The Rebuilt Parish Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Summary

In this episode, Tom discusses the importance of ministry and the need for volunteer ministers in the church. He introduces the ABCDE system for volunteer ministry, which includes attracting, building up, connecting, developing, and evaluating volunteers. 

Tom emphasizes the importance of painting a vision for volunteers and creating a structured infrastructure for ministry. He shares strategies for attracting new volunteers, such as prayer campaigns and asking for referrals. Tom also discusses the role of leaders in the ministry system and the importance of developing and empowering them. He concludes by mentioning the Rebuilt resources available for parishes to ramp up their volunteer ministries.

Takeaways

• Ministry is the lifeblood of the church and volunteer ministers are essential for accomplishing the church's goals.
• The ABCDE system (attract, build up, connect, develop, evaluate) provides a structured framework for volunteer ministry.
• Attracting volunteers involves painting a vision for them and highlighting the impact and significance of serving.
• Strategies for attracting new volunteers include prayer campaigns, asking for referrals, and creating a ministry push weekend.
• Sustaining and growing volunteers involves consistently pouring vision into them, recognizing their impact, and creating a welcoming and empowering environment.
• Measurement and metrics are important for evaluating the progress of volunteer ministry and ensuring volunteers feel valued.
• Leaders play a crucial role in the ministry system and should be identified and developed to empower and support volunteers.
• Rebuilt offers resources such as the Every Member a Minister course, workshops on recruiting volunteer ministers, and a ministry evaluation guide.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Ministry

03:08 Strategies for Attracting New Volunteers

09:18 Sustaining and Growing Volunteers

14:29 Measurement and Metrics in Volunteer Ministry

16:42 The Role of Leaders in the Ministry System

26:11 Rebuilt Resources for Volunteer Ministry

Keywords: 

ministry, volunteer ministers, ABCDE system, attracting volunteers, building up volunteers, connecting volunteers, developing volunteers, evaluating volunteers, leaders, Rebuilt resources

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Summary

In this conversation, Melissa interviews Brandon about the importance of metrics and measurements in parish leadership. They discuss the key metrics that parishes should focus on, such as attendance, giving, small group activity, serving, sacraments, and engagement. 

Brandon emphasizes the need for accurate data and setting measurable goals. He also shares the tools and methods they use to collect and analyze data, including manual head counts, church management systems like Ministry Platform, and free tools like Church Metrics. 

Brandon explains how they use metrics to make informed decisions and communicate with the parish community, highlighting wins and sharing stories of life change. He also discusses the impact of tracking discipleship steps and cross-step promotion in their parish. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of measuring progress and using data to drive discipleship and ministry.

Brandon also  shares how he takes discipleship metrics and uses them to drive ministry and make an impact in the parish. He gives an example of how they targeted dads of kids in their Quest program and invited them to join a men's small group. This resulted in about 50 dads joining small groups and meeting while their kids were in religious education. Brandon emphasizes the importance of aligning metrics with the mission and vision of the parish and how metrics can inspire new ideas and drive discipleship growth. He also discusses the balance between quantitative and qualitative metrics and the value of telling stories of life change.

Takeaways

• Metrics and measurements are important in parish leadership to track progress and determine success.
• Key metrics to focus on include attendance, giving, small group activity, serving, sacraments, and engagement.
• Accurate data is crucial for making informed decisions and setting measurable goals.
• Tools like church management systems and free tools like Church Metrics can be used to collect and analyze data.
• Metrics can be used to communicate wins and stories of life change to the parish community.
• Tracking discipleship steps and promoting cross-step engagement can lead to increased involvement and deeper discipleship.
• Metrics can be used to drive ministry and make an impact in the parish.
• Targeted outreach based on metrics can lead to increased engagement and discipleship.
• Metrics should align with the mission and vision of the parish.
• Balancing quantitative and qualitative metrics can provide a more comprehensive understanding of parish life.
• Telling stories of life change can inspire and engage 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 

Get our FREE Grow Wider Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation 

Summary

In this conversation, Daniel Miller discusses the importance of exceptional programs for kids and students in growing wider as a parish. He shares his personal journey and the impact that a great youth ministry had on his life. 

Daniel emphasizes the need for intentional growth in younger generations and the role they play in revitalizing the church. He highlights the key components of exceptional programs, including the central focus on relationships, serving the generation below, sacramental vitality, and having a clear plan. 

Daniel also discusses effective strategies for engaging children and youth, such as starting with tasks and gradually giving them responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of vision, casting that vision to parishioners, and the challenges and opportunities for growth and innovation in next-gen ministries.

Takeaways

Exceptional programs for kids and students are vital for growing wider as a parish.

The central focus of these programs should be on building relationships.

Serving the generation below and sacramental vitality are key components of exceptional programs.

Having a clear plan and adapting to the needs of the next generation are important for success.

Engaging children and youth requires starting with tasks and gradually giving them responsibilities.

Casting a vision and involving parishioners in the process is crucial for growth and innovation in next-gen ministries.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Daniel's Journey

02:14 - The Importance of Exceptional Programs for Growing Wider

08:18 - Key Components of Exceptional Programs

14:30 - Assessing the Needs of Children in the Community

27:08 - Contributing to Belonging and Community

29:37 - Challenges and Opportunities for Growth and Innovation

38:22 - The Evolving Landscape of Kids and Students Programs

44:45 - Remote Resources for Learning and Growth

47:33 - Conclusion and Gratitude

Link to Uprising: Rebuilt Student Ministry Podcast: https://nativitystudentministry.podbean.com/

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Summary

Father Charlie Garza shares his experience of growing a welcoming parish community at St. Albert the Great in Austin, Texas. The parish is multicultural, with people from over 60 countries. 

Before focusing on parish renewal, the weekly mass attendance was around 2,500. However, through intentional efforts to create a welcoming environment, the attendance has almost doubled, with Spanish-speaking attendance at 222% above pre-COVID levels and English-speaking attendance at 7% above pre-COVID levels. 

Father Charlie shares his experience in building a welcoming culture at St. Albert the Great. He discusses the challenges faced, such as pushback from older generations who felt left out when the focus shifted to young adults. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the pain points of parishioners and addressing them. 

Father  Charlie advises other multicultural parishes to identify the big events for each culture and tailor their strategies accordingly. He also encourages parishes to learn the principles of successful growth but adapt them to their own circumstances. Father. Charlie shares his vision for St. Albert the Great, including hosting large events and providing training for hospitality teams.

Takeaways

• Creating a welcoming parish community begins with a mindset shift and a positive attitude towards newcomers.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone for hospitality and welcoming.
• The entire parish community, including volunteers and regular attendees, must actively participate in creating a welcoming environment.
• Hospitality should be extended from the parking lot to the pews, with a focus on making newcomers feel welcome and included.
• Initiatives such as welcome tables, connection cards, welcome emails, and personalized phone calls can help newcomers feel connected and informed.
• Retreats can be a powerful tool for engaging newcomers and transitioning them into discipleship. Building a welcoming culture requires understanding and addressing the pain points of parishioners.
• Multicultural parishes should identify the big events for each culture and tailor their strategies accordingly.
• Learn the principles of successful growth but adapt them to your own parish's circumstances.
• Don't be afraid to fail and learn from failures.
• Celebrate wins and reinforce positive behaviors to build confidence.
• Have a vision for big events and invest time and energy in planning for them.
• Provide training for hospitality teams to ensure welcoming practices.
• Perseverance is key in achieving success in parish growth.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Parish Background

02:19 - Impressive Growth in Attendance

06:16 - Extending Hospitality from Parking Lot to Pews

09:43 - Engaging the Entire Parish Community in Welcoming

14:42 - Initiatives and Practices for Enhancing a Culture of Welcome

23:19 - Building a Welcoming Culture: Addressing Pain Points and Challenges

28:23 - Tailoring Strategies for Multicultural Parishes

34:05 - Adapting Principles for Successful Growth

36:15 - Embracing Failure and Learning from It

41:00 - Vision for Big Events and Planning

42:48 - Training for Welcoming Hospitality Teams

45:09 - Perseverance in Parish Growth

Get our FREE Grow Wider Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation 

Summary

In this conversation, Allie Wade, the Connections Coordinator at Nativity, shares insights on growing wider and building a welcoming culture in a parish. She emphasizes the importance of identifying the target audience and looking outside the church walls to reach newcomers. 

Allie discusses effective strategies for reaching different groups within the community and highlights the power of personal invitations from parishioners. She also explains the invest and invite approach, which focuses on building relationships and making genuine connections. 

Allie emphasizes the need for a structured plan for welcoming and integrating newcomers, as well as the importance of creating a culture of hospitality and care. She encourages parishes to learn from successful churches and conferences, and to tailor these strategies to fit their own community.

Takeaways

Identify the target audience by looking outside the church walls and studying the community.

Personal invitations from parishioners are powerful in attracting newcomers.

Invest and invite approach focuses on building relationships and making genuine connections.

Having a structured plan for welcoming and integrating newcomers is essential.

Creating a culture of hospitality and care is crucial for growth.

Learn from successful churches and conferences, and tailor strategies to fit your own community.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:19 - Identifying the Target Audience

06:25 - The Power of Personal Invitations

08:07 - The Invest and Invite Approach

11:27 - Creating a Structured Plan for Newcomer Engagement

13:13 - Building a Culture of Hospitality and Care

25:30 - Challenges and Encouragement

33:22 - Conclusion

Get our FREE Grow Wider Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/widerevaluation 

Summary

In this conversation, Ed discusses the importance of the Grow Wider anchor in the Rebuilt Framework. 

He emphasizes the need to build a culture that welcomes people and shares the burden of reaching out to the unchurched. Ed highlights the key elements of the Grow Wider anchor, including identifying the target audience, implementing an invest and invite strategy, creating a compelling digital presence, and providing exceptional kids and student programs. 

Ed also discusses the importance of implementing a newcomer engagement plan and shares success stories and challenges faced by parishes in implementing these strategies.

Takeaways

Building a culture that welcomes people is crucial for parish growth.

Identifying the target audience helps parishes focus their efforts.

Implementing an invest and invite strategy encourages parishioners to invite others to church.

Having a compelling digital presence, including a user-friendly website and active social media, is important for attracting newcomers.

Providing exceptional kids and student programs helps engage young families.

Implementing a newcomer engagement plan, including a welcome desk and follow-up emails, helps newcomers feel welcomed and connected.

Consistency and intentionality are key in growing wider.

Evaluating and improving strategies is essential for parish growth.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

03:30 - Chapter 1: Building a Culture of Welcome

08:10 - Chapter 2: Identifying the Target Audience

14:20 - Chapter 3: Implementing an Invest and Invite Strategy

24:44 - Chapter 5: Providing Exceptional Kids and Student Programs

29:55 - Chapter 6: Implementing a Newcomer Engagement Plan

34:25 - Chapter 7: Success Stories and Challenges

38:49 - Chapter 8: Consistency and Intentionality in Growing Wider

42:09 - Conclusion

Weekend Experience Evaluation

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation 

Summary

In this episode, Melissa discusses the importance of conducting a weekend experience self-evaluation to improve the overall experience for parishioners and newcomers. 

She covers various aspects of the weekend experience, including the first impression, physical setting, staff and volunteer ministers, children and parents, preaching, music, hospitality and fellowship, preparation and evaluation, and the online campus experience. 

Melissa provides questions and recommendations for each area and encourages listeners to take action and create an action plan based on their evaluation.

Keywords

weekend experience, self-evaluation, parish, newcomers, first impression, physical setting, staff, volunteer ministers, children, parents, preaching, music, hospitality, fellowship, preparation, evaluation, online campus

Takeaways

• Conducting a weekend experience self-evaluation can help improve the overall experience for parishioners and newcomers.
• Areas to evaluate include the first impression, physical setting, staff and volunteer ministers, children and parents, preaching, music, hospitality and fellowship, preparation and evaluation, and the online campus experience.
• Taking action and creating an action plan based on the evaluation can lead to an excellent weekend experience in the parish.
• Providing a welcoming and engaging experience for children and parents is crucial for the weekend experience.
• Having quality sound and engaging with remote parishioners is important for the online campus experience.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: Conducting a Weekend Experience Self-Evaluation

01:54 - Chapter 1: Creating a Welcoming First Impression

05:09 - Chapter 3: Ensuring Excellence in Staff and Volunteer Ministers

08:03 - Chapter 4: Fostering a Positive Experience for Children and Parents

Get our FREE Weekend Experience Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/weekendevaluation 

Summary

Father Roger Gustafson shares his experience of building an online campus for his parish during the COVID-19 pandemic. He started by live streaming Masses and gradually grew his online congregation to over a thousand subscribers. 

The online campus includes live streaming Masses, Zoom small groups, and online chat hosts to engage with the virtual community. Father Roger emphasizes the importance of making online parishioners feel welcome and connected to the community. 

He also discusses the financial impact of the online campus, with giving increasing by 9% since 2020. Father Roger encourages parish leaders to start somewhere and strive for excellence in their online initiatives.

Check out Father Roger's parish online: https://www.sthilary.org/ 

Takeaways

• Building an online campus can help reach and engage a broader audience, especially during times of limited in-person gatherings.
• Creating a welcoming and connected virtual community is essential for online parishioners.
• Starting small and taking steps towards excellence is key to building a successful online campus.
• Investing in technology and professional expertise can enhance the online worship experience.
• Financial giving can increase as the online congregation grows and becomes more connected to the parish community.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

06:18 - Engaging the Online Congregation

12:33 - Creating Welcoming Touch Points for Online Parishioners

28:29 - The Financial Impact of the Online Campus

36:20 - Recommendations for Building an Online Campus

Get our free Weekend Experience Evaluation here. 

Summary

Fr. Gregory  Reichlen shares his experience of coaching with Rebuilt and the transformation it brought to his parish. The parish, located in the eastern Pocono Mountains, had a multicultural and multilingual community but struggled to engage with the culture, especially the next generation. 

After attending the Rebuilt Conference in 2018, Fr. Greg and his team implemented changes, particularly in the liturgy, to create a welcoming and vibrant experience. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to adapt and seek guidance through webinars and coaching. 

They focused on prayerful preparation, casting a vision, and involving volunteers in the planning and execution of liturgies. They also emphasized the importance of music, meaningful homilies, and active participation. Fr. Greg encourages parish leaders to start somewhere and take one step towards parish renewal.

Takeaways

• Coaching with Rebuilt can bring transformation to a parish and help engage the next generation.
• Creating a welcoming and vibrant liturgical experience is essential for parish renewal.
• Prayerful preparation, casting a vision, and involving volunteers are key to successful liturgies.
• Music, meaningful homilies, and active participation enhance the worship experience.
• Parish leaders should start somewhere and take one step towards parish renewal.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Parish Background

07:15 - Creating a Welcoming and Vibrant Liturgical Experience

14:32 - Involving Volunteers in Planning and Execution of Liturgies

32:32 - Ensuring Reverent, Meaningful, and Inclusive Sacraments

38:28 - Advice for Parish Leaders

Get our free Weekend Experience Evaluation here!

Summary

Joseph, the minister coordinator at Church of the Nativity, discusses his role in recruiting and training ministers for NextGen. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where ministers feel their service is serving Christ and removing roadblocks to serving. 

Joseph shares his approach to recruiting, training, and empowering volunteer leaders, including the use of a tier structure and developing relationships. He also highlights the significance of saying and knowing people's names, providing clear positions and expectations, and following up with potential ministers. 

Joseph emphasizes the importance of maintaining cohesiveness through communication, prayer, and keeping the why in focus. In this conversation, Joseph shares insights on training and developing volunteer leaders, overcoming challenges, and effective communication within a ministry. 

He emphasizes the importance of pouring into people, leading by example, and creating a culture of trust and support. Joseph also highlights the power of prayer and being specific in prayer requests. 

He recommends resources such as the Rebuilt Podcast and the Next Gen Rebuilt course for building up volunteer ministers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of conveying emotion in email communication.

Takeaways

• Create an environment where ministers feel their service is serving Christ
• Remove roadblocks to serving
• Develop relationships with potential ministers
• Say and know people's names
• Provide clear positions and expectations
• Follow up with potential ministers
• Maintain cohesiveness through communication and prayer
• Keep the why in focus Pouring into people and leading by example are crucial for training and developing volunteer leaders.
• Creating a culture of trust and support is essential for the success of a ministry.
• Being specific in prayer requests can help build trust and confidence in God's provision.
• Effective communication involves getting the message across and receiving a response.
• Multifaceted communication is necessary as different age groups respond differently.
• Resources such as the Rebuilt Podcast and the Next Gen Rebuilt course can provide valuable insights and guidance for building up volunteer ministers.
• Conveying emotion in email communication can help to effectively communicate and connect with recipients.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Role of Minister Coordinator

08:13 - The Power of Saying and Knowing Names

16:27 - Keeping the Why in Focus

33:37 - Effective Communication

41:49 - Building Up Volunteer Ministers