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
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Can You Imagine… your parish alive with RENEWED energy and purpose? Join us for the biggest Rebuilt event of the year… Rebuilt Conference 2025! https://rebuiltconference.com/
Summary
In this conversation, Melissa and Tom explore the significance of the Advent and Christmas seasons, particularly for parish leaders. They discuss the importance of mindset shifts to embrace the joy of the season, balancing responsibilities with family time, and the value of serving together as a family. They share personal traditions and reflections on how to create meaningful experiences during this busy time, emphasizing the unique graces that Advent brings and how to carry that spirit into the new year.
Takeaways
Shift your mindset to enjoy the Advent season.
Personal prayer time is essential for spiritual health.
Exercise contributes to emotional and spiritual well-being.
Involve your family in parish service activities.
Create family traditions that foster togetherness.
Set boundaries to prioritize family time during the holidays.
Embrace the unique graces of Advent and Christmas.
Reflect on the longing for the Lord during Advent.
Take time to rest and rejuvenate after the busy season.
Carry the spirit of Advent into the new year with intention.
Sound Bites
"I enjoy this time of year."
"We can still slow ourselves down."
"We do it really slow on purpose."
"We pray before we open the gifts."
"It's a privilege we have."
Chapters
00:00 - Embracing the Advent and Christmas Season
02:51 - Mindset Shifts for a Joyful Advent
05:56 - Balancing Family, Friends, and Parish Responsibilities
09:00 - Serving Together as a Family
13:01 - Christmas Eve Traditions and Family Time
19:04 - Unique Graces of Advent and Reflections
25:00 - Carrying the Spirit of Advent into the New Year
Keywords
Advent, Christmas, spirituality, parish leadership, family traditions, serving together, mindset, balance, unique graces, renewal
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 Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
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 speaks with Kelly and Brandon from the Church of the Nativity about their strategies for engaging guests during the Christmas and Advent seasons. They discuss the importance of capturing guest information, nurturing relationships with newcomers, and the various methods they use to encourage visitors to return and become engaged parishioners. The conversation highlights the significance of follow-up processes, the use of fun and interactive methods to gather information, and the importance of having a structured plan to connect with guests effectively.
Takeaways
Kelly and Brandon play crucial behind-the-scenes roles at Church of the Nativity.
Capturing guest information is essential for building relationships.
Interactive games and giveaways help engage newcomers.
Follow-up communication is key to nurturing relationships.
Sending gift cards can encourage return visits.
A structured follow-up plan can help convert visitors into regulars.
Tracking engagement through various methods is important.
Making the process fun can lower barriers for newcomers.
Parishes should be flexible and willing to try new strategies.
Planning ahead for guest engagement is crucial.
Titles
Engaging Guests: Strategies from Church of the Nativity
Building Community: Nurturing New Relationships in Parishes
Sound Bites
"We try to find out where they are located."
"We don’t have everything figured out."
"Making a plan is really important."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Team at Church of the Nativity
01:46 - Capturing Guest Information During the Holidays
06:05 - Nurturing Relationships with Newcomers
09:50 - Strategies for Engaging Visitors
13:50 - Analyzing Success and Challenges
17:59 - Advice for Parishes on Guest Engagement
Keywords
Church of the Nativity, guest engagement, Christmas, Advent, parishioners, follow-up process, community building, visitor strategies, church events, nurturing relationships
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 Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Resources:
Register for the Rebuilt Conference 2025! rebuiltconference.com
Use our Advent Message Series: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/advent-promise
Summary
In this conversation, Sammy shares insights on how to effectively welcome families during Advent and Christmas at church. She emphasizes the importance of engaging the whole family, creating a consistent experience for children, and building community connections.
Sammy discusses practical strategies such as a dedicated welcome desk, birthday celebrations, and special events like Jingle Jam to foster excitement and comfort for families visiting the church. The conversation highlights the significance of making families feel like insiders and ensuring they have a positive experience that encourages them to return.
Takeaways
It's important to connect with the parents and the kids and siblings.
We have our NextGen welcome desk for families.
Every child enjoys to be celebrated on their birthday.
We have family friendly seating during Christmas Eve.
Kids get so excited for Jingle Jam.
Santa visits our kid programs every year.
We give families maps and logistics for Christmas Eve.
We want them to feel like insiders right away.
Every kid loves getting mail.
Sound Bites
"We want to make sure that we're connected with the whole family."
"It's super important for not just the kids."
"Kids are excited and they want to share it with their friends."
Chapters
00:00 - Welcoming Families During Advent and Christmas
10:08 - Creating a Consistent Experience for Kids
20:05 - Engaging Families and Building Community
Keywords
Advent, Christmas, family engagement, church welcome, kids programs, community building, parish activities, family connection, Christmas Eve, NextGen ministry
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 Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 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 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
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 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