The Rebuilt Parish Podcast
The Rebuilt Parish Podcast exists to equip pastors and parish leaders to help make church matter in their community.
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Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
Resources:
Register for the Rebuilt Conference 2025! rebuiltconference.com
Use our Advent Message Series: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/advent-promise
Summary
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa and Tom discuss the significance of a parking lot ministry, especially as the holiday season approaches. They emphasize how a welcoming parking experience can create a positive first impression for families attending church, particularly during Christmas Eve services.
The conversation covers practical steps for starting and sustaining a parking lot ministry, including leadership, volunteer recruitment, and the importance of creating a hospitable environment. Personal anecdotes highlight the impact of such ministries on community engagement and church growth.
Takeaways
The parking lot is the first point of contact for guests.
Creating a welcoming environment starts before the service begins.
A parking lot ministry can significantly enhance the church experience for families.
Investing in volunteer leaders is crucial for success.
Simple gestures can make a big difference in hospitality.
Christmas Eve is a prime opportunity to showcase hospitality.
Start small with one mass and expand from there.
Communication and organization are key in a parking ministry.
Personal experiences can illustrate the importance of hospitality.
Building the kingdom of God involves small, consistent efforts.
titles
Leadership in Church Hospitality
The Power of Parking Lot Ministry
Sound Bites
"The message begins in the parking lot."
"We have fun here. People are invested here."
"Start with one mass, get really good at it."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Holiday Preparations
08:11 - The Importance of Parking Lot Ministry
12:39 - Starting a Parking Lot Ministry
25:01 - Personal Experiences with Parking Lot Ministry
29:22 - Sustaining Momentum Beyond Christmas Eve
Keywords
parking lot ministry, church hospitality, Christmas Eve, family support, community engagement, first impressions, volunteer leadership, church growth, welcoming environment, operational planning
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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
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Resources:
Register for the Rebuilt Conference 2025! rebuiltconference.com
Use our Advent Message Series: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/advent-promise
Summary
In this episode of the Rebuild Parish podcast, Father Michael and Henry discuss the comprehensive process of planning the Advent message series, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, preparation, and feedback. They explore how to build on themes throughout Advent, craft an impactful Christmas Eve message, and evaluate the success of the series.
The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration among church staff and parishioners to create messages that resonate with both regular attendees and newcomers.
Takeaways
The planning for the Advent message series begins in the spring.
A diverse team contributes to the richness of message development.
Each week of Advent builds on the previous message.
Christmas Eve is the culmination of the Advent series.
Preparation is crucial for delivering an impactful message.
Focus groups provide valuable feedback for message improvement.
Evaluating the success of the message series is essential.
Collaboration reduces the burden on individual pastors.
Engaging both regular and unchurched attendees is a challenge.
A prepackaged Advent message series can aid other parishes.
Sound Bites
"It's your biggest opportunity of the whole year."
"Preparation is the key."
"Make it a message of hope."
Chapters
00:00 - Planning the Advent Message Series
03:04 - Building on Themes Throughout Advent
06:06 - Crafting the Christmas Eve Message
09:07 - Focus Group Feedback for Improvement
12:04 - Evaluating the Success of the Message Series
15:12 - The Importance of Team Collaboration
17:56 - Final Thoughts on Advent Messaging
Keywords
Advent, message series, Christmas Eve, planning, focus group, team collaboration, church, homily, evaluation, community
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
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Get our FREE Raising Givers Guide: rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers
Resources:
Church Money, by Fr. Michael White & Tom Corcoran - https://a.co/d/e7Vq7RV
Finance & Stewardship Equip Course: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/finance-equip-course
Rebuilt Conference: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/conference25
Summary
In this conversation, Father Paul MacNeil shares his unique journey to the priesthood, including a pivotal encounter with Mother Teresa. He discusses the financial challenges faced by his parish and the strategies he implemented to foster a culture of stewardship and giving.
Through community engagement and a focus on discipleship, Father Paul has seen a significant increase in parish contributions, emphasizing the importance of joy in giving. He also highlights the need for transparency in parish finances and the positive impact of fostering a sense of gratitude among parishioners.
Takeaways
Father Paul's journey to priesthood was influenced by Mother Teresa.
Financial challenges in the parish were significant, especially post-COVID.
Implementing stewardship strategies led to a doubling of parish contributions.
Community engagement is crucial for building a positive church reputation.
Transforming the culture of giving requires a focus on joy and discipleship.
Transparency in finances helps parishioners understand the importance of their contributions.
Father Paul emphasizes the need to reach people out of joy, not need.
Generosity wins when the community feels involved and valued.
The importance of prayer and intentionality in financial discussions.
Future plans include continued focus on stewardship and community engagement.
Keywords
priesthood, stewardship, parish finance, community engagement, giving culture, financial strategies, church money, discipleship, fundraising, church growth
Sound Bites
"I became a priest because Mother Teresa said so."
"Our collection has almost doubled."
"We give because we're disciples and it's joy."
Chapters
00:00 - Journey to the Priesthood
04:54 - Financial Challenges in the Parish
09:49 - Implementing Stewardship and Financial Strategies
14:47 - Community Engagement and Positive Impact
19:53 - Transforming the Culture of Giving
25:01 - Future Plans and Continued 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
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Get our FREE Raising Givers Guide: rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers
Resources:
Church Money, by Fr. Michael White & Tom Corcoran - https://a.co/d/e7Vq7RV
Finance & Stewardship Equip Course: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/finance-equip-course
Rebuilt Conference: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/conference25
Summary
In this episode, Father Michael and Henry discuss the importance of engaging high capacity givers within the church community. They explore how to identify these individuals, build meaningful relationships, and effectively approach them for support.
The conversation emphasizes the significance of ongoing engagement, the role of donor lunches, and the importance of gratitude and follow-up in nurturing these relationships. Fr. Michael also provides practical advice for parish leaders looking to cultivate a culture of stewardship and generosity.
Takeaways
Engaging high capacity givers is essential for parish growth.
Identifying potential givers requires observation and relationship building.
Building relationships with donors is a step-by-step process.
Donor lunches are a key strategy for engagement.
The initial approach should not involve any asks.
Follow-up is crucial after donor meetings.
Gratitude should be expressed consistently to donors.
Successful donors can provide valuable insights for the parish.
It's important to nurture relationships beyond financial asks.
Creating a culture of stewardship takes time and effort.
Sound Bites
"It's an ongoing project, not just a one-time event."
"They want to help the parish even further."
"You approach it as a pastor, remembering always that you are their pastor."
Chapters
00:00 - Engaging High Capacity Givers: An Introduction
02:02 - Identifying High Capacity Givers
04:51 - Building Relationships with Donors
09:55 - The Role of Donor Lunches
14:49 - Making the Ask: Timing and Approach
20:01 - Nurturing Relationships and Follow-Up
24:58 - Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude
27:50 - Final Thoughts on Stewardship
Keywords
high capacity givers, donor engagement, church fundraising, stewardship, parish leadership, building relationships, donor lunches, gratitude in giving, church money, fundraising strategies
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
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Get our FREE Raising Givers Guide: rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers
Resources: Church Money, by Fr. Michael White & Tom Corcoran - https://a.co/d/e7Vq7RV
Finance & Stewardship Equip Course: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/finance-equip-course
Rebuilt Conference: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/conference25
Summary
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast, Father Roger Gustafson and Lisa Rosenlund share their transformative journey at St. Hilary's parish. They discuss the importance of prayer in stewardship, the impact of personal giving, and the significance of casting a compelling vision for the community. The conversation highlights how engaging with high-capacity givers and focusing on relationships rather than needs has led to substantial growth and support for the parish's initiatives. In this conversation, Melissa and Fr. Roger Gustafson discuss the importance of stewardship in the church, emphasizing the role of prayer, the five Ps of giving, and the cultural shifts necessary for increasing generosity among parishioners.
They share metrics of success, the transition to electronic giving, and strategies for sustaining a culture of giving over time. The conversation concludes with recommendations for resources that can help parish leaders implement effective stewardship practices.
Takeaways
Everything begins and ends with prayer.
Prayer invites God into a partnership with us.
Giving is a part of discipleship, not just a duty.
Personal giving sets an example for the congregation.
Casting a vision is more inspiring than asking for needs.
Engaging high-capacity givers requires understanding their passions.
Successful stewardship involves intentional planning and relationship building.
Generosity grows when people understand the impact of their giving.
Prayer is essential when launching new initiatives.
Vision casting helps align donor interests with parish goals. Prayer is a crucial element in the stewardship process.
The five Ps of giving are planned, priority, percentage, progressive, and prayer.
A 40% increase in general collections indicates successful stewardship efforts.
Encouraging online and recurring giving is essential for budgeting.
Cultural shifts in discussing money are necessary for growth.
Sustaining a culture of generosity requires intentionality and connection.
Thank you notes can significantly enhance donor engagement.
Building relationships with major donors is key to increasing contributions.
Starting with one initiative can lead to broader changes over time.
Utilizing available resources can support parish leaders in their stewardship efforts.
Sound Bites
"Everything begins and ends with prayer."
"Giving is a part of discipleship."
"I should do this too."
"Bold prayers honor God and God honors bold prayers."
"We encourage people to think in terms of percentage."
"We've seen roughly a 40% increase in our general collections."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to St. Hilary's Journey
02:57 - The Role of Prayer in Stewardship
05:46 - Personal Giving and Its Impact
09:06 - Casting a Compelling Vision
12:00 - Engaging High Capacity Givers
21:55 - The Power of Prayer in Stewardship
22:49 - Understanding the Five Ps of Giving
25:48 - Measuring Success: Metrics of Giving
28:12 - The Shift to Electronic Giving
32:25 - Cultural Shifts in Parish Giving
35:22 - Sustaining a Culture of Generosity
40:43 - Strategic Planning for Future Growth
42:45 - Resources for Parish Leaders
Keywords
St. Hilary, stewardship, prayer, personal giving, vision casting, parish growth, financial support, community engagement, generosity, church leadership, stewardship, prayer, giving, parish growth, electronic giving, cultural shift, generosity, strategic planning, church 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
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Get our FREE Raising Givers Guide: rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers
Resources:
Church Money, by Fr. Michael White & Tom Corcoran - https://a.co/d/e7Vq7RV
Finance & Stewardship Equip Course: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/finance-equip-course
Rebuilt Conference: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/conference25
Summary
In this conversation, Tom and Melissa discuss the critical importance of parish finances and stewardship for both parish leaders and parishioners. They explore the journey of creating a culture of generosity at Nativity, emphasizing the need for effective communication about financial matters, building trust, and making impactful asks.
The discussion highlights practical strategies for fostering a generous mindset within the parish community and the significance of transparency in financial dealings. Tom shares insights from his experiences and offers resources for parish leaders to enhance their stewardship efforts.
Takeaways
Money is crucial to funding the vision and mission.
Generosity is a key value in discipleship.
Effective communication about finances is essential.
Building trust requires transparency in financial practices.
People give to vision, not need.
Creating a culture of generosity starts with leadership.
Thanking donors fosters a positive giving environment.
Regularly share stories of impact to encourage giving.
Limit the number of financial asks to avoid donor fatigue.
Resources and courses can help enhance stewardship efforts.
Chapters
00:00 - The Importance of Parish Finances
02:47 - Understanding Parish Finances at Nativity
06:13 - Creating a Culture of Generosity
09:01 - Mindset Shift in Parish Finances
11:48 - Effective Communication about Money
14:47 - Building Trust and Transparency
17:59 - Making the Big Ask
21:04 - Resources for Parish Leaders
Keywords
parish finance, stewardship, generosity, church leadership, financial transparency, parish growth, community impact, church mission, fundraising, discipleship
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
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 03, 2024
Get our FREE Raising Givers Guide: rebuiltparish.com/raisinggivers
Resources:
Church Money, by Fr. Michael White & Tom Corcoran - https://a.co/d/e7Vq7RV
Finance & Stewardship Equip Course: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/finance-equip-course
Rebuilt Conference: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/conference25
Summary
This episode kicks off a series focused on finance and stewardship within parishes, emphasizing the importance of discussing money in a way that aligns with discipleship. Ed Bradley shares insights on how to create a culture of giving, the significance of planning and prioritizing financial contributions, and the practical steps for making effective asks for donations. The conversation also highlights the need for consistency in messaging and the importance of celebrating wins to encourage community engagement.
Takeaways
Finance and stewardship are crucial for parish growth.
Talking about money should be framed in discipleship language.
Cultural change around money takes time and consistency.
The Four P's of Giving: Plan, Priority, Percentage, Progress.
Encourage electronic giving for better parish planning.
Prepare hearts and minds before making the ask.
Celebrate wins to inspire giving.
Use lectionary opportunities to discuss money.
It's essential to teach that it's not our money, but God's.
Resources and workshops are available to support parishes.
Sound Bites
"We're in the business of raising givers."
"Money is hard, but maybe there's a better way."
"Talk about money in discipleship language."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Finance and Stewardship Series
03:09 - Understanding Money in the Parish Context
05:57 - Cultural Change Around Money and Discipleship
08:49 - The Four P's of Giving
13:01 - Making the Ask: Principles and Strategies
16:12 - Preparing Hearts and Minds for Giving
19:05 - Celebrating Wins and Building Community
21:00 - Resources for Effective Stewardship
23:51 - Conclusion and Next Steps
Keywords
finance, stewardship, parish growth, discipleship, giving, church resources, fundraising, capital campaign, community engagement, church leadership
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
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Get our FREE Ministry Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/ministryevaluation
Summary
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish has a thriving technology ministry that supports and integrates with multiple campuses. They utilize technology to unify the parish community and reach a wider audience. Challenges include integrating technology in older buildings and catering to different populations' technological preferences. Successful collaborations include creating a portable system for a harder-to-reach location and implementing a unified digital signage system.
The parish has built their technology ministry team by inviting young adults and teenagers from the pews and looking for individuals with a passion for technology. The technology ministry at St. Teresa of Calcutta has had a significant impact on the parish. They utilize technology in various ways, including live streaming Mass, incorporating screens in the church for song lyrics, and using SmartBoard technology in the schools.
The ministry has grown over time, with new additions such as a technology booth, a pre-show studio, and a recording room. They have also focused on training and equipping volunteers, including teenagers and young adults, to be involved in the ministry. The future vision for the ministry includes further growth, reaching a larger audience, and integrating technology into the parish's plans to become one physical church.
Takeaways
Technology can be used to unify a parish community and reach a wider audience.
Challenges in technology integration include older buildings and different technological preferences.
Successful collaborations involve creative problem-solving and finding ways to include all locations and populations.
Building a technology ministry team involves inviting young adults and teenagers with a passion for technology. The technology ministry at St. Teresa of Calcutta has had a significant impact on the parish, reaching a larger audience and integrating technology into various aspects of church life.
They utilize live streaming, screens for song lyrics, and SmartBoard technology in the schools to enhance the worship experience and engage the community.
The ministry has grown over time, with new additions such as a technology booth, a pre-show studio, and a recording room.
They have focused on training and equipping volunteers, including teenagers and young adults, to be involved in the ministry.
The future vision for the ministry includes further growth, reaching a larger audience, and integrating technology into the parish's plans to become one physical church.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Guests
02:49 Technology Ministry at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish
06:39 Utilizing Technology to Unify Merged Parishes
10:01 Challenges and Creative Solutions in Technology Integration
13:12 Successful Collaborations in a Merged Parish
19:11 Building a Passionate Technology Ministry Team
21:59 The Impact of the Technology Ministry
26:32 Growing and Training Volunteers
31:09 The Impact on the Parish
33:19 Reaching a Larger Audience
42:30 Future Vision: Integrating Technology
Keywords
technology ministry, parish, merged parishes, unified messaging, challenges, collaboration, multiple churches, technology integration, portable system, digital signage, technology team, young adults, teenagers, passion for technology, technology ministry, live streaming, screens, SmartBoard, training volunteers, future vision
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