The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

Rebuilt Parish
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The Rebuilt Parish Podcast exists to equip pastors and parish leaders to help make church matter in their community.

  1. 1H AGO

    146| Making Prayer the Center of Parish Leadership

    In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson is joined by Colleen Droney, a longtime leader at Church of the Nativity and a key member of the Rebuilt Parish team, for a practical and deeply encouraging conversation about making prayer the center of parish and staff culture. Colleen shares how prayer has shaped her leadership across both parish and ministry settings, why prayer is never optional in times of growth and decision-making, and how the Rebuilt team is learning to pause, listen, and surrender together, even as a fully virtual staff. From staff-wide prayer rhythms and adoration to creative uses of technology and Bible plans, this episode offers parish leaders concrete ways to root their teams more deeply in prayer without adding more burden. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation for pastors and parish leaders who feel stretched thin but long for deeper spiritual grounding in their teams. Want to see how your whole parish can Grow Deeper in their faith? Complete our self evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/deeperevaluation  What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why prayer must be the agenda, not just an agenda item How leadership immersion with Acts 29 renewed Rebuilt’s commitment to prayer Translating in-person staff prayer into a virtual environment Creating consistent, non-negotiable rhythms of prayer The power of pausing and listening before making decisions How Bible plans build vulnerability and trust among staff Practical examples of prayer shaping parish culture at Nativity Simple first steps any parish can take to begin praying together   Practices Highlighted in the Episode Weekly staff prayer as a non-negotiable rhythm Virtual adoration (“Holy Zoom”) for distributed teams Scripture-based prayer before meetings Staff Bible plans using the YouVersion Bible App Prayer challenges and seasonal devotions Ministry huddles and praying over parish spaces Empowering champions to lead prayer without adding burden to pastors Key Leadership Takeaway Healthy parish culture flows from prayerful leadership. When pastors and parish teams make space to pause, surrender, and listen together, prayer becomes the foundation for unity, clarity, and fruitfulness. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start small, be consistent, and trust God to build the culture over time. Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Colleen and the focus on prayer 00:57 – Why prayer is essential in busy seasons of ministry 02:19 – Lessons from Acts 29 and adoration 04:25 – Translating staff prayer into a virtual environment 06:10 – Creating space for silence and surrender 08:39 – Prayer as permission to pause 11:11 – Building prayer into parish staff culture 12:54 – Using Bible plans to deepen team connection 16:17 – Creative prayer rhythms within ministry teams 19:27 – First steps for parish leaders who feel stretched thin 24:01 – The pastor’s role in cultivating a prayer culture 31:07 – Why prayer must be non-negotiable Featured Rebuilt Bible Plans on YouVersion Rebuilt Faith - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/62006-rebuilt-faith  Breathing Room - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64604-breathing-room Grace & Truth - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64135-grace-truth  Baggage: A Journey of Forgiveness Heal (coming for Lent)   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    parish prayer culture, Catholic parish leadership, staff prayer, adoration, virtual ministry, Acts 29, Church of the Nativity, YouVersion Bible App, parish staff formation, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, prayer in ministry

    36 min

  2. FEB 5

    145| Sowing Beyond the Parish: Rebuilt, YouVersion, and Global Discipleship | ft. Tom Corcoran

    In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Tom Corcoran returns to the studio with Melissa Wilkinson to reflect on how God has been opening unexpected doors through Rebuilt Parish. Their conversation centers on Rebuilt’s growing partnership with YouVersion, the global reach of the Bible App, and what it looks like to move forward in faith while trusting God with the results. Tom shares a leadership reflection rooted in Exodus, exploring the tension between waiting on God and taking faithful action. Together, Tom and Melissa unpack how Rebuilt’s Bible plans are now reaching tens of thousands of people across the world, how parishes can repurpose message series for deeper daily engagement, and why holy discontent can be a gift rather than a flaw in parish leadership. The episode also includes reflections from the YouVersion Beyond a Billion celebration, powerful reminders about sowing seeds even when we never see the harvest, and encouragement for pastors and parish leaders to keep preaching, teaching, and creating with faithfulness and hope. Want to see how your whole parish can Grow Deeper in their faith? Complete our self evaluation: https://download.rebuiltparish.com/deeperevaluation  What You’ll Hear in This Episode How Rebuilt Parish became a content partner with YouVersion Why leadership often requires movement before clarity The global impact of Rebuilt Bible plans across 150+ countries How parishes can extend Sunday messages into daily discipleship A reflection on holy discontent and perseverance in ministry Takeaways from the Beyond a Billion worship celebration Why sowing seeds faithfully matters, even when fruit feels slow Featured Rebuilt Bible Plans on YouVersion Rebuilt Faith - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/62006-rebuilt-faith  Breathing Room - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64604-breathing-room  Grace & Truth - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64135-grace-truth  Baggage: A Journey of Forgiveness Heal (coming for Lent) These plans can be used individually, in small groups, or alongside your parish message series to create daily spiritual touchpoints beyond the weekend. Key Leadership Takeaway Faithful leadership lives in the tension between trust and action. God opens seas, but He often asks us to step forward first. Whether you’re leading a parish, preaching a message, or building ministry systems, the call is the same: keep sowing seeds, keep moving forward, and trust God with the growth. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and episode overview 01:24 – Doors God has opened through Rebuilt Parish 03:12 – Leadership, Exodus, and moving forward in faith 05:31 – How the YouVersion partnership began 12:48 – What the Bible App is and why it matters 14:38 – Global reach of Rebuilt Bible plans 17:45 – Using Bible plans for parish discipleship 19:48 – Reflections from the Beyond a Billion celebration 24:04 – The parable of the sower and ministry perseverance 29:13 – Meeting leaders and artists at the VIP gathering 33:56 – Stewarding influence without losing a pastoral heart 36:16 – Closing encouragement   Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!  https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish    Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Tom Corcoran, YouVersion Bible App, parish leadership, Catholic discipleship, Bible reading plans, ministry partnerships, holy discontent, parish renewal, evangelization, sowing seeds, leadership faithfulness

    39 min

  3. JAN 29

    144| A Clear Path for Parish Renewal: Data, Discipleship, and Courageous Leadership

    In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Father Joel Wilson, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Maple Shade, New Jersey. After nearly five years in Rebuilt coaching, Father Joel shares the honest story of leading a parish through significant financial debt, the painful decision to close a longtime parish school, and the renewal that followed. Together, they reflect on how data, both quantitative and qualitative, can inform better decisions without replacing trust in the Holy Spirit. Father Joel walks through how his parish collects and reviews metrics, how a strategic plan helped clarify mission and priorities, and why courage, prayer, and clarity are essential for parish renewal. This conversation offers encouragement for pastors and parish leaders who feel overwhelmed by numbers, uncertain about next steps, or hesitant to pause long standing programs in order to create space for deeper discipleship. Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation 🔑 Key Takeaways Why closing a parish school can be both a loss and an opening for new life How attendance, giving, and engagement data can support better decisions The value of qualitative data and faith stories alongside metrics Using SWOT analysis in parish strategic planning Why “pause” can be more pastoral than “stop” How small groups, grief ministry, and youth pathways fuel discipleship Teaching stewardship as worship and first fruits, not obligation Trusting God first while letting data guide wise action ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Father Joel’s parish context 02:10 Parish culture, service mindset, and closing the school 05:05 Early metrics and financial challenges 08:00 Leading the parish with transparency and courage 09:45 Collecting attendance, giving, and engagement data 12:00 Livestreaming and qualitative data stories 16:30 Strategic planning and SWOT analysis 19:50 Measuring momentum and stewardship growth 25:00 Youth, young adults, and discipleship pathways 30:20 Start, stop, and pause decisions in ministry 33:45 Reimagining parish initiatives through mission 36:40 Encouragement for leaders intimidated by data 39:00 Closing reflections and blessing 🙏 Final Encouragement Renewal does not begin with perfect data or flawless plans. It begins with prayerful leadership, honest assessment, and the courage to take the next faithful step. Whether you are just beginning to track metrics or discerning a major decision, this episode is a reminder that God works powerfully through clarity, trust, and intentional action. 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with your leadership team or pastoral council. 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    Parish strategic planning Catholic parish renewal Parish data and metrics Stewardship as discipleship Small groups ministry Youth and young adult engagement Financial leadership in parishes Rebuilt coaching

    42 min

  4. JAN 22

    143| Road to Renewal: Real Stories From Leaders Who Refused to Give Up |ft. Ron Huntley

    Ron Huntley from Huntley Leadership returns to the Rebuilt Parish podcast to share the heart behind his new book, The Road to Renewal. Ron and Melissa talk about why renewal stories matter right now, why the problems facing the Church are often the same across the world, and what it takes to build leadership teams that actually move a parish forward. You will hear practical frameworks, honest behind the scenes moments, and a clear reminder that renewal is impossible without a real dependence on the Holy Spirit. Key Takeaways How this book began as a prompting in prayer while Ron was on vacation, and why he let go of a different book he had planned to write Why a multi author book helps dismantle the objection: “That works there, but not here” Why “feeling it” is often the spark that launches renewal, and how Nativity’s story helped set the tone Why prayer is not a box to check, but a culture of reliance on the Holy Spirit Ron’s coaching framework for the five phases of missional momentum, including the reality of the “danger zone” What healthy leadership looks like: honesty, emotional maturity, shared responsibility, and healthy conflict A behind the scenes leadership meeting story that turned into a surprising witness to visiting priests Why pastors should not walk the road alone, and what changes when shared leadership becomes real Why self awareness tools and gift based teams matter for ministry alignment A frank conversation about diocesan culture and the call to be peacemakers, not critics Links and Resources Huntley Leadership: HuntleyLeadership.com  Ron Huntley’s new book, Road to Renewal: https://a.co/d/1yorrO6  Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introducing The Road to Renewal 01:00 Why This Book, Why Now 02:20 The Church’s Pioneers and the Power of Shared Stories 04:25 Collaboration Over Competition 06:15 Leadership Is Ownership 07:45 Recognizing Gifts and Divine Providence 09:40 Why the Book Begins With Feeling It 12:00 Repetition, Perspective, and Shared Themes 14:00 The Same Problems Everywhere 15:25 Prayer First and the Work of the Holy Spirit 19:00 Putting the Pen Down 20:30 Discouragement and Holy Expectation 21:00 The Five Phases of Missional Momentum 26:20 Helping Other Parishes After Renewal 29:20 Niceness, Greatness, and Truth 30:35 What Actually Moves the Needle 34:30 The Leadership Meeting That Went Sideways 38:00 Defining Leadership in the Parish 42:30 Why Pastors Should Not Walk Alone 44:35 Building Teams With Different Gifts 50:15 Where to Get the Book 51:30 Closing and Gratitude   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    Parish renewal, Catholic leadership, parish leadership teams, Rebuilt Parish, Ron Huntley, Huntley Leadership, The Road to Renewal, Divine Renovation, Acts XXIX, Father Michael White, Tom Corcoran, leadership development, church coaching, pastoral leadership, diocesan renewal, evangelization, discipleship, Holy Spirit, prayer and discernment, Alpha Catholic, small groups, stewardship, finance council, spiritual gifts, charisms, CliftonStrengths, Working Genius, APES assessment, Alan Hirsch, high performance teams, healthy conflict, team culture, missional momentum, sustainable fruitfulness, intentional generosity, collaboration over competition, discouragement in ministry, vision and ownership

    55 min

  5. JAN 15

    142| Numbers Matter Because People Count

    In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Brandon Hollern returns to unpack a topic many parish leaders avoid - but can’t afford to ignore: metrics. Brandon reframes parish numbers not as cold data points, but as indicators of real people, real stories, and real souls. Drawing from his experience at Church of the Nativity, Brandon explains how tracking attendance, giving, small groups, and serving helps leadership teams shepherd people more intentionally along a discipleship path. The conversation explores how metrics reveal what’s working, where growth is needed, and how parishes can respond with pastoral care rather than fear. If you’ve ever worried that tracking numbers feels “too business-like,” this episode offers a renewed perspective: numbers matter because people count - and faithful stewardship requires clarity, consistency, and courage. Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation   Key Takeaways: Metrics matter because people count. Every number represents a real person with a story, a soul, and a place on the discipleship pathway. Tracking numbers is an act of pastoral care, not a business practice. Metrics help leaders see who is engaged, who may be drifting, and where care or attention is needed. You can’t lead what you don’t measure. Attendance, giving, small groups, and serving provide directional clarity about whether your parish is helping people grow. Downward trends are not failures. They are invitations to respond, adjust, and shepherd more intentionally. Consistency matters more than sophistication. Start simple, track weekly, and build habits over time rather than waiting for a perfect system. Small groups and serving fuel discipleship and stewardship. Data consistently shows that engaged parishioners grow spiritually and give more generously. Volunteer metrics help leaders care for ministers, not just deploy them. Tracking service participation allows parishes to notice burnout, life changes, and moments for encouragement. Dashboards align the entire staff around the mission. Shared visibility reinforces that making disciples is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of role or title. Numbers tell stories when paired with context. Weather, seasons, life events, and parish rhythms all matter when interpreting data. Start where you are and grow from there. Even basic tracking can spark better conversations, clearer priorities, and more faithful leadership over time.   Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why metrics matter because people count 01:09 – When Brandon realized metrics are about shepherding people 02:11 – Using data to inform future parish decisions 03:07 – Overcoming the fear that metrics feel too business-like 04:04 – Using metrics to evaluate what’s working (and celebrate wins) 05:22 – When numbers trend down—and why that’s not a failure 06:24 – How Nativity identified a decline in serving and responded 07:29 – Where parishes should start with tracking metrics 09:00 – How Nativity tracks Mass attendance at scale 10:53 – Accounting for context (snowstorms, livestreams, anomalies) 13:50 – What small-group metrics reveal about discipleship 15:16 – Using data to trigger pastoral care, not just reports 17:16 – Tracking volunteer engagement and caring for ministers 20:03 – Reframing offertory as trust, commitment, and spiritual growth 21:57 – Why groups and serving lead to healthier parish finances 25:12 – Nativity’s weekly rhythm for collecting and reviewing metrics 27:04 – Dashboards as a discipleship alignment tool for staff 28:11 – Practical first steps for parishes just getting started 30:52 – Consistency over time: the long view of parish renewal Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts!    “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode!    https://www.rebuiltparish.com/     facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/  https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish  Parish metrics, church data, Catholic parish leadership, discipleship tracking, church attendance, offertory trends, small groups ministry, volunteer engagement, parish dashboards, church analytics, pastoral care systems, Rebuilt Parish, Church of the Nativity, ministry metrics, parish renewal, making disciples, parish operations, faith and data, church leadership tools

    35 min

  6. JAN 8

    141| The Pastor’s Right-Hand: Why Support Roles Matter More Than You Think

    Pastors carry more than most parishioners will ever see—and when they’re supported well, the whole parish gets healthier. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Henry White, Assistant to the Pastor at Church of the Nativity, to hear his faith story (including a very real season of wrestling with belief and the Catholic Church), how God opened an unexpected door into parish ministry, and what it looks like to support Father Michael White day-to-day. Henry shares the unseen pressures pastors carry, why a strong team matters spiritually and practically, and how small groups become real pastoral care in action—especially in a time when loneliness is everywhere. Looking to strengthen your leadership team? Download our free Leadership Evaluation to gain clarity, align your staff, and take your next faithful step forward. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome + Meet Henry White 00:47 — Henry’s faith story: conversion, discipleship, and coming back to the Church 04:29 — The “Nativity phone call” that changed everything 06:15 — How working closely with Father Michael has shaped Henry’s faith 08:35 — The unseen pressure pastors carry (and why staff support matters) 11:10 — Why teams + small groups help care for people beyond Sunday 11:36 — The pastor as “rock”: support that frees him to lead prayerfully 14:02 — Gifted teams help pastors focus on what only they can do 15:28 — A day in the life: messages, writing, edits, and rhythms of support 18:22 — A real difference-maker: small groups as pastoral support and belonging 23:25 — Simple ways to build stronger support around your pastor 25:28 — The traits that make someone thrive in a support role: humility + initiative 29:26 — Hope for the Church: conversions, passion, and healthier parish leadership Key Takeaways Pastors are one person carrying spiritual, relational, and leadership responsibility for many. A strong support team helps pastors lead more prayerfully and stay focused on mission. The best teams operate out of gifts and trust—when someone owns what they’re good at, the pastor’s plate gets lighter. Small groups provide real pastoral care and belonging, especially when loneliness is widespread. Support roles require a humble heart and a willingness to go the next step—often quietly, consistently, and faithfully. If you serve on a parish team—or wish your pastor had more support—share this episode with a staff member, key volunteer, or your pastor’s closest collaborators. The Church doesn’t thrive on leadership alone; it thrives when people serve together.   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, assistant to the pastor, supporting pastors, parish staff, Church of the Nativity, Father Michael White, Rebuilt Parish Podcast, parish renewal, leadership teams, pastoral support, small groups, discipleship, Catholic conversion, Gen Z Catholicism, parish operations, healthy parish culture

    34 min

  7. JAN 1

    140| It’s Not About Money: Rethinking Stewardship as Discipleship

    What if conversations about giving felt less like “asking for money” and more like helping people talk with God about the gifts He’s entrusted to them? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Charlie Hiebler, Director of Stewardship for both Church of the Nativity and Rebuilt, to unpack a deeply relational—and deeply pastoral—approach to stewardship. Charlie shares how gratitude, visibility, and mission clarity can reshape a parish culture over time, why stewardship is really about people (not dollars), and how generosity becomes a real step on the pathway of discipleship. Looking to strengthen your leadership team? Download our free Leadership Evaluation to gain clarity, align your staff, and take your next faithful step forward. Chapters 00:01 — Welcome + Meet Charlie Hiebler 00:27 — Charlie’s background: banking, Loyola, and the “magis” 03:24 — Stewardship as prayerful discernment: helping people talk with God 04:29 — “It’s not about money”—it’s ministry, relationships, and mission 06:11 — Why Nativity felt different for Charlie’s family 09:59 — The joy of transformation through giving 10:16 — “Work the weekend”: being visible and meeting people where they are 11:50 — Why the development director shouldn’t be stuck counting money 12:14 — Coffee, lunch, and conversations that get deep fast 15:17 — Connecting people to parish care, small groups, and support 17:36 — Defining stewardship in gospel terms 20:34 — How Nativity shifted culture: STEPS and a focused stewardship weekend 23:50 — Humor + stewardship: the “Dr. Rick” parody and why joy matters 28:16 — Simple ways to start: gratitude, clarity, relationships, and presence 35:18 — Transformation story: an anonymous gift with ripple effects 39:12 — More than cash: a family heirloom offered for the next generation 41:57 — Hope for the Church: generosity evolving, not disappearing 44:29 — “Lead with your heart”: where your treasure is, your heart will be 46:56 — Final encouragement + how to reach Charlie Key Takeaways Stewardship is best framed as discipleship and discernment, not fundraising. Gratitude comes first: thanking people cultivates trust and joy. The work is deeply relational—when relationships grow, giving often follows naturally. Healthy parish culture shifts when stewardship is integrated into a clear discipleship pathway (like Nativity’s STEPS). Humor can disarm fear and help people experience generosity as joyful and faith-filled. Generosity isn’t only cash—people give through time, talent, and meaningful assets offered with love. Mentioned in the Episode Nativity’s STEPS discipleship pathway: Serve, Tithe/Give, Engage (small groups), Practice (prayer & sacraments), Share your faith Stewardship weekend as a focused annual moment of invitation and gratitude The power of storytelling and impact-sharing to connect giving to mission If this conversation sparked ideas for your parish—especially around building a culture of gratitude and generosity—share the episode with a pastor or staff member who carries stewardship in their role. Want to connect with Charlie? He invites parish leaders to reach out: charlie@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 stewardship, parish giving, tithing, discipleship pathway, church fundraising, development director, parish renewal, generosity, stewardship weekend, donor relationships, parish culture change, gratitude in ministry, time talent treasure, Nativity STEPS, Rebuilt Parish, Catholic leadership, cheerful giver, Matthew where your treasure is, parish development, mission-driven giving

    51 min

  8. 12/25/2025

    139| Tom Interviews Melissa: The Faith Story Behind the Mic

    What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest? In this episode, Tom flips the script and sits down with Melissa to hear her story—from a “cradle Catholic” upbringing (and a surprising family connection to parish life), to an eighth-grade encounter with the Holy Spirit, to seasons of doubt, leadership lessons from Target, and the moment God pulled her back into the Church in a deeper way. Melissa shares the full-circle threads that shaped her vocation: The Purpose Driven Life, Walking with Purpose, discovering Rebuilt, and how a simple “don’t leave your church—change your church” nudge became a turning point. You’ll also hear how COVID-era webinars connected her to Rebuilt more directly, what it was like rebuilding a parish team from the inside, and the discernment that led her from local parish leadership to serving the wider Church through Rebuilt. Get our FREE Leadership Evaluation here: rebuiltparish.com/leadershipevaluation Chapters with Timestamps 00:01 Turning the tables: Tom interviews Melissa 00:06 Cold remedies: bone broth vs. raw garlic (and the “man cold”) 02:20 Behind the curtain: how Melissa usually prepares for interviews 02:46 Why this episode: hearing Melissa’s faith story 03:11 Growing up Catholic + Puerto Rican roots and a parish-planting surprise 04:07 An eighth-grade invitation to an evangelical youth group 05:06 Encountering the Holy Spirit + what felt different than CCD 07:04 “Devastated”: being told she couldn’t go back—and what she learned there 07:50 A stronger Catholic youth group experience in high school 08:16 Penn State years: faith drift, Mass inconsistency, and accessibility challenges 11:27 Doubts in college: The Da Vinci Code + youth minister scandal 12:59 Target leadership: running a $30M store at 25 14:04 Biggest leadership lessons: delegation, layers, accountability, follow-up 16:04 Anxiety, remodel season, and stepping away to start a family 17:49 A leap of faith: money, identity shifts, and learning to rely on God 20:10 Faith reignited: a faith-based company and praise & worship 21:10 2017 turning point: The Purpose Driven Life and “change your church” 22:40 Why she almost left St. Mary’s: welcome, kids ministry, and culture gaps 25:25 A mom’s prayers + The Word Among Us + learning Scripture 27:50 Pastoral Council, website rebuild, and the COVID connection to Rebuilt 29:42 Laying down a personal project: the faith journal “cease and desist” moment 33:49 Going full-time at the parish + NextGen rebuild 34:29 Rebuilding the parish team: culture, structure, and hard decisions 40:12 Lessons learned the hard way (including passwords and online giving!) 41:08 Discernment to join Rebuilt: “global impact” and a Holy Spirit-led opening 45:47 Favorite podcast guests: Rick Warren, Lisa, Jeff Cavins, partner parishes 47:29 Dream guests + Catholic voices she’d love to interview next 49:19 Wrap-up and thanks Key Takeaways Faith formation isn’t just information - it’s encounter and community. Melissa’s story highlights how fellowship, real conversation, and prayer can awaken faith in a lasting way. Leadership skills translate—when they’re rooted in mission. Delegation, clear roles, and accountability matter in parish life, especially when rebuilding culture and team health. God weaves “full circle” moments over time. Books, studies, and relationships that once shaped Melissa’s faith became part of her vocational path years later. Renewal often requires courageous change. Sometimes that means restructuring roles, setting standards, and making hard decisions for the health of the mission. Discernment happens in community. Melissa shares how prayer, pastoral conversations, and timely invitations clarified her next “yes.” 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, Melissa Wilkinson, Tom Corcoran, faith story, cradle Catholic, Catholic testimony, Holy Spirit encounter, youth ministry, Penn State Catholic, Our Lady of Victory, The Da Vinci Code faith doubts, delegation, accountability, parish staff leadership, parish renewal, Rebuilt book, Walking with Purpose, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, Jeff Cavins, Catholic discipleship, parish culture, church communications, parish website, COVID church ministry, NextGen ministry, rebuilding parish teams, discernment, vocation, Catholic leadership development, Hallow app, Jonathan Roumie, Craig Groeschel, Carey Nieuwhof

    52 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Rebuilt Parish Podcast exists to equip pastors and parish leaders to help make church matter in their community.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebuilt Parish
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

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