The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

What if two days could change the way you approach parish renewal? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, host Melissa Wilkinson welcomes Rebuilt team members Colleen Droney and Julia Hiebler for a behind-the-scenes look at the Rebuilt Conference 2027, happening May 3–4 at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. From unforgettable moments at the 2025 conference to exciting plans for 2027, Colleen and Julia share what makes this gathering so special for pastors, parish staff, and ministry leaders. Discover why the conference is truly for parishes, by parishes, and how learning alongside other Catholic leaders can help you bring fresh ideas, stronger connections, and renewed energy back to your parish. With 30 breakout sessions, inspiring mainstage experiences, opportunities for prayer, and meaningful conversations with fellow parish leaders, this conference is designed to help you move beyond inspiration and take action. Inspired by Exodus 14:15, the theme Go Forward is an invitation to trust God, overcome obstacles, and take the next step in making disciples. Whether you're returning from 2025 or considering attending for the first time, this conversation will help you see why you and your team won't want to miss it! Resources & Links Rebuilt Conference 2027 | May 3–4, 2027 Explore the 30 breakout sessions, learn more about the conference, and take advantage of Early Bird registration before November 20! https://rebuiltconference.com In This Episode, You'll Learn: What makes the Rebuilt Conference different from other Catholic leadership gatherings. Why the 2027 conference is focused on learning from real parishes doing the work of renewal. How one parish launched a thriving young adult ministry after attending a 2025 breakout session. What's new for 2027, including 30 breakout sessions with more time for conversation and questions. Why bringing your pastor, staff, and key volunteer leaders can help turn inspiration into action. How the theme "Go Forward" challenges parish leaders to move beyond obstacles and take their next steps in faith. Why meaningful relationships with other parish leaders can be just as valuable as the sessions themselves. Episode Timestamps 00:08 – Meet Colleen Droney and Julia Hiebler, the team behind the Rebuilt Conference 04:55 – What to expect from two days at the Rebuilt Conference 07:17 – What does "For Parishes, By Parishes" really mean? 12:30 – Favorite memories and unforgettable moments from the 2025 conference 14:50 – The conference wishes that surprised and delighted attendees 16:46 – Real parish transformation: How a breakout inspired a new young adult ministry 19:48 – A preview of the 30 breakout sessions planned for 2027 21:50 – Why returning attendees will find new opportunities to learn 24:30 – Why bringing your parish team makes such a difference 28:59 – Introducing the 2027 theme: Go Forward (Exodus 14:15) 32:06 – Moving from imagination to action in parish renewal 34:22 – The power of in-person connections and community 36:57 – An invitation to pastors and parish leaders considering attending 38:59 – Why the Rebuilt Conference is different and what we hope you'll take home Take the Next Step Parish renewal doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when faithful leaders come together, share what they're learning, encourage one another, and take action. The Rebuilt Conference 2027 is your opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday ministry, reconnect with your mission, and discover new ways to help your parish make disciples. Don't just imagine what's possible for your parish. Go forward! Join us May 3–4, 2027, at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. Register and learn more at https://rebuiltconference.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  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish renewal, Rebuilt Conference 2027, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Catholic leadership conference, Catholic parish conference, parish leadership, parish growth, making disciples, Catholic discipleship, parish transformation, church renewal, Catholic ministry leadership, parish staff development, Catholic pastor resources, parish leadership teams, church growth strategies, Catholic parish ministry, parish volunteer leadership, parish conference 2027, Church of the Nativity, Catholic small groups, young adult ministry, parish revitalization, faith formation, Rebuilt Parish, Go Forward conference, Exodus 14:15, parish renewal strategies, Catholic Church leadership, Catholic conference 2027

What does it mean to be truly rooted in faith, especially when parish life is changing around us? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson is joined by Rebuilt Parish Executive Director Bill Baird and Dr. John Sehorn of the Augustine Institute for a rich conversation about theology, formation, leadership, and the importance of developing deep roots in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and his own conversion to Catholicism, Dr. Sehorn explores why strong parish renewal requires more than programs or quick fixes. Sustainable growth comes when pastors, parish leaders, and disciples allow their roots to grow deep through Scripture, the sacraments, prayer, study, and an ongoing relationship with Christ. Explore graduate programs, theological formation, and resources from the Augustine Institute: https://augustine.edu Dr. Sehorn encourages parish leaders who feel called to deeper theological formation to “trust the process,” recognizing that formation happens over time through the life of the Church, Scripture, and the sacraments. Ready to bring your team together, deepen your leadership, and discern what God is calling your parish to do next? Join pastors and parish leaders from across the Church at the Rebuilt Conference, May 3–4, 2027, at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. This year’s theme, Go Forward, will invite parish teams to move from inspiration to action through practical breakout sessions, meaningful conversations, prayer, and opportunities to learn alongside other leaders working to make disciples. Register and learn more: https://rebuiltconference.com Jesus, the Rich Young Man and the Meaning of Life by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran invites readers to consider what Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man reveals about discipleship, surrender, generosity, and the life God is calling us to live. Parishes can also access free resources designed for personal reflection, small groups, and parish-wide engagement. Explore the book and resources: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman IN THIS EPISODE Melissa, Bill, and Dr. Sehorn discuss: Why Dr. Sehorn’s study of Scripture and the early Church eventually led him into full communion with the Catholic Church • Why disaffiliation is one of the major challenges facing parishes today • What people may be searching for when they return to faith, tradition, relationship, and community • Why “rootedness” matters for lasting parish growth • What the Church in Nigeria can teach us about faith, community, and parish life • How Colossians 2 offers a framework for forming Christian leaders • Why thanksgiving and the glory of God belong at the heart of missionary discipleship • How St. Paul models the connection between theology and pastoral leadership • What the Church Fathers can teach today’s pastors and parish leaders • Why there is no quick fix for deep spiritual formation • The importance of becoming a lifelong learner of the Catholic faith • How deeper formation helps the many pieces of our faith come together into one coherent whole One of the central images throughout the conversation is Jesus’ parable of the seed. Visible growth matters, but fruit that lasts requires roots that go deep. As Dr. Sehorn explains, parish programs and resources can serve that growth, but they must support the deeper work of being formed through the Word, the sacraments, and life in Christ. About Dr. John Sehorn: Dr. John Sehorn is a theologian and professor at the Augustine Institute. After being raised in a faithful Christian family, his study of Scripture and the early Church led him into full communion with the Catholic Church. He earned an M.A. in Early Christian Studies and a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and has a particular love for the Church Fathers, including St. Augustine and St. Basil the Great. Rebuilt Parish helps Catholic pastors and parish leaders build healthy, growing parish communities focused on making disciples. Through coaching, resources, courses, workshops, and the Rebuilt Conference, we come alongside parish leaders with practical frameworks for moving their mission forward. Learn more: https://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  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Catholic parish leadership, Catholic theology, Augustine Institute, John Sehorn, Dr. John Sehorn, Catholic formation, parish renewal, Catholic discipleship, lifelong faith formation, Catholic Church Fathers, Saint Augustine, Saint Basil the Great, Scripture and theology, Catholic leadership, parish ministry, missionary discipleship, spiritual formation, Catholic evangelization, rooted in Christ, deep roots in faith, Catholic parish growth, pastoral leadership, Catholic education, theology for parish leaders, Catholic graduate programs, Catholic faith formation, Church as mother, Catholic conversion story, Word and sacrament, Catholic Scripture study, Colossians 2, Rebuilt Parish, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Bill Baird, Melissa Wilkinson, Rebuilt Conference 2027, Catholic conference, parish leadership conference, making disciples, Catholic parish renewal

What does healthy parish leadership look like when the demands of ministry feel overwhelming? Fr. Paul MacNeil, pastor of St. Alexander Catholic Church in Fonthill, Ontario, returns to the Rebuilt Parish Podcast for a deeply personal conversation about priesthood, leadership, burnout, parish growth, and learning to lead from a place of peace. Fr. Paul shares the remarkable story of meeting both St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. John Paul II, including the words from Mother Teresa that helped lead him back to the seminary: “A vocation is a beautiful gift from God. Don’t throw it away.” He reflects on how that experience continues to shape his understanding of ministry today. He also speaks candidly about anxiety, burnout, counseling, and the importance of healthy relationships and support for priests and parish leaders. Then, he brings those lessons into parish leadership: trusting others, developing leaders, improving systems, creating ministries that can grow beyond one person, and helping parishioners take real ownership of the mission. Today, St. Alexander is seeing remarkable signs of growth. Weekend Mass attendance has grown significantly, the parish has added another Mass and an associate pastor, nearly 30 small groups are helping parishioners build relationships and grow in faith, and more lay leaders are stepping forward to lead and serve. For pastors and parish leaders carrying a heavy load, Fr. Paul offers a powerful reminder: we are not simply completing tasks or keeping ministries running. We are building the Kingdom of God. RESOURCES FOR YOUR PARISH 📖 Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life Looking for a resource to help your parishioners grow deeper in discipleship? Explore free resources for Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran’s newest book, including the first chapter, reflection questions, and resources for parish-wide and small group use: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman 🌊 REBUILT CONFERENCE 2027: GO FORWARD May 3–4, 2027 | Church of the Nativity | Timonium, Maryland Bring your team and learn alongside pastors and parish leaders who are working to renew their parishes and make disciples. Dive deeper into leadership, small groups, volunteer ministry, creating an exceptional weekend experience, and more through 30+ breakout sessions. Register and learn more: https://rebuiltconference.com IN THIS EPISODE 00:19 – Welcome back, Fr. Paul MacNeil 00:40 – Meeting Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II 03:20 – The words from Mother Teresa that changed Fr. Paul’s vocation 06:14 – Returning to faith and discovering a call to serve 08:44 – What had to change in Fr. Paul before the parish could change 09:39 – Anxiety, counseling, trust, and delegation 12:08 – Understanding the “ladder” of anxiety, avoidance, and connection 14:56 – Burnout in the priesthood and the importance of relationships 18:07 – Protecting lay leaders from burnout too 19:53 – Moving parishioners from helping Father to owning the mission 20:20 – Using “lean thinking” to improve parish ministry 23:22 – Responding to “we’ve always done it this way” 25:38 – A heart ready to love and hands ready to serve 27:03 – Remembering that we are building the Kingdom of God 29:27 – Developing leaders who train the next generation of leaders 32:45 – Helping ministry leaders invite and develop others 34:32 – Creating a healthy leadership culture without fear or territorialism 37:04 – The growth happening at St. Alexander 41:40 – Nearly 30 small groups and growing participation 43:08 – Better systems that help pastors know and serve their people 44:44 – Fr. Paul’s encouragement for pastors and parish leaders 45:53 – Closing prayer ABOUT REBUILT PARISH Rebuilt Parish partners with Catholic pastors and parish leaders who want to create thriving parish communities and make disciples. Through coaching, courses, workshops, resources, and the Rebuilt Conference, we help parish leaders create a clear pathway toward renewal. Learn more at https://rebuiltparish.com Catholic parish leadership, priest burnout, Catholic priest mental health, parish renewal, Catholic leadership, pastoral leadership, healthy leadership, parish growth, volunteer leadership, lay leadership, Catholic small groups, parish small groups, delegation in ministry, developing parish leaders, building ministry teams, Catholic discipleship, parish culture, church leadership, Catholic pastor support, Rebuilt Parish, Father Paul MacNeil, St. Alexander Catholic Church, Mother Teresa vocation story, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II, priestly vocation, ministry burnout, leadership anxiety, parish systems, Catholic evangelization 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 finding the right volunteers for your parish was less about filling empty spots and more about helping people discover how God has uniquely gifted them to serve? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Jill Simons, founder of Many Parts Ministries, to talk about charisms, volunteer ministry, and creating a parish culture where people serve from their God-given gifts. Learn more about Jill and Many Parts Ministries: ManyPartsMinistries.com or listen to the Charisms for Catholics Podcast Join us at the Rebuilt Conference 2027: May 3–4, 2027 at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. Come connect with pastors and parish leaders, explore practical tools for building stronger ministry teams, and go deeper into topics like volunteer ministry, leadership development, and parish renewal. RebuiltConference.com  Explore resources from Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life: rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman  Jill shares how understanding charisms can help parish leaders move beyond relying on the same small group of volunteers and begin making more personal, meaningful invitations to serve. She also explains how Many Parts Ministries helps parishes assess charisms, gather useful data, and better understand where parishioners are on their discipleship path. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why charisms matter for the life and mission of a parish How to move beyond the “10% doing 90% of the work” dynamic Making personal invitations based on people’s gifts Using parish data to identify potential volunteer ministers Creating a culture that respects discernment and helps prevent burnout Why sometimes leaving a ministry role open can be better than filling it with the wrong person Practical first steps for introducing charism discernment in your parish One of the central ideas Jill shares is that parish ministry should not simply be about finding a “warm body” to fill a role. It is about recognizing the gifts the Holy Spirit has already placed within your parish and creating pathways for people to use those gifts well. Jill also encourages parish leaders to think beyond one-time volunteer recruitment and instead build a culture where discernment becomes part of how people understand their role in the Church. That means creating space for people to discover their gifts, make their best “yes,” and serve in ways that are sustainable and fruitful. For more from Jill, visit ManyPartsMinistries.com or listen to the Charisms for Catholics Podcast. 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    Rebuilt Parish, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Catholic parish renewal, parish volunteers, Catholic volunteers, volunteer ministry, parish ministry, finding volunteers, recruiting parish volunteers, Catholic leadership, parish leadership, charisms, Catholic charisms, spiritual gifts, discovering your charisms, God-given gifts, Many Parts Ministries, Jill Simons, Charisms for Catholics, volunteer burnout, ministry burnout, parish engagement, parishioner engagement, discipleship, discipleship path, building parish culture, Catholic stewardship, stewardship renewal, ministry discernment, volunteer discernment, Catholic ministry, parish staff, Catholic pastors, church volunteers, parish transformation, making disciples, leadership development, volunteer recruitment

Generosity in a parish starts with a simple but sometimes uncomfortable step: you have to ask. In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran sit down with David Gaines, a Catholic business leader, parishioner, and generous giver, for a candid conversation about generosity, stewardship, and what pastors and parish leaders should know about inviting people to give. David shares how his own faith shaped his approach to generosity and why he believes some people in your parish may simply be waiting to be asked. Together, they explore how pastors can make the ask with confidence, connect giving to a clear vision, build relationships with potential donors, and help people see the impact their generosity is making. This conversation offers an important reminder: inviting someone to generosity is not simply about raising money. It can be an invitation to grow deeper in discipleship and recognize everything we have as a gift from God. 📖 FREE RESOURCES FOR OUR NEW BOOK Explore resources for Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran, including the first chapter, reflection questions, parish resources, and more: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman 🙌 JOIN US AT THE REBUILT CONFERENCE Go Forward with hundreds of Catholic pastors, parish staff, and ministry leaders at the Rebuilt Conference, May 3–4, 2027, at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. Discover actionable ideas, connect with other parish leaders, and explore topics that can help your parish grow stronger in mission. https://rebuiltconference.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 – Meet David Gaines 01:18 – David’s background, family, and career 03:24 – How David met his wife in an airport 06:03 – David’s faith story 10:14 – Becoming Catholic and finding Church of the Nativity 13:45 – How generosity became part of David’s faith 18:45 – The moment that changed his perspective 23:18 – Why pastors need to talk about giving 25:11 – “You have to ask” 28:21 – How giving can become part of discerning God’s will 30:04 – How David decides what organizations to support 32:14 – What parish leaders should know about approaching donors 34:21 – Connecting generosity to vision and growth 35:17 – The joy of seeing the impact of your giving 37:56 – Why donors should see the fruit of their generosity 41:08 – Advice for pastors who are hesitant to ask 43:06 – Tom’s biggest takeaway 43:52 – How generosity can loosen money’s hold on our lives 46:27 – Psalm 127 and trusting God with the mission KEY TAKEAWAYS: Do not assume people know your parish needs support. Sometimes you simply need to ask. • Help people understand the vision behind the ask and what their generosity will make possible. • Build relationships with the people in your parish and recognize the experience, gifts, and resources they can bring to the mission. • Follow up with donors so they can see the people, ministries, and lives their generosity is impacting. • Calling people to generosity can be part of helping them grow as disciples. • Remember that the mission ultimately belongs to God. As Psalm 127 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” ABOUT REBUILT PARISH Rebuilt Parish comes alongside Catholic pastors and parish leaders to help them build thriving parish communities focused on making disciples. Through coaching, resources, workshops, and the Rebuilt Conference, we help parishes move forward with greater clarity, stronger leadership, and a renewed focus on mission. 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   

Small groups can help a large parish feel small, giving people a place to be known, grow in faith, and support one another. But how do you actually get them started, find leaders, and build momentum? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson talks with Tammy Jacobs and Deborah West from Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Oklahoma City about their experience launching parish small groups. Tammy and Deborah share how Epiphany moved from traditional adult faith formation studies toward a more intentional small group model centered on relationships, shared material, and pastoral care. After beginning with a parish-wide Advent study, they took a bigger step during Lent, eventually launching 24 small groups across the parish. They also share the challenges behind that success, including the fear of asking people to lead, receiving a few “no’s,” and working within a short timeline. Their experience is an encouraging reminder that a successful small group ministry does not require everything to go perfectly. Sometimes the most important step is simply identifying the people God has already placed in your parish and personally inviting them to lead. You’ll also hear how Epiphany created excitement around their Lenten small group launch through consistent communication, parish-wide messaging, shared resources, and creative invitations. Their launch even inspired teenagers to form a small group of their own. Today, 13 of those original Lenten groups continue to meet, and the parish is expanding the small group model into middle school, high school, young adult, and other areas of parish life. Want to bring small groups to your parish? Rebuilt Parish has resources to help you prepare a parish-wide small group experience, including message series materials, discussion resources, a Spiritual Campaign Guide, and a free first chapter of Jesus, the Rich Young Man and the Meaning of Life. Visit rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman to explore the resources mentioned in this episode. Want to dive deeper into small groups and other practical strategies for parish renewal? Join us May 3–4, 2027, at the Rebuilt Conference at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, MD, where parish leaders will learn from other parishes, connect with peers, and leave with practical ideas they can bring home to their teams. Register now at rebuiltconference.com. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why small groups can extend pastoral care throughout a Catholic parish • How to move from adult Bible studies toward a true small group culture • Why Lent can be an ideal time to launch parish small groups • How shared content can make leadership easier for small group facilitators • Practical ways to identify and personally invite small group leaders • How Epiphany launched 24 groups despite early uncertainty and setbacks • Why consistent promotion across the parish helped drive participation • How small groups are strengthening relationships among adults and teens • Why small groups should become a pathway to discipleship, not simply another parish program Timestamps 00:00 Meet Tammy Jacobs and Deborah West 03:07 Why Epiphany Began Focusing on Small Groups 04:40 Moving Beyond Traditional Adult Studies 05:40 Small Groups as an Extension of Pastoral Care 07:52 Building Faithful Friendships 09:08 Using Shared Small Group Resources 09:48 Why They Chose Lent for Their Launch 11:29 Finding Small Group Leaders 13:46 Overcoming the Fear of Asking 16:58 Launching 24 Small Groups 17:40 Creating a Parish-Wide Small Group Launch 19:34 When Teenagers Asked to Start Their Own Group 22:21 The Fruit of Small Groups at Epiphany 27:03 Where Parish Leaders Should Start 31:07 Making Small Groups an Ongoing Pathway to Discipleship 34:25 Encouragement for Parish Leaders 35:08 Free Small Group Resources Catholic small groups, parish small groups, Catholic parish renewal, Catholic discipleship, small group ministry, Catholic faith formation, parish ministry, launching small groups, Lenten small groups, Catholic Bible study, parish leadership, Catholic parish leadership, small group leaders, discipleship pathway, Catholic evangelization, Rebuilt Parish, Church of the Epiphany Oklahoma City, parish small group ministry, Catholic Church 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 

Matt Pinto, founder of Ascension Press, joins Tom Corcoran and Melissa Wilkinson to share what he has learned from more than three decades of building Catholic ministries that reach people. From his own conversion story to the growth of Ascension, Matt explains why belief, vision, beauty, authenticity, and intentionality all matter when trying to lead people closer to Christ. For pastors and parish leaders, this episode offers practical lessons for moving beyond maintenance and building for growth. Matt shares why leaders need humility, patience, courage, and a willingness to invest in what is working. He also explains why lasting parish renewal takes time, strong infrastructure, and the discipline to keep moving forward even when change feels slow. KEEP GOING Ready to Go Forward? Registration for the Rebuilt Conference 2027 is coming together, and we would love to welcome you and your parish team to Church of the Nativity for two days of practical ideas, encouragement, prayer, and conversations designed to help your parish move forward. Learn more and register at rebuiltparish.com/conference Explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life Looking for a practical resource to help people in your parish grow deeper in discipleship? Get the first chapter free from Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran’s newest book, Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life. You’ll also find free parish resources designed to help you use the book with small groups, message series, and parish-wide formation. Visit rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman IN THIS EPISODE Matt Pinto’s conversion and path into Catholic ministry What Catholic leaders can learn from an entrepreneurial mindset Why belief must come before vision and execution The importance of humility when pastors face challenges they were never trained to solve Why beauty, authenticity, and excellent presentation matter in evangelization How Ascension recognized the opportunity in small groups Knowing when to stop doing something and double down on what is working Why infrastructure and sustainable resources matter for ministry Thinking long-term while celebrating smaller victories along the way Matt’s advice for pastors who feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to change TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Matt Pinto 01:05 Matt’s Faith Story 03:56 Rediscovering the Catholic Faith 06:46 Bringing an Entrepreneurial Mindset to the Church 11:43 What Pastors Can Learn from Entrepreneurs 12:03 Belief, Vision, and Execution 16:15 Building Ascension 16:54 Reaching People Differently 21:47 Why Beauty Matters 25:35 Investing in What Makes the Greatest Impact 27:00 Why Ascension Pivoted to Small Groups 29:16 Ministry, Money, and Free Resources 31:00 Building the Infrastructure for Growth 32:58 Think Big, Move Prudently 34:35 Long-Term Growth and Short-Term Victories 35:55 Standing on the Shoulders of Others 39:04 “Slowly, Then Suddenly” 39:42 Where Should an Overwhelmed Pastor Begin? 42:07 Working On the Parish, Not Just In It 44:44 Final Thoughts 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  Catholic parish leadership, Matt Pinto, Ascension Press, Ascension Presents, Catholic leadership, parish renewal, Catholic evangelization, parish growth, Church leadership, pastors, Catholic ministry, parish strategy, making disciples, small groups, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Bible in a Year, Catholic entrepreneurship

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable for pastors and parish leaders. But what if the goal isn’t simply to raise more money, but to help people grow in generosity? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran sit down with philanthropy expert and Church of the Nativity parishioner Michelle Glennon to explore a more relational approach to giving. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, Michelle encourages parish leaders to move away from transactional fundraising and instead begin with curiosity, relationships, vision, and impact. She shares practical ways pastors can become more comfortable talking about generosity, build relationships with people who have significant giving capacity, and invite parishioners to use not only their income, but also their assets and wealth to support the mission of the Church. Michelle also explains why storytelling is such an important part of inspiring generosity, how transparency builds trust with givers, and why philanthropy should never be the responsibility of just one person. For parish leaders who know generosity needs to grow but aren’t sure where to begin, this conversation offers a practical and encouraging place to start. In This Episode Why philanthropy should be relational rather than transactional How curiosity can change conversations with prospective givers Why pastors should feel confident talking about money and generosity How to approach parishioners with significant wealth without intimidation Using stories and testimonies to demonstrate the impact of the parish Building trust through financial transparency and donor communication Helping people think beyond giving from income to giving from wealth Appreciated securities, donor-advised funds, retirement assets, and legacy giving Why raising givers is a team effort How parish staff and leaders can recognize natural opportunities to invite greater generosity Where pastors can begin if they want to strengthen a culture of giving Looking Ahead: Rebuilt Conference 2027 The Rebuilt Conference returns to Church of the Nativity May 3–4, 2027, with the theme Go Forward, inspired by Exodus 14. This is a conference for parishes, by parishes, created to give pastors and parish leaders practical tools, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn alongside others who understand the realities of parish ministry. Get on the insiders list for our best pricing: rebuiltparish.com/conference  Come early on Sunday, May 2, to experience Mass at Nativity, tour the building, and see ministries in action before the conference begins. Free Book Resources Explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life with a free first chapter and practical resources designed to help your whole parish reflect, discuss, and grow together. rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman  Timestamps 00:02 Meet Michelle Glennon 01:54 Michelle’s Faith and Professional Background 06:25 From Law to Philanthropy 07:44 Fundraising vs. Philanthropy 09:52 Putting the Giver First 12:24 Helping Pastors Talk About Money 19:11 Engaging People with Significant Wealth 23:09 Storytelling and the Impact of Generosity 28:59 Building Trust Through Transparency 33:18 Giving from Income vs. Giving from Wealth 34:25 Helping Parishioners Give Through Their Assets 39:19 Building a Long-Term Culture of Generosity 42:57 Making Philanthropy a Team Effort 46:00 Inviting Parishioners to Help Raise Givers 48:50 Where Should a Parish Begin? Resources Mentioned Church Money: Rebuilding the Way We Fund Our Mission Learn from the principles Church of the Nativity has used to grow generosity and support its mission. Giving USA Michelle references Giving USA research on charitable giving in the United States and the significant amount Americans continue to give each year. Russell James III Michelle recommends the work of Russell James III and his research on charitable giving and biblical generosity. 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 the challenge that feels too big for you is actually the very place where God wants to show you His strength? In this special Rebuilt Conference replay, Tom Corcoran closes the 2025 Rebuilt Conference with a powerful message for pastors and parish leaders carrying real challenges back home: spiritual apathy, financial pressure, conflict, fear, overwhelm, self-doubt, and more. Walking through Psalm 18, Tom invites leaders to reframe those challenges as battles that God can use to strengthen and prepare them. David faced enemies that were simply too mighty for him, and Tom reminds us that there is no shame in admitting the same. Parish renewal was never meant to happen through our strength alone. We need the grace of God, and often that grace comes through the wisdom, gifts, and support of the people He has placed around us. At the heart of Tom’s message is one extraordinary line: “He delivered me because he delighted in me.” Before we are parish leaders, pastors, staff members, or volunteers, we are beloved sons and daughters. We do not serve God simply from obligation. We serve from the confidence that He delights in us, and we want the people inside and outside our churches to discover that same truth. Tom also reminds us that God “trains my hands for war.” The battles themselves can become part of our training. We learn by stepping into them, persevering when an idea does not work the first time, inviting others into leadership, and trusting that God can turn the challenges that once had us on the run into opportunities for victory. And great triumphs often begin with little ones. One conversation. One invitation. One email. One decision to act differently when you return to your parish. Tom closes with a vision we hope every parish leader will hold onto: Nativity may be a miracle, but God does not have only one miracle in His pocket. He is a God of abundance. What might it look like for people to look at your parish and see unmistakable evidence that God is alive and at work? It is a fitting message as we look ahead to the 2027 Rebuilt Conference: Go Forward, May 3–4 at Church of the Nativity. The next step may feel bigger than you. That may be exactly why God is inviting you to take it with Him. Looking Ahead: Rebuilt Conference 2027 The Rebuilt Conference returns to Church of the Nativity May 3–4, 2027, with the theme Go Forward, inspired by Exodus 14. This is a conference for parishes, by parishes, created to give pastors and parish leaders practical tools, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn alongside others who understand the realities of parish ministry. Get on the insiders list for our best pricing: rebuiltparish.com/conference  Come early on Sunday, May 2, to experience Mass at Nativity, tour the building, and see ministries in action before the conference begins. Free Book Resources Explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life with a free first chapter and practical resources designed to help your whole parish reflect, discuss, and grow together. rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman  Key Talking Points Reframing parish problems as battles to be faced with God Why God is bigger than empty pews, financial pressure, fear, and overwhelm Admitting when an enemy is “too mighty for me” Depending on God’s grace instead of our own strength “He delivered me because he delighted in me” Serving from our identity as beloved sons and daughters How God trains parish leaders through the battles they face Why pastors need to invite the gifts of lay leaders into the work Turning large goals into small, immediate triumphs Moving from a scarcity mentality to belief in God’s abundance Praying that your parish becomes a visible work of God Timestamps 00:05 — What If the Challenge Is Where God Shows His Strength? 03:00 — The Challenges Parish Leaders Carry 04:50 — “I Love You, O Lord, My Strength” 06:50 — God Is Bigger Than Your Problems 08:39 — Calling Out to God When You Feel Overwhelmed 11:02 — Looking for God’s Hand in Your Work 13:01 — When the Enemy Is Too Mighty for You 15:12 — God Wants to Bring You Into a Broad Place 16:46 — “He Delivered Me Because He Delighted in Me” 18:56 — Serving as Beloved Sons and Daughters 20:35 — Receiving God’s Strength 22:31 — “He Trains My Hands for War” 24:54 — The Church Needs the Gifts of Lay Leaders 26:43 — Turning the Battle Around 28:43 — Great Triumphs God Gives 30:33 — Great Triumphs Begin With Little Triumphs 31:58 — Is Your Parish a Miracle? 32:38 — God Has More Than One Miracle 34:44 — A Prayer for the Battles Ahead 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  Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Tom Corcoran, Rebuilt Conference, Rebuilt Conference 2027, Go Forward, Church of the Nativity, Psalm 18, Catholic parish leadership, parish renewal, Catholic leadership, parish challenges, spiritual leadership, Catholic pastors, lay leadership, parish ministry, Catholic evangelization, parish growth, discipleship, God delights in you, trains my hands for war, Catholic Church leadership, parish transformation

What happens when parish leaders stop letting the headwinds define what is possible? In this special conference replay, Fr. Michael White opens the 2025 Rebuilt Conference with a powerful message for pastors, parish staff, and volunteer leaders who know firsthand how challenging parish ministry can be. Reflecting on Matthew 14 and Peter walking on water, Fr. Michael names the very real headwinds facing parishes today: discouragement, changing attendance patterns, difficult parish cultures, limited resources, fear, criticism, and the exhaustion that can come with trying to lead change. But he also offers an important reminder: sometimes resistance does not mean you are headed in the wrong direction. The disciples encountered the storm precisely because they were going where Jesus had sent them. Fr. Michael challenges leaders to take courage, keep their eyes fixed on Christ, and make room to imagine what God might want to do next. Parish renewal requires wisdom and prayer, but it also requires a willingness to take risks, try new things, learn when they do not work, and get out of the boat. And on the other side of that courage can be life change. As we look ahead to the 2027 Rebuilt Conference: Go Forward, May 3–4 at Church of the Nativity, this message is a timely reminder that the winds may be strong, but the Lord is stronger. The question is not simply what challenges are facing your parish. It is: Can you imagine what God wants to do on the other side of them?  When you get on our insiders lists here - https://rebuiltconference.com/ - we’ll send you our best Conference pricing for you and your team.  You can also explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life with a free first chapter and practical resources designed to help your whole parish reflect, discuss, and grow together. https://download.rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman  Key Talking Points Why parish ministry can feel like fighting constant headwinds The difference between experiencing fear and choosing to live in fear Why resistance does not necessarily mean you are outside God’s will Taking courage when the challenges feel bigger than you How prayer, wisdom, and bold action work together Why parish leaders need imagination and creativity Getting out of the boat instead of protecting the status quo Seeing unsuccessful ideas as opportunities to learn The Four Strategic Anchors of a healthy parish Imagining the life change waiting on the other side Timestamps 00:03 — Looking Back at the 2025 Rebuilt Conference 03:09 — Leading the Parish Through the Headwinds 05:31 — Inspire the Mind, Encourage the Heart, Equip the Hands 10:15 — Jesus Sends the Disciples Into the Storm 12:51 — The Headwinds Facing Parish Leaders 14:59 — Jesus Meets Us in the Storm 17:25 — Take Courage, Do Not Be Afraid 21:35 — Peter Gets Out of the Boat 24:00 — God Wants Your Ideas and Imagination 26:17 — Keep Your Focus on Jesus 29:36 — Choosing Faith Over the Status Quo 31:37 — Failure Is Not Final 33:56 — The Four Strategic Anchors 35:08 — What Is on the Other Side? 36:24 — Can You Imagine? 37:33 — Closing Prayer Looking Ahead: Rebuilt Conference 2027 The Rebuilt Conference returns to Church of the Nativity May 3–4, 2027 with the theme Go Forward, inspired by Exodus 14. This is a conference for parishes, by parishes, designed to give pastors and parish leaders practical tools, encouragement, and a renewed vision for what God can do through the local parish. Come early on Sunday, May 2 to experience Mass at Nativity, tour the campus, and see ministries in action before the conference begins. 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  Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Rebuilt Conference, Rebuilt Conference 2027, Fr. Michael White, Church of the Nativity, Can You Imagine, Go Forward, Catholic parish leadership, parish renewal, parish growth, Catholic leadership, Matthew 14, Peter walks on water, Catholic evangelization, parish ministry, parish transformation, making disciples, parish culture, Catholic pastors, church leadership, Four Strategic Anchors