We often begin developing faith formation opportunities in our parish without thinking through what it is we hope participants will gain from being involved. In this episode, Chris and John start with the end in mind and encourage leaders to discuss the spiritual habits they hope participants will develop in formation programs and use that as the starting point for developing your faith formation curriculum.

In this episode, we reference “Who Is that Teenager,” a resource developed by Chris through Marathon Youth Ministry.

We often begin developing faith formation opportunities in our parish without thinking through what it is we hope participants will gain from being involved. In this episode, Chris and John start with the end in mind and encourage leaders to discuss the spiritual habits they hope participants will develop in formation programs and use that as the starting point for developing your faith formation curriculum.

In this episode, we reference “Who Is that Teenager,” a resource developed by Chris through Marathon Youth Ministry.

As we celebrate episode 100 of The Church Podcast, John and Chris look back at two years of ministry in the Church and name the significant events and experiences that have shaped the Church. Then, looking forward at the next 100 episode, Chris and John talk about what the future might bring for the Church and leaders in ministry.

Inspired by the book The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath, John and Chris talk about being intentional about creating special moments in ministry that can be memorable. In addition, they share some specific ideas from the book that can be used in ministry

In this episode, Chris and John share openly about the struggles parishes have regarding administrative tasks that leaders in ministry need to embrace. They suggest that, to create the thriving ministry parishes hope to create, they must develop a solid leadership and management foundation.

Resources:

In this episode, we refer to a few resources, including:

Manager Tools

It’s The Manager

Religious and ministry data suggests that one of the experiences that often lead to transformation and conversion of heart are service opportunities. In this episode, we explore the power of these experiences and how to go about setting up these opportunities in your ministry.

In this episode, we refer to the following resources that can help you get started:

Catholic Charities

Catholic Relief Services

Just Five Days

Young Neighbors in Action

CRS’ Food Fast

World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine

410 Bridge

Nazareth Farm

The annual performance evaluation is an essential process for ministry leaders, yet too many people in ministry loathe them or find them ineffective. In this episode, Chris and John share strategies for implementing a performance evaluation process that is effective and fruitful to enhance your ministry.

In this episode, we refer to the following podcast episodes:

Episode 95: Providing Feedback to Your Staff

Episode 77: Effective Use of One on One’s

Providing feedback to your team is an essential component of management and leadership in the Church, yet we rarely do it effectively. In this episode, Chris and John share why regular and consistent feedback is important for your staff. We provide a simple formula that you can use as a way to be a more effective manager and leader.

Resources:

In this episode, we refer to a previous podcast episodes, which can be found below:

Episode 77: Effective Use of One on One’s

The Ideal Praise-to-Criticism Ratio from Harvard Business Review

In this episode, Brenda Noriega from the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, joins us for a dialogue on pastoral juvenil and understanding the needs of Latino young people in the Church today. We break open the idea of generational differences and discuss how identity and popular piety play a role in ministry.

To find out more about Brenda Noriega, visit her Facebook page.

In this episode, Chris shares his experience at the 1st annual Voice and Vision Dialogue: A National Summit for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults. This event was inspired by the Pope Francis’ post sydonal document called “Christ is Alive” (Christus Vivit).

Chris shares what went well, what went flat, and shares his excitement and energy for the future of this event and others like it.

Resources:

In this episode, we refer to quite a few previous episodes as well as a Pre-Conference document that was developed for the dialogue. All those links can be found below:

Conference Website

Conference pre-reading document

The Church Podcast episode on Chris is Alive

The Church Podcast episode on the V Encuentro