2 days ago
172| How Small Parish Changes Build Lasting Momentum
What can a parish accomplish in less than a year when its leaders are willing to pray, experiment, and take the next right step?
In this episode, Melissa Wilkinson speaks with Father Norm Douglas and Deacon Andy Davis of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Akron, Ohio. Since beginning Rebuilt Parish Coaching, their parish has formed a strategic leadership team, introduced message series, strengthened collaboration with the pastoral council, developed small groups, expanded digital outreach, and begun creating a more consistent message across the parish and school.
Father Norm and Deacon Andy share how they navigated resistance to change without leaving people behind, built momentum through smaller and more manageable initiatives, and learned to plan ahead rather than responding to each season at the last minute.
Their experience offers a hopeful reminder for parish leaders: meaningful progress does not always begin with one enormous change. Often, it begins with prayer, the right people, and the courage to experiment.
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Read the first chapter for free at rebuiltparish.com/book and begin reflecting on how this Gospel encounter could speak to you, your leadership, and your parish.
In This Episode
- How St. Vincent de Paul began responding to declining attendance
- Why the parish created a strategic leadership team
- How the leadership team and pastoral council work together
- Why frequent leadership meetings improve focus and follow-through
- How message series create consistency without limiting a preacher’s voice
- Ways to extend one message across Mass, small groups, meetings, faith formation, and school
- How annual planning helps parish leaders move beyond last-minute preparation
- Why experimentation is essential for parish growth
- How small, achievable changes can build momentum
- Encouragement for leaders discerning their parish’s next right step
Timestamps
00:03 Meet Father Norm and Deacon Andy
01:24 Two Different Perspectives on Parish Leadership
03:37 The Story of St. Vincent de Paul Parish
06:00 Father Norm’s Unexpected Arrival
07:24 Beginning Coaching Without Changing Everything
09:04 Forming a Strategic Leadership Team
10:35 Why the Leadership Team Meets Weekly
12:37 Connecting the Pastoral Council and Leadership Team
14:57 Introducing Message Series
18:23 Making Prayer More Than an Agenda Item
19:47 Bringing One Message Across the Parish
22:07 Connecting the Message to the Parish School
23:18 The Value of Annual Planning
25:04 Moving Beyond Last-Minute Ministry
26:16 Experimenting with Podcasts and Video
28:34 The Common Thread: Do Not Be Afraid
29:45 Choosing the Next Right Step
31:11 Learning from Practices That Work
33:27 Building Momentum Through Small Changes
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parish leadership, Catholic parish growth, parish coaching, strategic leadership team, pastoral council, message series, Catholic evangelization, parish planning, annual ministry plan, parish school, small groups, leadership development, parish communication, discipleship, church growth, St. Vincent de Paul Akron, Father Norm Douglas, Deacon Andy Davis, Rebuilt Parish
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