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 Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
How do you build a worship culture—not just a music set? In this Rebuilt Conference breakout, worship leader Simon Piles (Church of the Nativity) shares a practical, parish-tested playbook for clarifying vision, recruiting and developing a team, aligning tech and space (including using lighting as “architecture”), and creating campus-wide moments that form people in praise. He makes a clear case that excellence in music is evangelization—great music lowers the barrier for the unchurched to step into church and encounter Christ. You’ll hear why vision comes before volunteers, how talent attracts talent, when to pay musicians (and how to care well for volunteers), and simple ways to embed worship beyond Sunday—like student band leadership and open-mic worship nights. If you’re ready to raise the praise and reach those not yet in the pews, this conversation offers clear, concrete steps you can start this month—with a humble, honest tone aimed at pastors and parish leaders who want to lift hearts to God.
Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session this Fall: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops
Key Themes
Vision first: Define what you want music to do for the weekend and message before you build the team.
Who you’re reaching: Program for the unchurched/seekers (Nativity’s “Timonium Tim”)—music as invitation.
Play to your space: Fit your approach to architecture, acoustics, and tech; lighting can function like “architecture.”
Short- and long-term tech plan: Name what’s possible now, and what upgrades are needed to serve the vision later.
Team + leader: Invest in a leader and a bench; cultivate “layers of leaders” so the ministry isn’t fragile.
Skill, worship heart, team player: Aim for all three—don’t compromise on skill. Evangelize your musicians, too.
Paying musicians vs volunteers: Why paying can stabilize quality/availability, and how to pastor volunteers well.
Campus-wide culture: Concerts, summer worship nights, staff/ministry events with worship, and open-mic worship nights.
Next Gen pipeline: Student band leadership forms future worship leaders and normalizes praise among youth.
Leadership alignment: Music leaders must be at the table for parish-wide vision; worship is not a silo.
Chapters
0:00–0:47 — Intro: Rebuilt Conference breakout, “Creating a Worship Culture: Raise the Praise”
1:03–2:29 — Why vision precedes team building
2:41–4:11 — Who are we reaching? (“Timonium Tim”)
4:47–6:46 — Play to your space; lighting as “architecture”; tech planning
6:49–8:17 — Bring tech into the vision early; recruit tech-minded volunteers
8:48–10:02 — Team vs. “star”: you need both (leader & team)
10:02–12:16 — Layers of leaders; seamless transitions over decades
13:04–14:55 — The 3 qualities: skill, worship heart, team player
14:55–17:44 — Pay vs. volunteer; consistency, availability, and investing in excellence
18:02–21:04 — Campus-wide culture: concerts, summer worship series, worship at staff/minister events
21:04–24:18 — Student band & open-mic worship nights (every other month)
24:19–25:50 — “Nativity’s way isn’t the only way”—but great music draws people; leadership alignment
Tags / Keywords: worship culture, Catholic worship, parish music ministry, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish, worship leader, music ministry recruiting, paying church musicians, lighting in worship, tech for churches, student band, open-mic worship night, parish 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!
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facebook.com/rebuiltparish
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Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
In this episode, Biblical scholar Dr. Mary Healy pours into pastors and parish leaders on cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and how that relationship drives parish renewal. She shares how Confirmation is meant to “perpetuate the grace of Pentecost,” why many never experience its full fruit, and how leaders can move parishes from maintenance to mission. From preaching that majors on the mighty deeds of God to creating safe spaces for charisms (prophecy, healing, discernment), Dr. Healy offers practical steps, stories, and a powerful prayer of impartation for listeners.
Key Takeaways:
Model friendship with the Holy Spirit. Share concrete, current examples (“Here’s how the Spirit prompted me this week…”).
Pray—and pause. Begin meetings: “Come, Holy Spirit,” then leave actual silence for Him to move.
Reframe preaching. Major on what God has done—the Gospel’s power—then invite a clear response.
Teach charisms. Offer a talk/workshop or short homily series; explain gifts and how they build up the Church.
Create safe practice spaces. Praise & worship/adoration nights with guided discernment; small groups that read Scripture (esp. 1 Cor 12–14) and practice gifts.
Plan light-touch evangelization. Send parishioners out two-by-two to pray with people who are open; debrief and celebrate fruit.
Choose on-fire leaders for key ministries. Especially OCIA—place radiant, prayerful disciples where seekers first land.
Guard the team’s heart. Bring complaints to the Lord, end in praise, practice daily forgiveness, and ask to see people as He sees them.
Connect with Dr. Healy: https://www.drmaryhealy.com/
Books by Dr. Healy
Healing: Bringing the Gift of God’s Mercy to the World: https://a.co/d/dIPSXUA
The Spiritual Gifts Handbook: Using Your Gifts to Build the Kingdom: https://a.co/d/9kYFZ4I
The Gospel of Mark Commentary: https://a.co/d/e0tu15D
Hebrews Commentary: https://a.co/d/e2Hdf16
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & intro to Dr. Mary Healy02:25 – Knowing the Holy Spirit personally03:33 – Confirmation & Acts 8: origins and obstacles05:27 – Pentecost power (Acts 2): joy, boldness, gifts06:55 – From striving to yielding: ending “white-knuckle” faith10:31 – Pastors as witnesses; moving hearts, not just minds13:38 – How to open meetings to the Spirit (pray, then pause)16:06 – Learning to recognize the Lord’s voice; “God winks”21:22 – Charisms: teaching, testing, practicing in parish life24:05 – Small groups that exercise and discern gifts25:13 – Evangelization two-by-two; stories from the field30:18 – Luke 10: authority over the enemy; Jesus rejoices35:26 – Preaching: indicative vs. imperative39:30 – Staffing key roles with radiant disciples (OCIA)41:33 – Deepening your interior life as a leader46:46 – Prayer of impartation for listeners
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 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Cynthia Marr, longtime music director at Ascension Parish in Sudbury MA, to talk about one of the most vital elements of the weekend experience: music. Cynthia shares her decades of experience in parish music ministry, what she learned from attending the Rebuilt Conference and visiting Nativity, and how her parish has transformed its worship culture. From adopting praise and worship as the primary repertoire to seamlessly integrating screens in a traditional sanctuary, Cynthia explains how excellent music creates energy, evokes emotion, and makes the weekend message stick.
If you’re a pastor, music director, or parish leader looking to strengthen your liturgy and engage your congregation more deeply, you’ll be inspired by Cynthia’s insights and practical strategies.
See Cynthia’s worship team in action here: https://youtu.be/wV2-v75MbFY
Join us for our FREE Workshops - back in session in September: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/workshops
Key Takeaways
Music shapes memory. People remember messages more when paired with music, humming refrains long after Mass ends.
Consistency builds participation. Keeping a set of songs for several weeks helps congregations learn and sing confidently.
Excellence matters. A strong sound system, prepared musicians, and professional rehearsal practices elevate the entire parish’s worship.
Screens can unify. With thoughtful placement, screens help people look up, engage, and sing together without being obtrusive.
Recruitment never stops. Building a “bench” of musicians and investing in relationships ensures sustainability in music ministry.
Vision drives culture. Music aligned with the pastor’s vision and parish mission creates a unified weekend experience that attracts and retains parishioners.
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 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lisa Brenninkmeyer, founder of Walking with Purpose, to hear her powerful story of faith, conversion, and mission. Lisa shares her journey from an evangelical Protestant background to embracing the Catholic Church, the struggles she faced with poor formation and belonging, and the transformative moments that shaped her ministry. Together with Tom and Melissa, Lisa explores the treasures of Catholic faith—especially the Eucharist, redemptive suffering, and authentic community—and how these truths equip lay leaders to evangelize and disciple with confidence.
Catholic pastors and parish leaders will find encouragement in Lisa’s insights on leadership, discipleship, and creating intergenerational “sisterhood” within the Church. Her story reminds us that Jesus calls us not to transactional religion but to deep, life-giving transformation.
Learn more about Walking with Purpose:
Hope for Right Now: A Walking with Purpose podcast
Heart of Vines book link
Heart of Vines Masterclass link
Website: https://walkingwithpurpose.com/
Social:
Instagram: @walkingwithpurpose_official
FB: www.facebook.com/walkingwithpurpose
X:https://x.com/walkingwpurpose
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/walkingwpurpose/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/WalkingwithPurpose_official
Key Takeaways
Conversion is less about information and more about belonging and transformation.
Poor RCIA or weak parish hospitality can leave wounds—but God redeems them through authentic community.
The Eucharist as daily nourishment is central to Catholic discipleship.
The Catholic Church offers a unique and life-changing perspective on redemptive suffering.
Lay leaders are essential in evangelization because they are closest to those outside the Church.
Pastors and parish leaders must stay connected to people—small groups and one-on-one ministry reignite mission focus.
Gen Z brings great hope with their hunger for authenticity, dignity, and deeper questions of faith.
Chapters
00:01 – Welcome and introductions 00:54 – Lisa’s Protestant upbringing and journey into the Catholic Church 04:38 – Early struggles: lack of belonging and poor formation 07:59 – Leading seekers and facing opposition abroad 12:41 – The beginnings of Walking with Purpose 19:30 – Discovering Catholic treasures: Eucharist, saints, redemptive suffering 23:55 – How Walking with Purpose transforms women’s lives 28:29 – The call to love, listen, and lead women in faith 31:28 – Leadership lessons: protecting what fuels your ministry 36:35 – What gives Lisa hope: the faith and openness of Gen Z 40:24 – Final thoughts and 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
Hashtags
#RebuiltParish #CatholicLeadership #ParishRenewal #WalkingWithPurpose #CatholicPodcast #MakeDisciples #ParishLife #CatholicEvangelization
Keywords: Catholic parish renewal, discipleship, Walking with Purpose, women’s ministry, Catholic evangelization, parish leadership, conversion story, Eucharist, redemptive suffering, lay leadership, small groups, parish community, Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
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
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
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
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
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
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
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