The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

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The Rebuilt Parish Podcast episodes

  • 160| A Catholic Capital Campaign That Actually Worked

    What does it look like when a parish moves from vision to action?

    In this episode, Melissa sits down with Fr. Gregory Reichlen to unpack the story behind St. John the Apostle’s recent capital campaign. Just days after their commitment weekend, Fr. Greg shares how years of intentional culture change, rooted in mission and stewardship, led to a moment of extraordinary provision.

    What makes this conversation so powerful is that it’s not just about fundraising. It’s about building a parish where people encounter Christ, grow in community, and step forward in generosity as a response to discipleship.

    If your parish is thinking about a capital campaign or simply trying to grow in mission, this episode offers both practical steps and real encouragement.

    If you’re looking for a practical next step in building a culture of generosity in your parish, download Raising Givers: 6 People Who Can Help from Church Money and start identifying the key people who can move your mission forward:

    👉 https://download.rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers

    Key Takeaways
    • Vision drives growth. Without a clear picture of where God is leading, momentum stalls
    • Stewardship culture takes time. Years of teaching and formation made generosity possible
    • A strong “quiet phase” can build early momentum and confidence
    • Preaching a focused message series creates clarity and unity around the vision
    • Inviting people to take a next step in generosity is more effective than asking for a number
    • You do not need a perfect plan. A clear vision is more important than complete details
    • Even in uncertain economic times, people respond to faith-filled leadership
    • Resources & Links Mentioned

      Watch the Conference Panel featuring Analia:

      👉  What Parish Renewal Really Looks Like |153

      Watch Analia’s workshop on making Easter your “Super Bowl”:

      👉  Hospitality | Week 2 | Analia Kolakowski

      Explore Rebuilt Conference (save the date and join the waitlist):

      👉 https://www.rebuiltconference.com 

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction

      01:00 Meet Fr. Greg & Parish Background
      03:00 How Vision Sparked the Campaign
      07:00 Why Space Became Urgent
      11:00 Small Groups & Parish Growth
      17:00 Mission vs Vision Explained
      21:00 Campaign Strategy & Timeline
      25:00 Commitment Weekend Results
      27:00 Easter Strategy & Momentum
      30:00 Stewardship Culture Over Time
      33:00 Leading Through Uncertainty
      35:00 Exceeding the Goal
      38:00 What Comes Next
      40:00 Advice for Pastors

      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 capital campaign, parish stewardship, church fundraising, Catholic parish growth, discipleship, parish leadership, church vision, Catholic evangelization, stewardship campaign, church growth strategies, parish renewal, Catholic small groups, church leadership podcast, parish mission, Catholic leadership, church fundraising ideas, capital campaign church, Catholic ministry leadership, parish development, church vision planning, stewardship culture, Catholic parish coaching, evangelization strategy, parish expansion, church giving

      48 min
    • 159| Johnnette Williams on Transforming Women, Transforming the Church

      What happens when someone truly discovers who they are in Christ?

      In this episode, Melissa sits down with Johnnette Williams of Women of Grace for a conversation filled with joy, honesty, and deep spiritual wisdom. Alongside Tom Corcoran, they reflect on Johnnette’s powerful story of conversion, the heart behind her ministry, and what she’s learned from walking with thousands of women over the years.

      From healing and identity to the unique role women play in the life of a parish, this episode offers both encouragement and practical insight for parish leaders seeking to build a culture where people can truly be transformed.

      If you’re looking for a practical next step in building a culture of generosity in your parish, download Raising Givers: 6 People Who Can Help from Church Money and start identifying the key people who can move your mission forward: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers

      In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

      • Johnnette’s story of returning to the faith and being set on fire for the Gospel
      • How healing and restoration unfold over time through a life of prayer
      • Why so many women feel disconnected—and what they’re really searching for
      • The deeper identity every woman is called to rediscover
      • The unique role women play in shaping the spiritual culture of a parish
      • A simple, practical step pastors can take to better reach and form women
      • The importance of weakness, surrender, and daily dependence on the Lord
      • Key Takeaway:

        When people begin to understand who they are in Christ, everything changes—and that transformation can renew an entire parish from the inside out.

        Timestamps:

        00:00 – Intro
        01:00 – Johnnette’s story and return to the faith
        07:00 – Encountering healing through prayer and the Holy Spirit
        12:00 – How Women of Grace began
        18:00 – Why so many women feel disconnected
        25:00 – Identity, weakness, and dependence on God
        32:00 – The role of women in parish life
        39:00 – A simple step for reaching women in your parish
        41:00 – Final encouragement and prayer

        Links & Resources
        • Women of Grace Website: https://womenofgrace.com
        • Women of Grace Foundational Study: https://womenofgrace.com/study-programs
        • Watch/Listen to Johnnette (EWTN): https://www.ewtn.com
        • Women of Grace TV & Radio Archives: https://womenofgrace.com/tv
        • Connect on Social Media
          • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenofgrace
          • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenofgrace
          • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenofGrace
          • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/womenofgrace
          • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@womenofgrace

          • If this episode encouraged you:
            Share it with a leader or team member who is passionate about reaching and forming women in your parish.

             

            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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            https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish 

            46 min
          • 158| How to Run a Catholic Capital Campaign That Builds Faith

            What if a capital campaign was not just about raising money but raising faith?

            In this episode, Melissa sits down with Daniel Miller, Director of Next Gen at Church of the Nativity, to reflect on the heart behind the Wonder Campaign. This is an 18 million dollar effort rooted not just in facilities, but in forming the next generation of disciples.

            Daniel shares how the campaign began, the spiritual vision driving it, and the real challenges they have faced along the way. From donor conversations to parish wide storytelling, you will hear how Nativity approached this as a faith movement first and a financial goal second.

            Even if your parish is not planning a campaign, this conversation offers a clear framework for leading with vision, inviting generosity as worship, and trusting God in the unknown.

            If you’re looking for a practical next step in building a culture of generosity in your parish, download Raising Givers: 6 People Who Can Help from Church Money and start identifying the key people who can move your mission forward: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers

            And if you’d like to learn more about how the Wonder Campaign is unfolding at Church of the Nativity, you can explore the vision and progress here: https://www.churchnativity.com/wonder/

            🔑 Key Takeaways:
            • Why a capital campaign should start with mission, not money
            • How to invite people into giving as an act of faith
            • The importance of storytelling and one church one message
            • Lessons learned from donor engagement and leadership alignment
            • What real spiritual fruit looks like beyond financial results
            • 📊 By the Numbers:
              • 18 million dollar campaign goal
              • 15.6 million pledged so far
              • Over 1000 households participating
              • 🙌 A Word to Parish Leaders:

                If you do not feel ready, you are not alone. As Daniel shares, throughout Scripture, God rarely calls the ready. He calls the willing. This episode is a reminder that when the vision is clear and rooted in faith, God provides what is needed to move forward.

                 

                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

                37 min
              • 157| Fr. James Mallon and Tom Corcoran on the Reality of Parish Renewal

                What does parish renewal really look like when you’re living it day by day?

                In this episode, Melissa sits down with Fr. James Mallon, founder of Divine Renovation, alongside Tom Corcoran. Together, they reflect on their shared history, the early days of parish renewal, and the sense of being “kindred spirits” in a mission to help the Church rediscover evangelization.

                But this conversation goes deeper than theory. Fr. James shares what it’s been like returning to parish life after years of leading a global ministry. From walking into a struggling parish to witnessing signs of new life, he offers a candid and hope-filled look at what renewal actually requires. It’s not quick. It’s not easy. But it is worth it.

                Key Takeaways
                • Parish renewal is painful, slow, and deeply worthwhile
                • Culture change in a parish often takes years, not months
                • Evangelization must come before catechesis and programs
                • Healthy parishes mobilize people for mission, not just participation
                • God is stirring new spiritual hunger, especially in younger generations
                • Resources Mentioned
                  • Divine Renovation by Fr. James Mallon - https://a.co/d/0j6JWUd6 
                  • Rebuilt by Michael White & Tom Corcoran - https://a.co/d/00Fq31Mn 
                  • For more information on Divine Renovation visit their website: https://www.divinerenovation.org/

                     

                    👉 Free Resource:

                    Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation 

                     

                    Final Encouragement

                    There’s no quick fix for renewal. But there is a path.

                    Stay faithful. Build a team. Keep moving forward.

                    The fruit will come.

                    46 min
                  • 156| How Healthy Parishes Grow Even with Limited Staff

                    What does real parish transformation actually look like and how does it begin?

                    In this episode, Melissa sits down with Maria Pulitano, Head of Parish Transformation at Rebuilt, to unpack what happens when a parish becomes truly mission-focused. Drawing from her experience walking alongside pastors and teams across the country, Maria shares how coaching helps parishes move from maintenance into momentum, not by copying another model, but by becoming the best version of who they are called to be.

                    You’ll hear how culture begins to shift, how leaders are supported in real time, and why small steps can lead to lasting change. If you’ve ever wondered whether transformation is possible in your parish, this conversation offers both clarity and encouragement for the next step.

                    Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation 
                    Key Takeaways
                    • Parish transformation begins with a renewed focus on the mission to make disciples
                    • Coaching is a partnership that walks alongside pastors and leaders, not a one-size-fits-all solution
                    • Healthy culture change happens through small, intentional steps that build momentum
                    • You don’t need a large staff to grow—leaders can be raised up from the pews
                    • Coaches provide real-time support through challenges like staffing, communication, and change management
                    • Measuring both metrics and stories of life change helps parishes recognize what God is doing
                    • Strong leadership teams and clear mission alignment are foundational for long-term growth
                    • Chapters

                      00:00 – Introduction to Maria and Parish Transformation

                      02:00 – What Transformation Looks Like in a Parish
                      04:00 – Debunking the “Mini Nativity” Myth
                      06:00 – What Coaching Relationships Really Look Like
                      09:00 – Real-Time Support and “Speed Dial” Coaching
                      12:00 – Navigating Challenges and Leading Change
                      14:00 – Building Mission, Vision, and Leadership Teams
                      17:00 – Creating Momentum Through Small Wins
                      19:00 – Raising Up Leaders from the Pew
                      23:00 – Delegation, Trust, and Avoiding Burnout
                      24:30 – Measuring Wins and Tracking Growth
                      28:00 – Why Coaching Works and What Makes It Unique
                      31:00 – Encouragement for Parish Leaders Considering a Next Step

                      What could be possible in your parish if you took one intentional step forward?

                      If you’re beginning to ask that question, you’re not alone. Start by gathering a few leaders, naming what you hope for, and exploring what’s next. You can also learn more about coaching and connect with our team in the show notes.

                      Links & Resources
                      • Learn more about Rebuilt Coaching rebuiltparish.com/coaching 
                      • Connect with our team: Natalie - [email protected] Bill - [email protected] 
                      • parish renewal, Catholic parish growth, parish coaching, church leadership, discipleship, Catholic evangelization, parish transformation, church growth strategy, small groups ministry, Catholic leadership development

                        https://www.rebuiltparish.com/    

                        facebook.com/rebuiltparish

                        instagram.com/rebuiltparish 

                        https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/ 

                        https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish

                        37 min
                      • 155| Opening the Doors to Parish Renewal

                        What does it look like when a parish begins to move from maintenance to momentum?

                        In this episode, Melissa sits down with Fr. Paul MacNeil of St. Alexander Parish in Fonthill, Ontario, to reflect on what happened when he stepped into a parish facing financial strain, low attendance, and limited engagement. Rather than settling into maintenance mode, Fr. Paul leaned into coaching and began making intentional changes that created real momentum.

                        From opening doors and improving hospitality to building a leadership team, launching small groups, and aligning the parish around a clearer vision, Fr. Paul shares how St. Alexander has grown from fewer than 250 people on a weekend to around 650 today. This conversation offers practical insight and encouragement for any pastor or parish leader who is ready to see their parish move forward with clarity and purpose.

                        Key Takeaways
                        • Momentum often begins with simple, visible changes that signal welcome and care
                        • Hospitality plays a critical role in helping people return and engage
                        • Parish renewal is about building a culture of discipleship, not just adding programs
                        • A strong leadership team helps sustain and multiply momentum
                        • Small groups create connection and help a growing parish feel personal
                        • Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation 

                          If this conversation resonated with you, Fr. Paul shares even more of the story in his Under the Hood blog series—an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, challenges, and breakthroughs that helped build momentum at St. Alexander. https://substack.com/@frpaulmacneil/p-190929046 

                          Episode Highlights
                          • Why Fr. Paul chose coaching while stepping into a new parish
                          • The story of locked doors and what it revealed about parish culture
                          • Early “low-hanging fruit” that helped build trust and momentum
                          • How hospitality and environment shaped the parish experience
                          • Growing from under 250 to over 650 in weekly attendance
                          • The role of small groups in sustaining momentum
                          • Leading with greater support, clarity, and confidence
                          • If you’re a pastor or parish leader looking to build momentum in your parish, reach out to our team to see if coaching is the right fit for you: [email protected] or [email protected] 

                            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

                             

                            40 min
                          • 154| The Help Your Parish Has Been Missing

                            What actually changes when a parish moves from trying different ideas… to truly aligning everything around mission?

                            In this episode, Melissa sits down with Gail Rayos, who has experienced parish renewal from both sides. After years serving as a pastoral associate at St. Mary Magdalen in Florida, Gail walked through Rebuilt coaching with her parish. Now, she’s helping other parishes do the same as a coach.

                            This conversation is filled with practical insight and honest reflection. Gail shares the hesitation many parishes feel before coaching, the moment things began to shift, and how a renewed commitment to small groups and leadership transformed their parish culture. More than anything, she offers encouragement that renewal doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means reconnecting what’s already there and moving forward with clarity.

                            Key Takeaways
                            • Many parishes are already doing good things, but struggle to connect them into a clear mission
                            • Coaching helps parishes move from scattered efforts to aligned systems
                            • A true commitment to small groups can transform parish life and deepen faith
                            • Leadership development is not one area of ministry. It strengthens everything
                            • Renewal is not about becoming another parish. It’s about becoming who your parish is called to be
                            • Resources Mentioned

                              Learn how your parish can grow wider and reach more people:

                              What would it look like for your parish to move from maintaining to reaching those who are not yet engaged?
                              Download the Grow Wider Self Evaluation:
                              https://download.rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation

                              Interested in coaching for your parish?

                              Reach out to:

                              If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a pastor or team member who is carrying the weight of parish leadership. You are not alone, and renewal is possible.

                               

                              https://www.rebuiltparish.com/    

                              facebook.com/rebuiltparish

                              instagram.com/rebuiltparish 

                              https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/ 

                              https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish

                              39 min
                            • 153| What Parish Renewal Really Looks Like

                              What does parish renewal actually look like when it moves from ideas into real parish life? In this special replay from the 2025 Rebuilt Conference, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with a panel of parish leaders who have spent years putting the Rebuilt model into practice. Together, they share honest stories from the field, including what their parishes were facing before coaching, the hesitations and resistance they encountered, and the progress they have seen through faithful, intentional leadership.

                              You will hear from leaders serving in very different parish contexts, from multicultural communities to collaborative parishes to growing suburban churches. What ties their stories together is not a perfect formula, but a willingness to take the next step. They talk about leadership, weekend experience, communication, small groups, resistance to change, and the importance of staying focused on mission.

                              This conversation is encouraging for any pastor or parish staff member who knows renewal is needed but is unsure where to begin. If your parish feels stuck, overwhelmed, or hesitant to make a change, this episode offers both practical wisdom and real hope.

                              Key Takeaways
                              • Renewal often begins with one clear step, not a full overhaul.
                              • Strong leadership teams create the foundation for lasting parish change.
                              • A better weekend experience can become a catalyst for wider renewal.
                              • Resistance is normal, but clarity, conviction, and communication matter.
                              • Coaching helps parish leaders move from inspiration to action.
                              • Featured Guests
                                • Analia Kolikowski, Pastoral Associate, Church of St. John the Apostle, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
                                • Fr. Roger Gustafson, Pastor, St. Hilary Parish, Tiburon, California
                                • Fr. Mark Peacock, Pastor, Holy Spirit Parish, Grand Rapids, Michigan
                                • Cathy O’Leary, Creative Director, New Roads Catholic Community, Belmont, Massachusetts
                                • Strong parishes are built on strong leadership. Get a clear picture of where your leadership is today and where it can grow with our free Leadership Self Evaluation. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation 
                                  Why This Episode Matters

                                  If you have ever wondered whether renewal could really happen in your parish, this conversation offers a grounded and hopeful answer. These leaders share what changed when they stopped trying to do everything at once and instead took faithful steps forward with vision, courage, and support.

                                  Listener Invitation

                                  Want to see what parish renewal can look like in real life? Listen in and consider what one next step God may be inviting your parish to take.

                                   

                                  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

                                  46 min
                                • 152| Fr. John Riccardo on Mobilizing for Mission

                                  What happens when prayer stops being something we “fit in,” and becomes the place we start? In this conversation, Fr. John Riccardo (Acts XXIX) joins Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran to talk about the renewal God wants to do in parishes, leaders, and teams, beginning with surrender and a restored dependence on the Holy Spirit.

                                  Fr. John shares his unexpected call to priesthood, the “call within a call” that led to Acts XXIX, and why so many parish teams stay stuck in maintenance: fear of failure, fear of risk, and a functional way of doing ministry that forgets we’re meant to live as family. Along the way, you’ll hear practical, concrete ways to bring prayer into the center of parish leadership, build true communion among teams, and reclaim the mindset of the early Church- because Acts didn’t end at chapter 28.

                                  Resources Mentioned
                                  • Acts XXIX: https://www.actsxxix.org/ 
                                    • The Rescue Project: https://watch.actsxxix.org/therescueproject 
                                    •  

                                      How is your parish intentionally reaching those beyond your walls, and what might God be inviting you to do next? Download our Grow Wider Self-Evaluation to find out and take your next faithful step forward. 

                                      Grow Wider Self Evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation 

                                      Key Takeaways
                                      • Surrender is daily, not one-time. Fr. John shares a tangible morning practice: “crawling back on the altar” each day.
                                      • The only real failure is quitting. Trying something that doesn’t work is often discernment, not defeat.
                                      • Parish renewal requires a shift from maintenance to mission. Comfort can keep the “machine” running, but it won’t bring new life.
                                      • Teams need to look like family. If we’re inviting people into the family of God, parish leadership must embody real communion.
                                      • Prayer isn’t “before the work.” Prayer is how you know what the work is. Restore the initiative to God.
                                      • Hospitality and beauty open hearts. They communicate “you matter,” and prepare people to receive what God wants to do.
                                      • Loneliness is real among clergy—and relational ministry matters. Priests need communion, not isolation.
                                      • “Acts 29” is a mindset. The Holy Spirit is still writing the Church’s story through you and your parish today.
                                      •  

                                        Chapters & Timestamps
                                        • 00:00 — Welcome + why this conversation matters
                                        • 00:18 — Fr. John’s origin story: an unexpected call to priesthood
                                        • 03:10 — Prayer, wandering, and the struggle to surrender
                                        • 06:16 — A daily surrender practice: “crawl back on the altar”
                                        • 07:12 — The “call within a call” that led to Acts XXIX
                                        • 10:21 — Choosing the right people for mission and ministry
                                        • 16:29 — Risk, fear, and redefining failure for parish leaders
                                        • 19:34 — St. Joan of Arc and magnanimity: “I was born for this”
                                        • 22:01 — Why “Acts 29”: reclaiming the fruitfulness of the early Church
                                        • 27:12 — How Acts XXIX serves parishes (free charism, clear principles)
                                        • 31:39 — The four core efforts: Rescue Project, immersives, clergy retreats, media
                                        • 35:23 — How priests and lay leaders can truly work together
                                        • 38:09 — Stories of transformation: what changes when teams pray to discern
                                        • 42:25 — Permission to “waste time”: meals, prayer, presence, and culture shift
                                        • 49:10 — How to connect with Acts XXIX + key links
                                        • 52:04 — 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 

                                           

                                          Catholic parish renewal, Acts XXIX Catholic, Fr John Riccardo, Tom Corcoran Rebuilt Parish, parish leadership development, Catholic evangelization strategy, parish mission and vision, moving from maintenance to mission, Catholic church revitalization, Rescue Project Catholic, leadership immersion Catholic, Catholic clergy renewal, priest burnout and renewal, Catholic team leadership, prayer in parish leadership, restoring the initiative to God, biblical worldview Catholic, Catholic discipleship formation, Holy Spirit and discernment, parish culture transformation, Catholic ministry teamwork, lay and clergy collaboration, parish staff prayer, church leadership podcast, Catholic evangelization podcast

                                          54 min
                                        • 151| How to Identify Your Parish’s Target Audience

                                          Every parish wants to reach more people, but where do you begin? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Fr. John Sullivan, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham, Massachusetts, to talk about how defining a clear target audience can transform the way a parish approaches ministry.

                                          You may have heard of “Timonium Tim,” the persona developed at Church of the Nativity to help guide evangelization efforts. Fr. John shares how he adapted that concept for his own parish and created “Chatham Chuck,” a simple way to keep the mission of evangelization front and center in parish life.

                                          Throughout the conversation, Fr. John explains how understanding the people in the pews shaped his preaching, hospitality, and leadership decisions. He also offers practical encouragement for parish leaders who feel discouraged by slow progress, reminding us that renewal in the Church is often a long and faithful work.

                                           

                                          Key Takeaways
                                          • Defining a clear target audience helps parishes stay focused on their mission of evangelization
                                          • • Many parishes must first help those already in the pews deepen their faith before reaching outward
                                            • Renewal takes persistence and patience. Transformation rarely happens overnight
                                            • A welcoming weekend experience helps visitors quickly feel like part of the community
                                            • Listening to the stories of your parishioners can reveal important insights about your parish culture

                                            Want to know if your parish is ready to reach more people? Take a few minutes to reflect on where your parish stands with this free Grow Wider Self Evaluation.

                                            https://download.rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation

                                            Chapters 

                                            00:00 Introduction

                                            00:03 Meet Fr. John Sullivan from Holy Redeemer Parish
                                            01:56 What “Timonium Tim” Means for Parish Evangelization
                                            02:11 How “Chatham Chuck” Was Created
                                            04:47 Understanding Your Parish Community
                                            06:15 Leading Through Criticism and Change
                                            06:43 Using Message Series to Reach People in the Pews
                                            09:54 Who Is “Chatham Chuck”?
                                            12:33 Why Parish Renewal Takes Time
                                            15:57 Hospitality and the Weekend Experience
                                            17:18 Avoiding Mission Drift in Parish Leadership
                                            19:02 Helping Parishioners Evangelize Their Families
                                            20:36 Staying Faithful in Ministry Leadership
                                            22:16 First Steps for Identifying Your Parish Audience
                                            24:32 Final Encouragement for Parish Leaders

                                            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, parish renewal, catholic evangelization, church leadership, catholic parish growth, rebuilt parish podcast, timonium tim, parish target audience, parish mission strategy, catholic discipleship, catholic ministry leadership, church growth strategies, parish evangelization ideas, catholic leadership podcast, parish hospitality ministry, catholic church outreach, parish mission clarity, evangelization in the catholic church, catholic priest leadership, parish culture change, catholic preaching strategy, church leadership development, catholic ministry strategy, parish leadership training, grow wider parish strategy

                                            25 min

                                          About The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

                                          From the publisher's feed

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

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