Upstream Podcast

Patrick Lencioni
  • 4.5 (25)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

A podcast for courageous priests, and the communities who support them. Send us your questions, feedback, and ideas: info@upstreampodcast.com

  1. Rethinking Volunteers with Father John Riccardo

    11/28/2025

    Rethinking Volunteers with Father John Riccardo

    What are some ways leaders in a parish can attract capable volunteers? In episode 17 of the Upstream Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and guest Father John Riccardo explore a fundamental shift in how church leaders can view and utilize volunteers, emphasizing that the church is the Body of Christ and not a corporation. They assert that the biggest challenges are rooted in low expectations, treating volunteers generically, and creating a division between paid staff and unpaid volunteers. By raising expectations, discerning people's unique spiritual gifts, and holding everyone equally accountable to the mission of rescuing, renewing, and transforming the human family, parishes can become more vibrant and effective. Thanks to Father John Riccardo for being on the show!  This episode of Upstream with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3EMRli4  Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6b7Y050FFTMNeDaYQUoRUj  Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni.  We also have two other podcasts you might be interested in. One is called At The Table with Patrick Lencioni. And the other is called The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni. Find them on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.  This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

    35 min

  2. 09/26/2025

    What OCIA Really Means

    Pat is joined by his friends Fr. Austin Gilstrap, pastor of Our Lady of the Lake in Hendersonville, TN, and Fr. Michael Fye, pastor of St. Anne in Nashville, TN.  The three of them have a spirited conversation about OCIA and what it really means to initiate people into the Catholic church. They discuss the importance of excitement, depth, and timeliness in conducting spiritual formation, and explore the different ways that pastors can best serve the people joining their congregation.

    35 min

  3. 06/20/2025

    Why Wait to Make a Change

    Pat and his friend Fr. Michael Andrade, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis, CA, have a vulnerable and practical conversation about the challenges pastors face when taking over a new parish. They challenge the conventional wisdom of waiting to make changes and explore how immediate, prayerful, and intentional leadership fosters healthier transitions. Fr. Michael also shares his personal experiences of forming a supportive team, embracing criticism, and leading courageously for the good of the parish.

    29 min

  4. 05/21/2025

    The Danger of Popularity

    Pat and Fr. Mike Schmitz tackle the tension priests encounter between being popular and being authentic. The conversation dives into the spiritual and practical dangers of avoiding conflict, the need for truth-tellers in leadership, and the importance of genuine relationships built on love rather than admiration. Together, Pat and Fr. Mike challenge listeners to choose truth over comfort, love over applause, and authenticity over approval.

    50 min

  5. 04/07/2025

    Insights from the Bible Belt

    With an increasing yearning for unadulterated truth and an attraction to the beauty of the sacraments, more and more people are curious about the Catholic Church. Today, Pat talks with his good friend, Fr. John Riccardo from ACTS XXIX, about the importance of sharing the fullness of the Church with conviction and joy and without apology. ... Check out all the great work that Fr. John and ACTS XXIX team are doing at actsxxix.org.

    31 min

  6. 12/18/2024

    2 Minute Fix for Christmas Mass

    Pat and his friends Fr. John Riccardo of ACTS XXIX and Chris Jenson discuss small adjustments priests can make to their Christmas Masses. These adjustments could make this year’s Mass extra special for people who might only attend church once or twice a year and be an excellent reminder for those who attend more often.   YouTube video Pat references: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYLRuVy0t6Q

    29 min

  7. 10/19/2024

    Multiple Parishes

    The Church in America is facing significant challenges related to the restructuring of parishes due to priest shortage. While some may suggest closing parishes to streamline operations, the Church is a spiritual entity that requires thoughtful, prayerful management rather than just business-like solutions. The approach taken to address these challenges can greatly impact vocations and the overall spiritual life of the Church. It’s essential to prioritize the protection of holy, faithful priests as the starting point for any strategy moving forward. Pat is joined by friends Chris Jenson and Matthew Rudolph to begin the conversation about this important topic.   Here is a link to the Multiple Parishes article by Patrick Lencioni https://upstreampodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UpStream-Multiple-Parishes.pdf

    49 min

  8. 07/30/2024

    The War on Mediocrity

    Accepting low standards comes at a cost. So, why do leaders tolerate it? In this episode, Pat sits down with his good friend Chris Jenson, a management consultant, and discusses what mediocrity really is, why leaders let it occur, and how to overcome it.

    32 min
See All (18)

4.5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

A podcast for courageous priests, and the communities who support them. Send us your questions, feedback, and ideas: info@upstreampodcast.com

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Lencioni
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Upstream Podcast

You Might Also Like