly, but to let them shape how they lead.

In Episode 045 of The Church Podcast, host Christopher Wesley dives into the often-untouched questions surrounding ministry in our Q&A edition. As we wrap up the 2025 season, Christopher addresses anonymous listener inquiries, tackling the challenges of engaging parents in their children’s faith formation and navigating the delicate balance of holding others accountable without seeming judgmental. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships within ministry, listening actively, and seeking community support. Whether you're feeling burnt out or striving for deeper connections, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for ministry leaders, ensuring you’re equipped as we transition into the new year. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration that aims to uplift and empower your ministry journey.

In this rich and wide-ranging episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Father Chris Nahra, Associate Pastor at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Clinton Township, Michigan. As a priest formed in the ancient Syriac tradition—and as a national leader in Maronite youth ministry—Fr. Chris brings a passionate and deeply pastoral perspective to the challenges and hopes of the young Church.

Together, Christopher and Fr. Chris explore the beauty of the Maronite Catholic tradition, from its roots in the monastic witness of St. Maron to its poetic, symbolic, and contemplative liturgy. They discuss why young people today are increasingly drawn to ancient forms of worship, how a culture of belonging transforms a parish, and what Eastern and Western Catholics can learn from one another as the Church seeks renewal.

Fr. Chris also shares his own vocational story—beginning with a life-changing encounter at a Maronite youth conference—and opens up about the joys, challenges, and surprises of ministering to a generation facing unprecedented loneliness and spiritual hunger.

For more on the episode visit us at thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, I reflect on the transition into a new year while also embracing the current Advent season. Together with John, we explore the powerful concept of choosing one word to guide our goals and aspirations for the year ahead. With the hustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to overlook the importance of personal growth and leadership development. We discuss how focusing on a single word can simplify our resolutions and help us create actionable habits. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode is filled with insights on setting intentions for the upcoming year. Join us as we delve into the significance of discipline, collaboration, and the unique phases of life that shape our journeys in ministry.

In Episode 042 of The Church Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maria Parker, Assistant Director for The Laity at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Together, we explore the vital role of the laity in the Church, focusing on listening, formation, and mission. Maria shares her inspiring journey from teaching in Philadelphia to her work with FOCUS and now at the USCCB, emphasizing how the Church is helping laity rediscover their baptismal identity. As we discuss the Listen.Teach.Send. initiative, we reflect on the Holy Spirit's active role in awakening discipleship and engaging the laity in their unique callings. This conversation serves as a timely reminder during Advent that we are all called to live out our faith intentionally and authentically in our communities. Tune in for insights that encourage and empower your ministry journey.