The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

By Rebuilt ParishReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Rebuilt Parish Podcast episodes

August 28, 2025122| Chris Stefanick on Faith in Everyday Life
In this episode, Tom and Melissa sit down with Chris Stefanick—international speaker, author, and founder of Real Life Catholic—to talk about the heart of evangelization today. Chris shares his own conversion story, why he’s passionate about parish-based evangelization, and how he’s seen God work powerfully through simple faithfulness. Together, we discuss the challenge of reaching the de-churched and disengaged, the temptation to measure success by scale, and why the Church must speak to people’s everyday lives if we hope to bring them back to Christ.
This conversation is honest, down-to-earth, and full of encouragement for pastors, parish staff, and ministry leaders striving to make disciples in today’s Church.
Sign up for The Daily Anchor to start your morning with brief daily reflections from Chris Stefanick: https://bit.ly/daily-anchor
Join Chris Stefanick at an upcoming REBOOT event at parishes across the country: https://reallifecatholic.com/reboot/
Subscribe to the Chris Stefanick Show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/45sIFrv
Learn more about Real Life Catholic: www.reallifecatholic.com
Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.stefanick/
Key Takeaways
Joy is compelling. Chris shares how encountering authentic joy in Christ set him on fire to share the Gospel.

Start small, be faithful. Evangelization is about faithfulness in the small things, not chasing big numbers or stages.

Parish is the front line. Parishes remain the heart of Catholic life and the place where evangelization must take root.

Accessibility matters. People today crave faith that speaks into their everyday lives—not just academic theology.

Authenticity in preaching. Preachers don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be relatable, honest, and prepared.

New wineskins. The Church can’t cling to old structures—renewal requires courage to innovate while staying true to the Gospel.

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
49 min
August 21, 2025121| Mia Corcoran on Healing and Hope: Integrating Prayer Ministry into Parish Life
Join Melissa Wilkinson and Mia Corcoran as they delve into the transformative power of faith, healing, and community in the Church of the Nativity. Discover how personal experiences and spiritual revelations have shaped their journey and inspired others.

Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session in September: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops

Key Takeaways
Embracing Change: Mia Corcoran shares her journey from traditional church practices to embracing a purpose-driven ministry, highlighting the importance of adapting to new spiritual insights.
Power of Small Groups: The episode emphasizes the transformative impact of small groups in fostering community, personal growth, and deeper faith connections.
Healing Ministry: Mia discusses the inception and growth of the healing prayer ministry, showcasing the power of prayer and faith in bringing about physical and spiritual healing.
Spiritual Warfare: The conversation delves into the role of spiritual warfare and deliverance, encouraging listeners to recognize and combat spiritual challenges.
Empowerment Through Faith: Listeners are encouraged to embrace their spiritual authority and actively participate in their faith communities to effect positive change.
Personal Testimonies: Mia shares powerful stories of healing and transformation, illustrating the profound impact of faith and prayer in overcoming life's challenges.
Community Impact: The episode highlights the importance of community support and collaboration in driving spiritual growth and transformation within the church.

Chapters:
Introduction to Mia Corcoran (0:00)
Early Days and Transformations (5:12)
Purpose-Driven Ministry (12:45)
The Power of Small Groups (20:30)
Healing Prayer Ministry (28:15)
Personal Testimonies of Healing (35:50)
Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance (45:00)
Empowering the Church Community (55:20)
Closing Thoughts and Reflections (1:05:00)
Hashtags: #FaithJourney #HealingMinistry #SpiritualGrowth #CommunityImpact

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
50 min
August 14, 2025120| From Seminary to the Secular World—and Back Again: One Leader’s Journey into Deeper Faith
Join Melissa Wilkinson as she welcomes Bob Boulter, Director of Member Care at Church of the Nativity, to discuss the journey of deepening faith while working in a church setting. Bob shares his unique experiences from both the corporate and church worlds, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of living a faith-driven life.
Key Highlights:
Bob's diverse religious upbringing and journey to the seminary.
Transition from the hotel and restaurant industry to church ministry.
The role of healing prayer in personal and community transformation.
Overcoming common fears and obstacles when returning to church.
Spiritual practices that sustain church workers in their demanding roles.
Tune in to hear Bob's inspiring stories and learn how to grow deeper in your faith. Don't miss our upcoming workshops in September for a chance to connect with the community.
Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session in September: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops

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
33 min
August 07, 2025119| From Personal Faith to Parish Leadership
Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session in September: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops

In this engaging podcast episode, Debbie Pine, a Pastoral Associate at one of our Partner Parishes, St. Alexander in Fonthill, Ontario, shares her journey from personal faith to becoming a ministry leader. She discusses the importance of community in faith, the challenges and rewards of launching small groups, and how these experiences have deepened her own spiritual growth. Debbie emphasizes the significance of connection, vulnerability, and support within the church, encouraging others to embrace their faith journeys with grace and patience.

Takeaways
Debbie's faith was rooted in personal devotion and community engagement.
She joined the parish staff after feeling a strong calling to serve.
Volunteers can play a significant role in church leadership.
Engaging with parishioners has enriched Debbie's understanding of faith.
Small groups foster deeper connections and support within the community.
Launching small groups was a transformative experience for the parish.
Small groups have positively impacted Debbie's walk with Christ.
Prayer and reflection are essential for nurturing personal faith.
Creating a safe space in small groups encourages vulnerability.
It's important to be gentle with oneself during faith journeys.

Chapters

00:00 Journey of Faith: From Personal Devotion to Ministry Leadership
03:00 The Impact of Community: Building Connections in Faith
05:33 Navigating Challenges: Strengthening Faith Through Adversity
08:32 Small Groups: A Catalyst for Spiritual Growth
11:26 Creating a Culture of Community: The Role of Small Groups
14:20 Deepening Faith: The Transformative Power of Shared Experiences
17:26 Nurturing Faith: Balancing Leadership and Personal Spirituality
20:28 Encouragement for the Journey: Embracing Imperfection in Faith

Keywords
faith, ministry, community, small groups, spiritual growth, church leadership, personal devotion, parish life, discipleship, 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
25 min
July 31, 2025118| David Chrzan on Big Vision, Bold Faith, & the Bible App: Church Leadership Lessons
Join us in this insightful episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast as we sit down with David Chrzan, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in church leadership. Discover the profound connection between David and Tom and dive into the behind-the-scenes stories of working with renowned churches like Saddleback and Life.Church. Listen in to explore the impact of the YouVersion Bible app.

Don't miss out on the transformative power of the YouVersion Bible App. Download it today and start your journey of digital discipleship: https://www.bible.com/

Key Highlights:
Mentorship and Leadership: David shares his journey of mentoring Tom and the importance of having a big vision in ministry.
The Power of the Word: Discussing the significance of engaging with the Bible and the global efforts to make it accessible in every language.
Vision and Faith: How vision is tied to one's perception of God and the importance of thinking big, regardless of church size.
Digital Discipleship: The role of YouVersion in fostering spiritual growth and its impact on global faith communities.
Collaboration Across Denominations: Insights into building bridges between different Christian streams and the upcoming partnerships with Catholic leaders.
Faith in Action: The discussion underscores that faith requires action, and vision should be aligned with one's perception of God.

Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources

Keywords:
Mentorship, Church Leadership, Vision, YouVersion, Digital Discipleship, Bible Engagement, Faith, Collaboration, Catholic Partnerships, Spiritual Growth

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
51 min
July 24, 2025 117| How to Use the Internet to Make Disciples
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, we’re giving you something truly special—a peek into one of the standout breakout sessions from the Rebuilt Conference. Out of 40 incredible breakout sessions, this is one we knew we had to share with everyone.

Delve into practical ideas for digital discipleship with Shana Hospelhorn and Jenny Fletcher, part of the Marketing and Communications Team at Church of the Nativity. Discover how to harness the power of the internet to make meaningful connections and fulfill the Great Commission. From sharing authentic stories to building real-life connections, learn how to use digital tools intentionally to lead people closer to their faith. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your digital spaces for a greater purpose.

Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources

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

34 min
July 21, 2025116| Austin Suggs on Authenticity Online: How Digital Platforms Are Impacting Discipleship
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Austin Suggs shares his journey from a non-denominational background to exploring Catholicism and ecumenism. He discusses the importance of digital discipleship, the blending of traditional and modern worship practices, and the need for authentic conversations about faith.

The discussion highlights generational differences in faith experiences, the significance of community, and the challenges faced by the de-churched. Austin emphasizes the beauty of the good news and the importance of sharing personal experiences over expertise.

Check out Austin’s video we discussed in the episode: https://youtu.be/v1TDwOpfGCs?feature=shared

Takeaways
Austin's journey began in a non-denominational church.
He started creating YouTube videos to explore theology.
Digital discipleship is crucial for engaging young people.
Authenticity is key in reaching the de-churched.
Tradition and modernity can coexist in worship.
Community building is essential in faith journeys.
Crisis of faith is common and should be openly discussed.
The good news of the gospel is compelling and beautiful.
Sharing experiences can be more impactful than expertise.
Understanding your audience is vital for effective outreach.

Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:44 Austin's Journey into Theology
04:25 Digital Discipleship and Community Engagement
10:22 Ecumenical Conversations and Shared Experiences
12:28 Insights from Church of the Nativity
16:35 Gospel Simplicity and Community Building
21:47 The Good News and Its Impact
23:25 The Journey Back to Faith
30:04 Crisis of Faith and Authenticity
33:09 Engaging the de-churched
39:38 Bridging the Gap with Wisdom
42:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Keywords
faith journey, digital discipleship, ecumenism, Catholicism, Protestantism, church community, theology, worship, crisis of faith, youth engagement

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
48 min
July 10, 2025115| Reaching the Next Generation Digitally
In this conversation, Melissa Wilkinson speaks with Abby Daniels and Joe Tomaso about their innovative approaches to discipleship and digital outreach at St. Joseph's parish. They discuss their roles in overseeing communications and youth ministry, the importance of engaging the next generation, and the success of their Shine week initiative.

The conversation highlights the integration of discipleship steps into programs, effective content strategies, and the use of analytics to drive decisions. They also share advice for other parishes looking to enhance their digital engagement and their aspirations for future growth in digital discipleship.

Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Takeaways
Weekly discipleship opportunities post helps consolidate parish activities.
Engaging youth on social media boosts community involvement.
Shine week empowers high schoolers to lead middle school service projects.
Digital media is crucial for sharing parish stories and results.
Analytics guide content strategy and engagement efforts.
Photos are more engaging than traditional ads on social media.
Clarity and consistency in messaging lead to better discipleship.
Investing in a new database system will enhance outreach efforts.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Discipleship and Digital Outreach
02:04 Innovative Communication Strategies for Discipleship
05:08 Engaging the Next Generation in Faith
07:08 Shine Week: Empowering Youth through Service
10:46 Intentional Discipleship Steps in Youth Programs
14:56 Content Strategy and Digital Engagement
19:09 Success Stories in Digital Discipleship
24:07 Advice for Parishes on Digital Media
29:04 Future Aspirations for Digital Discipleship
Keywords
discipleship, digital outreach, youth ministry, church communication, social media strategy, community engagement, faith formation, Shine week, parish growth, analytics
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
35 min
July 03, 2025114| Telling the Story: How Video Disciples and Engages
In this conversation, Melissa and Shana discuss the transformative role of video in church communication and digital discipleship. Shana shares her experiences at Church of the Nativity, highlighting how video storytelling, particularly through testimonials, can engage parishioners and foster community.

They explore the creative process behind producing message series trailers, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and practical tips for parishes with limited resources. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to leverage the talents within their congregations and adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

Takeaways
Shana is the director of marketing and video at Church of the Nativity.
Video is a key communication tool for discipleship and storytelling.
Trailers for message series help set the tone and engage parishioners.
Authenticity in storytelling is crucial for impactful video content.
Testimonial videos capture life-changing stories and deepen faith.
Collaboration and creativity are essential in video production.
Parishes can start video projects with limited resources and equipment.
Engaging the next generation in video production fosters community ownership.
Measuring success involves looking at engagement and achieving ministry goals.
The future of church video should focus on authenticity amidst AI-generated content.

Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Digital Discipleship
02:04 - The Role of Video in Church Communication
05:55 - Creating Engaging Message Series Trailers
09:58 - The Importance of Testimony Videos
13:50 - Drawing Out Authentic Stories
17:49 - Using Testimonies Effectively
21:56 - Balancing Quality with Limited Resources
26:07 - Measuring Success in Video Content
29:58 - The Future of Video in Church

Keywords
digital discipleship, church communication, video production, storytelling, testimonials, parish engagement, creative ministry, church marketing, video strategy, community building

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
36 min
June 26, 2025113| Digital Discipleship: How One Parish Transformed Their Online Presence
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Mackenzie Coble and Michael Morrison, Partner Parish leaders from Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids, Michigan, share the story of how they revitalized their parish’s digital presence. They walk through the rebranding process, highlight key communication strategies, and explain how they leveraged tools like Canva, social media, and live streaming to better engage their community.
From building a clean email list to tailoring messages for different platforms, Mackenzie and Michael offer practical insights that any parish can apply. They also reflect on the challenges of digital discipleship and the importance of starting small, staying intentional, and connecting personally with parishioners.
Whether your parish is just beginning its digital journey or looking to take things to the next level, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable steps to help you grow your digital outreach and engagement.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Takeaways
Digital marketing can significantly increase parish engagement.
Understanding your audience is essential for effective communication.
Visual content outperforms text-heavy messages.
Canva is a user-friendly tool that simplifies parish design needs.
Personal engagement leads to increased parishioner involvement.
Live streaming helps connect with those who can’t attend in person.
Maintaining a clean email list is key for successful outreach.
Collaboration with parishioners enhances digital ministry efforts.
Learning from other parishes can spark fresh ideas and strategies.
Flexibility and openness are crucial in navigating digital transformation.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the Guests and Their Roles
01:32 – The Shift to Digital Marketing and Communication
03:08 – Initial Digital Presence and First Steps
05:10 – Utilizing Canva for Visual Communication
06:50 – Key Moments of Impact in Digital Efforts
10:44 – Tools and Platforms for Digital Outreach
12:24 – Tailoring Messages for Different Platforms
14:10 – Engagement Through Personal Connection
17:14 – Creative Direction in Video Content
20:18 – The Evolution of Live Streaming in the Parish
22:05 – Transitioning to Digital Outreach
30:14 – Engagement and Community Building
37:14 – Overcoming Challenges in Digital Discipleship
41:39 – Advice for Improving Digital Presence

Keywords
digital marketing, parish communication, community engagement, social media, church outreach, digital discipleship, rebranding, live streaming, Canva, parish growth
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
48 min