The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

What happens when a parish team comes to the Rebuilt Conference, takes time to dream together, and then chooses to act on what God is stirring?
In this episode, Melissa Wilkinson talks with Chris Kozlowski from St. Isidore Parish in Michigan about how his parish and family of parishes came to the Rebuilt Conference in 2025, invited Tom Corcoran and David Makela to lead a strategic offsite, and eventually entered Rebuilt coaching. Chris shares the intentional steps their team took, the leadership rhythm they are building, and the early signs of growth they are already seeing.
Want to be part of what’s next? Join the Rebuilt Conference insiders list at rebuiltparish.com/conference to be the first to hear about early bird pricing, speaker announcements, event updates, and everything you need to start planning who from your parish should be in the room.
If your parish feels stuck, encouraged but unsure where to begin, or ready to move from inspiration to action, this conversation offers a clear and hopeful path forward.
In This Episode
Why St. Isidore wanted to move from “good” to “great”
How 10 leaders from a family of parishes came together for Rebuilt Conference
Why the road trip became part of the team’s formation
What stood out at the conference, from volunteers to hospitality to message series
Why the team invited Rebuilt to lead a strategic offsite
How coaching helped create accountability, rhythm, and momentum
The measurable growth St. Isidore has seen through message series
Chris’s encouragement for parish leaders who feel stuck
Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 Introduction 00:23 St. Isidore’s parish context 01:28 Why “good” was not enough 02:11 Coming to conference as a family of parishes 04:47 Making the road trip intentional 06:21 Seeing the Rebuilt model come alive 08:02 What stood out in the sessions 09:52 Debriefing and dreaming on the ride home 11:36 Inviting Rebuilt to lead a strategic offsite 13:23 Building a leadership rhythm 15:54 The value of one-on-one conversations 16:53 Moving from offsite to coaching 17:26 How coaching creates accountability 20:27 Early growth through message series 22:29 Building toward small groups 23:54 Advice for parishes that feel stuck 26:10 How God has been at work 28:45 Closing encouragement and next steps
Key Takeaways
Bring your team, not just one person. St. Isidore brought 10 leaders from across their family of parishes to the Rebuilt Conference, which helped create shared vision and energy.
Use travel time intentionally. Chris turned the road trip to and from the conference into a time for honest conversation, dreaming, and debriefing.
Conference inspiration needs a next step. After returning home, the team knew they needed more than a great experience. They invited Rebuilt to lead a strategic offsite.
An outside voice can help unlock momentum. Tom and David helped the team identify priorities, build action steps, and establish a leadership rhythm.
Coaching creates accountability and alignment. Meeting every other week with David and Adrian has helped the team celebrate wins, name challenges, and keep moving forward.
Small steps can lead to measurable growth. St. Isidore saw roughly 12–13% year-over-year growth at their Sunday evening Mass after introducing a message series.
Renewal takes discipline. Chris compares parish renewal to becoming a professional athlete. Vision matters, but so do sacrifice, hard work, coaching, and intentional practice.
Call to Action
Ready to take a next step like St. Isidore?
To learn more about bringing Rebuilt to your parish for a strategic offsite, email Colleen@rebuiltparish.com.
To join the Rebuilt Conference insiders list and be the first to hear about early bird pricing, speakers, and event updates, visit rebuiltparish.com/conference.
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“I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode! 
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Catholic parish renewal, Rebuilt Parish, parish coaching, Rebuilt Conference, Catholic leadership, parish strategic planning, parish offsite, St. Isidore Parish Michigan, Catholic parish growth, message series, small groups, parish leadership team, discipleship, family of parishes, Church of the Nativity, parish transformation, Catholic evangelization, Catholic parish podcast

What happens when parish leaders step away from the daily pressures of ministry and gather together with other pastors, staff, and volunteers who understand the mission and the challenges of parish life?
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Rebuilt’s own Colleen Droney to talk all things Rebuilt Conference 2027. Colleen shares behind-the-scenes insights from the 2025 conference, stories of parish transformation that happened after teams returned home, and why gathering together in person matters more than ever for parish renewal.
You’ll hear practical advice on who to bring from your parish, why traveling as a team can accelerate momentum, and how the Holy Spirit moved powerfully throughout the last conference. Whether you’re a pastor, staff member, volunteer leader, or parish council member, this conversation will help you begin praying and preparing now for what God may want to do in your parish next May.
Be sure to join the conference insiders list so you can be the first to hear speaker announcements, conference updates, and early bird pricing details. https://rebuiltconference.com/ 
Key Takeaways
Why in-person connection matters for parish leaders
How parishes are applying ideas from the 2025 conference
The breakout session that sparked a thriving young adult ministry
Why bringing a team creates momentum back home
How the Holy Spirit shaped the atmosphere of the conference
Why now is the time to budget and plan for conference attendance
What pastors and parish leaders can expect from Rebuilt Conference 2027
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome and episode introduction00:29 — Colleen’s role at Rebuilt and conference planning02:52 — Why bringing the conference back mattered03:59 — The most powerful moments from the 2025 conference06:42 — Why parish leaders need in-person connection08:56 — Real parish transformation after the conference09:22 — The breakout session that sparked “20s on Tuesday”13:16 — What first-time attendees can expect15:19 — Letting the Holy Spirit lead the experience16:24 — How many people should your parish bring?17:17 — Why bringing a team accelerates momentum19:27 — Why teams should come early for Sunday Mass21:44 — Budgeting and planning for conference now23:59 — Early bird pricing and insider updates25:30 — Official conference dates and final invitation
Rebuilt Conference, Catholic parish conference, parish renewal, Catholic leadership, church leadership, parish growth, Catholic ministry, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, parish staff training, Catholic evangelization, discipleship, parish transformation, church conference, Catholic pastors, ministry conference
 
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
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What if one Gospel encounter could reshape the way your parish thinks about discipleship, generosity, and eternal life?
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Tom Corcoran to talk about his upcoming book, Jesus, the Rich Young Man and the Meaning of Life. Tom shares the story behind the book, why this particular passage has stayed with him for years, and how he believes it speaks directly to the spiritual hunger people are experiencing today.
The conversation explores how parishes can use the book as more than just a reading resource. Tom and Melissa discuss how aligning weekend messages, small groups, and parish-wide discipleship efforts around one clear theme can help move people toward deeper faith, stronger community, and greater generosity. They also share details about Tom’s upcoming parish speaking opportunities, Lent resources, and how all of this connects to the vision for the Rebuilt Conference 2027.
 
Key Takeaways
Why the story of the rich young man has deeply shaped Tom’s spiritual life and ministry
How this Gospel passage is often misunderstood and what Jesus is really inviting people into
The connection between generosity, discipleship, and building “treasure in heaven”
How parishes can use this book, small groups, and message alignment to create momentum during Lent
Why in-person community and parish missions matter more than ever right now
How Tom’s upcoming speaking opportunities can help parishes move the needle in discipleship
The role of clear and consistent messaging in parish transformation
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Tom’s new book01:10 – Why the rich young man passage “haunted” Tom04:10 – Discipleship, generosity, and the challenge of possessions08:20 – What healthy stewardship preaching can look like13:10 – How the book supports parish discipleship15:30 – Lent resources: homilies, small groups, and campaign tools18:45 – How parish missions can support transformation22:10 – Tailoring speaking events to a parish’s vision26:35 – How the book, parish missions, and conference connect together29:50 – Why people are craving in-person community again32:10 – The “Ask Tom 10 Questions” bonus33:00 – Upcoming small groups workshop and coaching opportunities
Resources & Links
Rebuilt Parish Coaching
Rebuilt Conference 2027 Waitlist: rebuiltconference.com 
Email Colleen about parish speaking opportunities: colleen@rebuiltparish.com 
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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Catholic discipleship, rich young man Gospel, Tom Corcoran, Rebuilt Parish podcast, Catholic parish renewal, Catholic small groups, Lent Catholic resources, stewardship and generosity, Catholic parish missions, parish transformation, Catholic leadership, building treasure in heaven, Rebuilt Conference 2027, Catholic evangelization, Catholic homily resources
 

What does real renewal in the Church actually require right now?
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Tim Glemkowski of Amazing Parish alongside Tom Corcoran for a conversation rooted in both experience and conviction. Tim shares the heart behind his recent white paper Rebuild My Church: A Call for Renewal and reflects on what he’s seeing across parishes today.
Together, they explore why renewal must take root in the parish, what happens when we focus only on attracting people without transforming culture, and how leaders can stay focused on what truly moves the needle.
This episode is both a challenge and an encouragement. Renewal is possible—but it won’t happen by accident.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
The story behind Tim’s white paper and why this moment matters
Lessons from the National Eucharistic Revival and what it revealed about leadership
Why bringing people back to Mass isn’t enough on its own
The critical role of parish culture in retaining and forming disciples
How clarity and focus—not complexity—lead to real movement
The tension leaders face between ambition and faithfulness
Why renewal happens locally, one parish at a time
Key Takeaway:Renewal doesn’t come from adding more—it comes from clarity about who God is calling your parish to become, and the courage to act on it.
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
Links & Resources:
Tim’s White Paper: Rebuild My Church: A Call for Renewal
Amazing Parish: https://amazingparish.org
Tim’s Radio Show (Relevant Radio)
If this episode encouraged you:Share it with another pastor or parish leader who’s asking what’s next for their 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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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 Introduction01:00 Meet Fr. Greg & Parish Background03:00 How Vision Sparked the Campaign07:00 Why Space Became Urgent11:00 Small Groups & Parish Growth17:00 Mission vs Vision Explained21:00 Campaign Strategy & Timeline25:00 Commitment Weekend Results27:00 Easter Strategy & Momentum30:00 Stewardship Culture Over Time33:00 Leading Through Uncertainty35:00 Exceeding the Goal38:00 What Comes Next40:00 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 
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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

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 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/ 
https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish 

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

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.