The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

By Rebuilt Parish

The Rebuilt Parish Podcast exists to equip pastors and parish leaders to help make church matter in their community.... more

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How many episodes does The Rebuilt Parish Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 151 episodes available.

The Rebuilt Parish Podcast episodes:

February 26, 2026148| Prayer First: Leading Your Parish Through Change Without Fear
What happens when three parishes merge, cultures blend, Mass schedules shift, and emotions run high?
On this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Fr. Andres Mendoza, pastor of Saint Benedict of Núrcia in Wallingford, Connecticut. With multiple worship sites, a parish school, and a richly diverse community. Fr. Mendoza has navigated complex transitions with one clear priority: prayer comes first.
In this conversation, Fr. Mendoza shares how grounding every meeting, decision, and difficult conversation in prayer has shaped not only leadership, but culture. From empowering staff to pray aloud, to inviting parishioners into spontaneous, in-the-moment prayer, to leaning deeply into the Benedictine spirit of ora et labora inspired by Saint Benedict of Nursia, Fr. Mendoza offers a powerful witness: prayer and work are not separate - they are one.
If you're leading through change, feeling stretched thin, or wondering how to build unity across different communities, this episode offers practical encouragement and spiritual clarity.
Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation
Key Takeaways
Start every meeting with prayer Make consultation with the Holy Spirit the foundation of every decision.
Teach people how to pray Don’t assume comfort; model simple, sincere dialogue with the Lord.
Pray in the moment Move from “I’ll pray for you” to “Can I pray with you right now?”
Lead mergers through discernment, not fear Invite the Holy Spirit into emotionally charged decisions.
Guard your personal prayer time Even 15–20 intentional minutes daily anchors leadership.
Unite prayer and action Inspired by Saint Benedict of Nursia, remember that work and prayer belong together.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Fr. Andres Mendoza
02:30 A Parish with Multiple Worship Sites and a School
06:00 Why Prayer Became the Foundation of Leadership
09:10 Teaching Staff How to Pray with Confidence
12:30 Personal Prayer Rhythms for Busy Pastors
16:30 Navigating Parish Mergers Through the Holy Spirit
20:00 Overcoming Fear and Resistance in Times of Change
23:00 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parish Leaders
26:00 Ora et Labora and the Unity of Prayer and Work
29:00 Final Reflections and Blessing
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“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, parish merger, prayer in ministry, prayer first culture, Catholic church leadership, Holy Spirit discernment, parish renewal, Catholic pastor interview, ora et labora, Saint Benedict spirituality, Latino Catholic ministry, building unity in parishes, leadership through change, Catholic parish growth, examination of conscience, sacrament of confession, prayer in staff meetings
...more
32min
February 19, 2026147| Lent Homilies Made Simple: A Proven Approach
When a message series really takes hold, it does more than shape a homily. It begins to shape hearts, conversations, and culture.
In this episode, Father Benoît St-Onge shares a simple but powerful conviction: you have to step inside the message series yourself. When leaders allow the Word of God to first speak into their own lives, it naturally finds its way into the life of the parish.
Father Benoît reflects on how vulnerability, honesty, and shared humanity open the door for Scripture to become personal and practical. Drawing inspiration from how message series are lived out at Church of the Nativity, he reminds us that renewal doesn’t require creativity for creativity’s sake. Often, it’s about faithfully adapting what already works and trusting God to do the rest.
As Father Benoît puts it, this isn’t magic. It’s truth. And when pastors and leaders lean in together, the Word of God does exactly what it promises to do.
Get FREE access to our Sample Content Library: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/offers/6ViPVzNg/checkout
Get the “Heal” Homily Series for your parish for Lent: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/lent
Key Takeaways
Message series work best when leaders live them first. When pastors and staff allow the Word of God to speak into their own lives, preaching becomes more authentic and relatable.
Vulnerability builds trust. Modeling humanity from the ambo invites parishioners to see themselves in the message rather than feeling preached at.
Creativity doesn’t require starting from scratch. Faithful adaptation and thoughtful reuse of proven ideas can be just as effective as creating something new.
The Word of God does the work. Renewal isn’t about clever techniques. When Scripture is applied honestly to real life, it bears fruit.
Parish renewal happens in community. Asking for help and learning from others is not weakness. It’s how healthy parishes grow.

Catholic parish renewal, message series planning, Catholic preaching resources, parish leadership, homily preparation, discipleship in parish life, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish, parish culture change, Catholic small groups, living the Gospel, pastoral leadership, applying Scripture to daily life, Catholic evangelization, parish ministry strategy

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
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32min
February 12, 2026146| Making Prayer the Center of Parish Leadership
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson is joined by Colleen Droney, a longtime leader at Church of the Nativity and a key member of the Rebuilt Parish team, for a practical and deeply encouraging conversation about making prayer the center of parish and staff culture.
Colleen shares how prayer has shaped her leadership across both parish and ministry settings, why prayer is never optional in times of growth and decision-making, and how the Rebuilt team is learning to pause, listen, and surrender together, even as a fully virtual staff. From staff-wide prayer rhythms and adoration to creative uses of technology and Bible plans, this episode offers parish leaders concrete ways to root their teams more deeply in prayer without adding more burden.
This is an honest, hope-filled conversation for pastors and parish leaders who feel stretched thin but long for deeper spiritual grounding in their teams.
Want to see how your whole parish can Grow Deeper in their faith? Complete our self evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/deeperevaluation
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Why prayer must be the agenda, not just an agenda item
How leadership immersion with Acts 29 renewed Rebuilt’s commitment to prayer
Translating in-person staff prayer into a virtual environment
Creating consistent, non-negotiable rhythms of prayer
The power of pausing and listening before making decisions
How Bible plans build vulnerability and trust among staff
Practical examples of prayer shaping parish culture at Nativity
Simple first steps any parish can take to begin praying together

Practices Highlighted in the Episode
Weekly staff prayer as a non-negotiable rhythm
Virtual adoration (“Holy Zoom”) for distributed teams
Scripture-based prayer before meetings
Staff Bible plans using the YouVersion Bible App
Prayer challenges and seasonal devotions
Ministry huddles and praying over parish spaces
Empowering champions to lead prayer without adding burden to pastors

Key Leadership Takeaway
Healthy parish culture flows from prayerful leadership. When pastors and parish teams make space to pause, surrender, and listen together, prayer becomes the foundation for unity, clarity, and fruitfulness. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start small, be consistent, and trust God to build the culture over time.
Chapters
00:00 – Introducing Colleen and the focus on prayer
00:57 – Why prayer is essential in busy seasons of ministry
02:19 – Lessons from Acts 29 and adoration
04:25 – Translating staff prayer into a virtual environment
06:10 – Creating space for silence and surrender
08:39 – Prayer as permission to pause
11:11 – Building prayer into parish staff culture
12:54 – Using Bible plans to deepen team connection
16:17 – Creative prayer rhythms within ministry teams
19:27 – First steps for parish leaders who feel stretched thin
24:01 – The pastor’s role in cultivating a prayer culture
31:07 – Why prayer must be non-negotiable
Featured Rebuilt Bible Plans on YouVersion
Rebuilt Faith - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/62006-rebuilt-faith Breathing Room - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64604-breathing-room
Grace & Truth - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64135-grace-truth Baggage: A Journey of Forgiveness Heal (coming for Lent)

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 prayer culture, Catholic parish leadership, staff prayer, adoration, virtual ministry, Acts 29, Church of the Nativity, YouVersion Bible App, parish staff formation, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, prayer in ministry
...more
36min
February 05, 2026145| Sowing Beyond the Parish: Rebuilt, YouVersion, and Global Discipleship | ft. Tom Corcoran
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Tom Corcoran returns to the studio with Melissa Wilkinson to reflect on how God has been opening unexpected doors through Rebuilt Parish. Their conversation centers on Rebuilt’s growing partnership with YouVersion, the global reach of the Bible App, and what it looks like to move forward in faith while trusting God with the results.
Tom shares a leadership reflection rooted in Exodus, exploring the tension between waiting on God and taking faithful action. Together, Tom and Melissa unpack how Rebuilt’s Bible plans are now reaching tens of thousands of people across the world, how parishes can repurpose message series for deeper daily engagement, and why holy discontent can be a gift rather than a flaw in parish leadership.
The episode also includes reflections from the YouVersion Beyond a Billion celebration, powerful reminders about sowing seeds even when we never see the harvest, and encouragement for pastors and parish leaders to keep preaching, teaching, and creating with faithfulness and hope.
Want to see how your whole parish can Grow Deeper in their faith? Complete our self evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/deeperevaluation
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
How Rebuilt Parish became a content partner with YouVersion
Why leadership often requires movement before clarity
The global impact of Rebuilt Bible plans across 150+ countries
How parishes can extend Sunday messages into daily discipleship
A reflection on holy discontent and perseverance in ministry
Takeaways from the Beyond a Billion worship celebration
Why sowing seeds faithfully matters, even when fruit feels slow

Featured Rebuilt Bible Plans on YouVersion
Rebuilt Faith - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/62006-rebuilt-faith
Breathing Room - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64604-breathing-room
Grace & Truth - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64135-grace-truth
Baggage: A Journey of Forgiveness
Heal (coming for Lent)

These plans can be used individually, in small groups, or alongside your parish message series to create daily spiritual touchpoints beyond the weekend.
Key Leadership Takeaway
Faithful leadership lives in the tension between trust and action. God opens seas, but He often asks us to step forward first. Whether you’re leading a parish, preaching a message, or building ministry systems, the call is the same: keep sowing seeds, keep moving forward, and trust God with the growth.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome and episode overview
01:24 – Doors God has opened through Rebuilt Parish
03:12 – Leadership, Exodus, and moving forward in faith
05:31 – How the YouVersion partnership began
12:48 – What the Bible App is and why it matters
14:38 – Global reach of Rebuilt Bible plans
17:45 – Using Bible plans for parish discipleship
19:48 – Reflections from the Beyond a Billion celebration
24:04 – The parable of the sower and ministry perseverance
29:13 – Meeting leaders and artists at the VIP gathering
33:56 – Stewarding influence without losing a pastoral heart
36:16 – Closing 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

Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Tom Corcoran, YouVersion Bible App, parish leadership, Catholic discipleship, Bible reading plans, ministry partnerships, holy discontent, parish renewal, evangelization, sowing seeds, leadership faithfulness
...more
40min
January 29, 2026144| A Clear Path for Parish Renewal: Data, Discipleship, and Courageous Leadership
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Father Joel Wilson, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Maple Shade, New Jersey. After nearly five years in Rebuilt coaching, Father Joel shares the honest story of leading a parish through significant financial debt, the painful decision to close a longtime parish school, and the renewal that followed.
Together, they reflect on how data, both quantitative and qualitative, can inform better decisions without replacing trust in the Holy Spirit. Father Joel walks through how his parish collects and reviews metrics, how a strategic plan helped clarify mission and priorities, and why courage, prayer, and clarity are essential for parish renewal.
This conversation offers encouragement for pastors and parish leaders who feel overwhelmed by numbers, uncertain about next steps, or hesitant to pause long standing programs in order to create space for deeper discipleship.
Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation
🔑 Key Takeaways
Why closing a parish school can be both a loss and an opening for new life
How attendance, giving, and engagement data can support better decisions
The value of qualitative data and faith stories alongside metrics
Using SWOT analysis in parish strategic planning
Why “pause” can be more pastoral than “stop”
How small groups, grief ministry, and youth pathways fuel discipleship
Teaching stewardship as worship and first fruits, not obligation
Trusting God first while letting data guide wise action
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Father Joel’s parish context
02:10 Parish culture, service mindset, and closing the school
05:05 Early metrics and financial challenges
08:00 Leading the parish with transparency and courage
09:45 Collecting attendance, giving, and engagement data
12:00 Livestreaming and qualitative data stories
16:30 Strategic planning and SWOT analysis
19:50 Measuring momentum and stewardship growth
25:00 Youth, young adults, and discipleship pathways
30:20 Start, stop, and pause decisions in ministry
33:45 Reimagining parish initiatives through mission
36:40 Encouragement for leaders intimidated by data
39:00 Closing reflections and blessing

🙏 Final Encouragement
Renewal does not begin with perfect data or flawless plans. It begins with prayerful leadership, honest assessment, and the courage to take the next faithful step. Whether you are just beginning to track metrics or discerning a major decision, this episode is a reminder that God works powerfully through clarity, trust, and intentional action.
🎧 Listen now and share this episode with your leadership team or pastoral council.

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 strategic planning
Catholic parish renewal
Parish data and metrics
Stewardship as discipleship
Small groups ministry
Youth and young adult engagement
Financial leadership in parishes
Rebuilt coaching
...more
43min
January 22, 2026143| Road to Renewal: Real Stories From Leaders Who Refused to Give Up |ft. Ron Huntley
Ron Huntley from Huntley Leadership returns to the Rebuilt Parish podcast to share the heart behind his new book, The Road to Renewal. Ron and Melissa talk about why renewal stories matter right now, why the problems facing the Church are often the same across the world, and what it takes to build leadership teams that actually move a parish forward. You will hear practical frameworks, honest behind the scenes moments, and a clear reminder that renewal is impossible without a real dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways
How this book began as a prompting in prayer while Ron was on vacation, and why he let go of a different book he had planned to write
Why a multi author book helps dismantle the objection: “That works there, but not here”
Why “feeling it” is often the spark that launches renewal, and how Nativity’s story helped set the tone
Why prayer is not a box to check, but a culture of reliance on the Holy Spirit
Ron’s coaching framework for the five phases of missional momentum, including the reality of the “danger zone”
What healthy leadership looks like: honesty, emotional maturity, shared responsibility, and healthy conflict
A behind the scenes leadership meeting story that turned into a surprising witness to visiting priests
Why pastors should not walk the road alone, and what changes when shared leadership becomes real
Why self awareness tools and gift based teams matter for ministry alignment
A frank conversation about diocesan culture and the call to be peacemakers, not critics
Links and Resources
Huntley Leadership: HuntleyLeadership.com
Ron Huntley’s new book, Road to Renewal: https://a.co/d/1yorrO6
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introducing The Road to Renewal
01:00 Why This Book, Why Now
02:20 The Church’s Pioneers and the Power of Shared Stories
04:25 Collaboration Over Competition
06:15 Leadership Is Ownership
07:45 Recognizing Gifts and Divine Providence
09:40 Why the Book Begins With Feeling It
12:00 Repetition, Perspective, and Shared Themes
14:00 The Same Problems Everywhere
15:25 Prayer First and the Work of the Holy Spirit
19:00 Putting the Pen Down
20:30 Discouragement and Holy Expectation
21:00 The Five Phases of Missional Momentum
26:20 Helping Other Parishes After Renewal
29:20 Niceness, Greatness, and Truth
30:35 What Actually Moves the Needle
34:30 The Leadership Meeting That Went Sideways
38:00 Defining Leadership in the Parish
42:30 Why Pastors Should Not Walk Alone
44:35 Building Teams With Different Gifts
50:15 Where to Get the Book
51:30 Closing and Gratitude

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 renewal, Catholic leadership, parish leadership teams, Rebuilt Parish, Ron Huntley, Huntley Leadership, The Road to Renewal, Divine Renovation, Acts XXIX, Father Michael White, Tom Corcoran, leadership development, church coaching, pastoral leadership, diocesan renewal, evangelization, discipleship, Holy Spirit, prayer and discernment, Alpha Catholic, small groups, stewardship, finance council, spiritual gifts, charisms, CliftonStrengths, Working Genius, APES assessment, Alan Hirsch, high performance teams, healthy conflict, team culture, missional momentum, sustainable fruitfulness, intentional generosity, collaboration over competition, discouragement in ministry, vision and ownership
...more
55min
January 15, 2026142| Numbers Matter Because People Count
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
...more
35min
January 08, 2026141| The Pastor’s Right-Hand: Why Support Roles Matter More Than You Think
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
...more
34min
January 01, 2026140| It’s Not About Money: Rethinking Stewardship as Discipleship
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: [email protected].
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“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!

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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
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52min
December 25, 2025139| Tom Interviews Melissa: The Faith Story Behind the Mic
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
...more
53min

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The podcast currently has 151 episodes available.

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