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 Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Join us in this insightful episode of the Rebuilt Parish podcast as we sit down with David Chrzan, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in church leadership. Discover the profound connection between David and Tom and dive into the behind-the-scenes stories of working with renowned churches like Saddleback and Life.Church. Listen in to explore the impact of the YouVersion Bible app.
Don't miss out on the transformative power of the YouVersion Bible App. Download it today and start your journey of digital discipleship: https://www.bible.com/
Key Highlights:
Mentorship and Leadership: David shares his journey of mentoring Tom and the importance of having a big vision in ministry.
The Power of the Word: Discussing the significance of engaging with the Bible and the global efforts to make it accessible in every language.
Vision and Faith: How vision is tied to one's perception of God and the importance of thinking big, regardless of church size.
Digital Discipleship: The role of YouVersion in fostering spiritual growth and its impact on global faith communities.
Collaboration Across Denominations: Insights into building bridges between different Christian streams and the upcoming partnerships with Catholic leaders.
Faith in Action: The discussion underscores that faith requires action, and vision should be aligned with one's perception of God.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Keywords:
Mentorship, Church Leadership, Vision, YouVersion, Digital Discipleship, Bible Engagement, Faith, Collaboration, Catholic Partnerships, Spiritual Growth
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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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Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, we’re giving you something truly special—a peek into one of the standout breakout sessions from the Rebuilt Conference. Out of 40 incredible breakout sessions, this is one we knew we had to share with everyone.
Delve into practical ideas for digital discipleship with Shana Hospelhorn and Jenny Fletcher, part of the Marketing and Communications Team at Church of the Nativity. Discover how to harness the power of the internet to make meaningful connections and fulfill the Great Commission. From sharing authentic stories to building real-life connections, learn how to use digital tools intentionally to lead people closer to their faith. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your digital spaces for a greater purpose.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-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
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Austin Suggs shares his journey from a non-denominational background to exploring Catholicism and ecumenism. He discusses the importance of digital discipleship, the blending of traditional and modern worship practices, and the need for authentic conversations about faith.
The discussion highlights generational differences in faith experiences, the significance of community, and the challenges faced by the de-churched. Austin emphasizes the beauty of the good news and the importance of sharing personal experiences over expertise.
Check out Austin’s video we discussed in the episode: https://youtu.be/v1TDwOpfGCs?feature=shared
Takeaways
Austin's journey began in a non-denominational church.
He started creating YouTube videos to explore theology.
Digital discipleship is crucial for engaging young people.
Authenticity is key in reaching the de-churched.
Tradition and modernity can coexist in worship.
Community building is essential in faith journeys.
Crisis of faith is common and should be openly discussed.
The good news of the gospel is compelling and beautiful.
Sharing experiences can be more impactful than expertise.
Understanding your audience is vital for effective outreach.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:44 Austin's Journey into Theology
04:25 Digital Discipleship and Community Engagement
10:22 Ecumenical Conversations and Shared Experiences
12:28 Insights from Church of the Nativity
16:35 Gospel Simplicity and Community Building
21:47 The Good News and Its Impact
23:25 The Journey Back to Faith
30:04 Crisis of Faith and Authenticity
33:09 Engaging the de-churched
39:38 Bridging the Gap with Wisdom
42:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Keywords
faith journey, digital discipleship, ecumenism, Catholicism, Protestantism, church community, theology, worship, crisis of faith, youth engagement
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 Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
In this conversation, Melissa Wilkinson speaks with Abby Daniels and Joe Tomaso about their innovative approaches to discipleship and digital outreach at St. Joseph's parish. They discuss their roles in overseeing communications and youth ministry, the importance of engaging the next generation, and the success of their Shine week initiative.
The conversation highlights the integration of discipleship steps into programs, effective content strategies, and the use of analytics to drive decisions. They also share advice for other parishes looking to enhance their digital engagement and their aspirations for future growth in digital discipleship.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Takeaways
Weekly discipleship opportunities post helps consolidate parish activities.
Engaging youth on social media boosts community involvement.
Shine week empowers high schoolers to lead middle school service projects.
Digital media is crucial for sharing parish stories and results.
Analytics guide content strategy and engagement efforts.
Photos are more engaging than traditional ads on social media.
Clarity and consistency in messaging lead to better discipleship.
Investing in a new database system will enhance outreach efforts.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Discipleship and Digital Outreach
02:04 Innovative Communication Strategies for Discipleship
05:08 Engaging the Next Generation in Faith
07:08 Shine Week: Empowering Youth through Service
10:46 Intentional Discipleship Steps in Youth Programs
14:56 Content Strategy and Digital Engagement
19:09 Success Stories in Digital Discipleship
24:07 Advice for Parishes on Digital Media
29:04 Future Aspirations for Digital Discipleship
Keywords
discipleship, digital outreach, youth ministry, church communication, social media strategy, community engagement, faith formation, Shine week, parish growth, analytics
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 Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
In this conversation, Melissa and Shana discuss the transformative role of video in church communication and digital discipleship. Shana shares her experiences at Church of the Nativity, highlighting how video storytelling, particularly through testimonials, can engage parishioners and foster community.
They explore the creative process behind producing message series trailers, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and practical tips for parishes with limited resources. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to leverage the talents within their congregations and adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Takeaways
Shana is the director of marketing and video at Church of the Nativity.
Video is a key communication tool for discipleship and storytelling.
Trailers for message series help set the tone and engage parishioners.
Authenticity in storytelling is crucial for impactful video content.
Testimonial videos capture life-changing stories and deepen faith.
Collaboration and creativity are essential in video production.
Parishes can start video projects with limited resources and equipment.
Engaging the next generation in video production fosters community ownership.
Measuring success involves looking at engagement and achieving ministry goals.
The future of church video should focus on authenticity amidst AI-generated content.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Digital Discipleship
02:04 - The Role of Video in Church Communication
05:55 - Creating Engaging Message Series Trailers
09:58 - The Importance of Testimony Videos
13:50 - Drawing Out Authentic Stories
17:49 - Using Testimonies Effectively
21:56 - Balancing Quality with Limited Resources
26:07 - Measuring Success in Video Content
29:58 - The Future of Video in Church
Keywords
digital discipleship, church communication, video production, storytelling, testimonials, parish engagement, creative ministry, church marketing, video strategy, community building
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 Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Mackenzie Coble and Michael Morrison, Partner Parish leaders from Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids, Michigan, share the story of how they revitalized their parish’s digital presence. They walk through the rebranding process, highlight key communication strategies, and explain how they leveraged tools like Canva, social media, and live streaming to better engage their community.
From building a clean email list to tailoring messages for different platforms, Mackenzie and Michael offer practical insights that any parish can apply. They also reflect on the challenges of digital discipleship and the importance of starting small, staying intentional, and connecting personally with parishioners.
Whether your parish is just beginning its digital journey or looking to take things to the next level, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable steps to help you grow your digital outreach and engagement.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Takeaways
Digital marketing can significantly increase parish engagement.
Understanding your audience is essential for effective communication.
Visual content outperforms text-heavy messages.
Canva is a user-friendly tool that simplifies parish design needs.
Personal engagement leads to increased parishioner involvement.
Live streaming helps connect with those who can’t attend in person.
Maintaining a clean email list is key for successful outreach.
Collaboration with parishioners enhances digital ministry efforts.
Learning from other parishes can spark fresh ideas and strategies.
Flexibility and openness are crucial in navigating digital transformation.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the Guests and Their Roles
01:32 – The Shift to Digital Marketing and Communication
03:08 – Initial Digital Presence and First Steps
05:10 – Utilizing Canva for Visual Communication
06:50 – Key Moments of Impact in Digital Efforts
10:44 – Tools and Platforms for Digital Outreach
12:24 – Tailoring Messages for Different Platforms
14:10 – Engagement Through Personal Connection
17:14 – Creative Direction in Video Content
20:18 – The Evolution of Live Streaming in the Parish
22:05 – Transitioning to Digital Outreach
30:14 – Engagement and Community Building
37:14 – Overcoming Challenges in Digital Discipleship41:39 – Advice for Improving Digital Presence
Keywords
digital marketing, parish communication, community engagement, social media, church outreach, digital discipleship, rebranding, live streaming, Canva, parish 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 Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Scott Logan, from Juxt Marketing, explores the essential role parish websites play in modern-day evangelization and community engagement. He emphasizes how a well-designed, intentional website serves as a primary communication tool that welcomes both first-time visitors and long-time parishioners.
Scott walks through key principles for creating a frictionless online experience—highlighting how simplicity, clarity, and design consistency build trust. He explains how to balance the needs of new and existing parishioners, avoid insider jargon, and offer clear pathways for every type of visitor.
He also shares practical insights into common mistakes parishes make with their websites, the importance of optimizing for mobile use, and how your parish website should be fully integrated into your broader digital strategy. Most importantly, Scott reminds us that our digital efforts, like all ministry, should be rooted in prayer.
Connect with Scott and the team at Juxt Marketing to help you with your parish website:
JuxtMarketing.com
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Parish Websites
02:56 – The Importance of a Parish Website
05:55 – Elements of an Effective Parish Website
08:59 – Balancing Outsiders and Insiders
12:08 – Design and Visual Appeal in Parish Websites
23:05 – The Power of Design in Communication
24:25 – Creating a Welcoming Environment for the Unchurched
27:14 – Common Mistakes in Parish Websites
30:11 – Integrating Website with Digital Strategy
34:11 – Optimizing for Mobile Experience
38:35 – Bathe Your Website in Prayer
40:22 – Next Steps for Parish Website Improvement
Takeaways
A parish website is a primary communication tool.
80% of visitors check a church's website before attending.
Reducing friction on the website is crucial for visitor retention.
Effective websites answer common visitor questions simply.
Design consistency builds trust and enhances user experience.
Avoid insider jargon to make newcomers feel welcome.
Intentionality in website design is essential for engagement.
Mobile optimization is critical for reaching users on-the-go.
Clear pathways for different audiences improve user experience.
Bathe your website in prayer to invite divine guidance.
Keywords
parish website, church marketing, digital strategy, community engagement, website design, outreach, church communication, user experience, welcoming visitors, online presence
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 Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Father Dave Dwyer from Busted Halo shares the origins of Busted Halo, his journey into radio, and the importance of crafting messages that resonate with the unchurched. He discusses the challenges of making faith accessible and the role of digital media in connecting people spiritually. Throughout the conversation, Father Dave emphasizes the need for clear communication and the intimate nature of audio media in reaching audiences.
In this conversation, Fr. Dave Dwyer discusses the nuances of digital storytelling and its role in spiritual connection. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in communication, particularly in the context of sharing faith experiences. The dialogue explores the impact of a new pope on the church and the opportunities for evangelization that arise from media coverage. Fr. Dwyer also addresses the balance between addressing current events and maintaining the eternal truths of faith, encouraging listeners to stay true to their audience while being inclusive of diverse voices in their outreach efforts.
Get our FREE Communications Resources here: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/communications-resources
Takeaways
The ministry aims to answer basic questions about faith.
Sirius Radio approached them to create a Catholic channel.
Father Dave's background in communications helped shape his radio career.
The show fosters an intimate connection with listeners.
Language and jargon can alienate potential listeners.
It's important to explain church terms to make them accessible.
Digital media plays a crucial role in spiritual connection.
Listeners often prefer personal commentary over mainstream news coverage. We have to give them everything.
Digital storytelling plays a significant role in spiritual connection.
Authenticity is crucial in communication.
Sharing personal experiences of faith is essential.
The new pope presents an opportunity for evangelization.
Curiosity about the church can lead to deeper engagement.
It's important to integrate faith into everyday conversations.
Balancing news and eternal truths is a challenge for parishes.
It's okay if some long-time members choose to leave for other styles of worship.
Diverse voices should be represented in outreach efforts.
Chapters
00:00 - The Origin of Busted Halo
02:36 - Father Dave's Journey into Radio
07:01 - Crafting Accessible Messages for the Unchurched
14:15 - Staying Focused on the Unchurched
16:18 - The Role of Digital Media in Spiritual Connection
18:56 - The Art of Audio Storytelling
19:32 - Digital Storytelling and Spiritual Connection
21:53 - Authenticity in Communication
23:43 - Translating Faith Experiences
25:53 - The Impact of a New Pope
29:47 - Navigating Media Opportunities
31:40 - Balancing News and Eternal Truths
35:57 - Staying True to Your Audience
40:39 - Encouragement for Digital Discipleship
Keywords
Busted Halo, Father Dave Dwyer, podcasting, Catholic ministry, unchurched, digital media, spiritual connection, radio, accessibility, communication, digital storytelling, spiritual connection, authenticity, communication, Pope Francis, Pope Leo, media opportunities, church, evangelization, faith experiences, audience engagement
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