The Church Podcast

Christopher Wesley
  • 5.0 (20)
  • RELIGION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each episode features conversations with people from various backgrounds, exploring the real side of ministry. We discuss insights and learnings from the local and national landscape, enriching our understanding of the ministry's impact.

  1. Episode 052 – Emotional Intelligence, Accompaniment, and Evangelization with Rhyan Ramirez

    3D AGO

    Episode 052 – Emotional Intelligence, Accompaniment, and Evangelization with Rhyan Ramirez

    In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Rhyan Ramirez, also known as Bro Rhy, Catholic speaker, trainer, and host of the Accompany Podcast through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Rhyan shares his journey from Northern California to ministry leadership in South Carolina, reflecting on how his own confirmation experience and the adults who accompanied him changed the course of his life. From volunteering in catechesis to working in mental health and youth ministry, Rhyan opens up about the path that led him into speaking, training, and evangelization. Together, Christopher and Rhyan explore the connection between emotional intelligence and evangelization, why empathy and self-awareness matter in ministry, and how leaders can better accompany young people who may be carrying unseen burdens. They also discuss the difference between emotional hype and authentic encounter, the importance of practical next steps after retreats and conferences, and how accompaniment must become more than just another parish program. This conversation is a thoughtful and energizing reminder that effective ministry begins not just with what we say, but with how we see, receive, and walk with others. For more visit https://thechurchpodcast.org

    55 min
  2. Episode 051 — Community, Calling, and the Story of ProjectYM (Part 2) with Michael Marchand

    MAR 10

    Episode 051 — Community, Calling, and the Story of ProjectYM (Part 2) with Michael Marchand

    In Episode 051 of The Church Podcast, I continue my engaging conversation with Michael Marchand, co-founder of ProjectYM. We delve into the importance of community and the vital role volunteers play in youth ministry. Michael shares insights on common pitfalls youth ministers encounter while building and managing volunteer teams. We discuss effective strategies for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, emphasizing the need for long-term investment in their growth. Additionally, we explore how youth ministers can shift from a do-it-all mentality to a leadership style that empowers others. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for those looking to enhance their ministry efforts. Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your approach to volunteer management and community building.

    37 min
  3. Episode 050 — Community, Calling, and the Story of ProjectYM (Part 1) with Michael Marchand

    MAR 3

    Episode 050 — Community, Calling, and the Story of ProjectYM (Part 1) with Michael Marchand

    In this episode of The Church Podcast, I sit down with Michael Marchand, co-founder of Project YM, to discuss the vital role of community and calling in youth ministry. Michael shares his journey from a youth group participant to a leader, highlighting the challenges faced in ministry and the importance of connection among youth ministers. We delve into the inception of Project YM, a resource for Catholic youth ministers, and its evolution into a thriving community that fosters support and collaboration. This is the first part of a two-part conversation that promises to inspire and equip those in ministry. Join us as we explore how to better serve and uplift our communities in faith.

    38 min
  4. Episode 049 – Parenting, Identity, and Cultural Ambassadors (Part 2) with Dr. Julia Sadusky

    FEB 24

    Episode 049 – Parenting, Identity, and Cultural Ambassadors (Part 2) with Dr. Julia Sadusky

    In Part 2 of this conversation with Dr. Julia Sadusky, Christopher and Julia move from principles to practice. If Part 1 focused on integration and posture, Part 2 tackles the real-world questions parents and ministry leaders are actually facing: “When did this get so complicated?” “When should I talk to my kids about sex and pornography?” “How do I protect my kids without isolating them?” “What does it mean to care for people on the margins in distinctively Catholic ways?” Julia draws from her books on gender and sexual identity, her clinical work, and years of youth ministry experience to offer grounded, developmentally wise guidance for families and churches. Go to https://thechurchpodcast.org for show notes

    44 min
  5. Episode 048 – Faith, Psychology, and the Hard Questions (Part 1) with Dr. Julia Sadusky

    FEB 17

    Episode 048 – Faith, Psychology, and the Hard Questions (Part 1) with Dr. Julia Sadusky

    In this first part of a two-part conversation, Christopher sits down with Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed psychologist specializing in sexuality, gender, and faith. What unfolds is not a debate—but a deeply pastoral and thoughtful exploration of how faith and psychology actually belong together. Julia shares her personal journey—from a theology of the body student at Ave Maria University to working at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and Christian discipleship. She reflects on the formative influence of Mark Yarhouse, and how encountering real people with real questions reshaped her vocational path. Together, Christopher and Julia explore: Why Catholics don’t need to fear psychology How therapy and spiritual direction can complement one another What the Church actually does well in teaching about sexuality Why wrestling with Church teaching can be a sign of faith—not rebellion How youth ministers can respond when teens ask difficult questions The “iceberg principle” and why the real question is often beneath the surface This episode is especially helpful for ministry leaders who want to hold truth with confidence—but without defensiveness.

    31 min
  6. Episode 047 – Creative Evangelization with Joe Melendrez

    FEB 10

    Episode 047 – Creative Evangelization with Joe Melendrez

    In this dynamic and deeply personal conversation, Christopher Wesley sits down with Joe Melendrez, Catholic musician, speaker, and creative evangelist, to explore what it means to proclaim the Gospel through music, movement, and art. Joe shares his journey from a life-changing Teen ACTS retreat as a teenager to an international ministry that blends worship concerts, testimony, retreats, and faith-based apparel. Together, Christopher and Joe unpack the creative process behind evangelization, the importance of participation over performance, and how intentional rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and self-care sustain long-term ministry. The conversation also addresses burnout, innovation in the Church, and why empowering young voices is essential for renewal. For more go to https://thechurchpodcast.org

    56 min
  7. Episode 046 – Called to Lead and Questions Worth Living with John Rinaldo

    FEB 3

    Episode 046 – Called to Lead and Questions Worth Living with John Rinaldo

    In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down once again with longtime friend and pastoral leader John Rinaldo for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, accompaniment, and formation in the Church today. John shares about a new season of ministry that includes launching the podcast Called to Lead, founding Accompaniment Partners, and continuing his work as an adjunct lecturer at Santa Clara University. Together, they explore what it means to lead faithfully amid complexity, why accompaniment is more demanding than it sounds, and how leaders can resist the urge to rush toward solutions instead of formation. The conversation closes with a reflective invitation for listeners to consider the questions they are living with—not to solve them quickly, but to let them shape how they lead.

    50 min
  8. Episode 045 – Ministry Questions We’re Afraid to Ask (Q&A Edition)

    12/23/2025

    Episode 045 – Ministry Questions We’re Afraid to Ask (Q&A Edition)

    In Episode 045 of The Church Podcast, host Christopher Wesley dives into the often-untouched questions surrounding ministry in our Q&A edition. As we wrap up the 2025 season, Christopher addresses anonymous listener inquiries, tackling the challenges of engaging parents in their children’s faith formation and navigating the delicate balance of holding others accountable without seeming judgmental. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships within ministry, listening actively, and seeking community support. Whether you're feeling burnt out or striving for deeper connections, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for ministry leaders, ensuring you’re equipped as we transition into the new year. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration that aims to uplift and empower your ministry journey.

    27 min
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Each episode features conversations with people from various backgrounds, exploring the real side of ministry. We discuss insights and learnings from the local and national landscape, enriching our understanding of the ministry's impact.

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Wesley
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean

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