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Episode 49: Hiring the Next Gen Minister

Hiring ministry leaders is not something we necessarily do too often. When we do have the opportunity to hire another leader in our parish, we should do so with intention and vision.

In this episode, Chris walks through the process he uses when he coaches pastor and parish administrators on how to go about hiring your next youth ministry or children’s ministry leader.

Check out Episode #9 of The Church Podcast for more helpful tips and resources on hiring in ministry.
Visit Marathon Youth Ministry to learn more about Chris’ coaching tools and resources.

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Episode 48: Empowering Parental Disciples, Part 4

In the final episode of our series on Empowering Parental Disciples, Chris and John discuss how we, as ministry leaders, need to connect parents with other parents in our community. Parish leaders can only do so much. Parents need the help, guidance, and community of other parents to help them in their journey.

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Episode 47: Empowering Parental Disciples, Part 3

In part 3, John and Chris explore ideas to help parents take the faith home to their kids as they continue to answer the question: how should our models of ministry change so that we are working with our parents more effectively?

In this episode, we refer to a couple Bible recommendations that parishes should consider purchasing and giving to families. They include:

Also, in this episode, we reference an online resource called Formed.org.

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Episode 46: Empowering Parental Disciples, Part 2

In part 2, we delve more deeply into answering the question: how should our models of ministry change so that we are working with our parents more effectively?

In this episode, John and Chris explore the idea that we should stop blaming parents and start listening to them.

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Episode 45: Empowering Parental Disciples, Part 1

Parents matter when it comes to passing on the faith to children and youth. In part 1 of this series, Chris and John share personal stories of being parents as a reminder of what it is like to be a parent in the 21st century when it comes to raising children in the faith.

The ultimate question we ask as we launch into this series is this: how should our models of ministry change so that we are working with our parents more effectively?

In the episode, we share one piece of data about Mass attendance taken from the National Study of Youth and Religion.

Frequency of Mass Attendance: Catholic Youth, Catholic Parents

More than once a week:                      6%                            5%

Once a week:                                         33%                          37%

2-3 times a month:                               13%                          15%

Once a month:                                       8%                            8%

Many times a year:                               8%                            5%

Few times a year:                                 21%                          18%

Never:                                                     11%                          12%


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Episode 44: Launching Into Your Ministry Year

What does the beginning of your ministry year look like? Are you frantic and stressed out? Are you calm and well planned out?

How you launch into the next season of your ministry in important and has long-term effects on your ministry. In this episode, John and Chris hash out some ideas to launching your ministry year on a positive note.

Inside the Mind of A Master Procrastinator Ted Talk, click HERE

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Episode 43: Creating a Safe Environment at Your Parish

it's important to protect the family, especially young children.

One of the most important things we do as pastoral ministers is to create a safe and open environment for all parishioners, young and old, as they worship, celebrate, and commune together as a parish community.

In this episode, John and Chris discuss safe environment policies for your parish and Diocese and explore best practices around protecting God’s children.

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Episode 42: To Cell or Not to Cell?

Do we ban the use of cell phones in ministry? Or do we find a way to use them for formation and evangelization opportunities? In this episode, Chris and John discuss when we should use cell phones in ministry and when we should ban them.


As a bonus, you’ll learn what ringtones John and Chris have on their cell phones. Send us your ringtone to questions@thechurchpodcast.organd enter to win a gift card to the app store of your choice.

Cell phones, are they good or bad for your ministry?

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Episode 41: Is Getting a Graduate Degree Worth It?

As a ministry leader in the Church, there are some good reasons to consider moving forward to get your graduate degree in theology or a related field. In this episode, John and Chris discuss their experience with graduate school, reasons to get a degree, and what to consider in deciding where to get your degree.

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Episode 40: Serving Those Most in Need Through Pastoral Care

As part of the Church’s justice mission to serve those most in need, we have a responsibility to care for those in our community who are dealing with things in their lives that require the support of their community.

In this episode, Chris and John explore ways that churches can enhance their pastoral care ministry.

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