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The Church Podcast
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.
All Episodes
Episode 042 – The Call of the Laity: Listening, Formation, and Mission with Maria Parker
In Episode 042 of The Church Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maria Parker, Assistant Director for The Laity at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Together, we explore the vital role of the laity in the Church, focusing on listening, formation, and mission. Maria shares her inspiring journey from teaching in Philadelphia to her work with FOCUS and now at the USCCB, emphasizing how the Church is helping laity rediscover their baptismal identity. As we discuss the Listen.Teach.Send. initiative, we reflect on the Holy Spirit's active role in awakening discipleship and engaging the laity in their unique callings. This conversation serves as a timely reminder during Advent that we are all called to live out our faith intentionally and authentically in our communities. Tune in for insights that encourage and empower your ministry journey.
Episode 041 – Future Focused Faith: Trust, Change, and the Next Generation with Kara Powell
In this inspiring and wisdom-filled episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Dr. Kara Powell, Chief of Leadership Formation and Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary. Kara is also one of the founders of the TENx10 Collaboration and co-author of Future Focused Church, Growing Young, and 3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future. Together, Christopher and Kara explore what it takes to form young people in an age of distrust, disconnection, and change. Kara shares her own story—from cleaning a youth room kitchen in high school to becoming one of the most respected voices in leadership and ministry formation today. They discuss why listening, mentorship, and trust are the essential building blocks for reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha, how 10x10 is helping churches work together ecumenically, and why sustainable change in ministry is more like a crockpot than a microwave. Key Takeaways Trust Is Built Through Presence: In a culture of distrust, small consistent acts—like checking in, showing up, and listening—build credibility with young people. The Three Barriers to Mentorship: Adults often hesitate because they feel too busy, not spiritual enough, or not “cool” enough—but real ministry only requires warmth, not perfection. Mental Health and Hope: Gen Z faces unprecedented levels of anxiety, but they are also more open than ever to authentic, caring relationships with trusted adults. Church Change Takes Time: 70% of organizational change efforts fail. Kara shares the Here, There, Who, and How framework from Future Focused Church to help parishes move from vision to transformation. Collaboration Is Essential: TENx10 is uniting Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox leaders to make faith matter more for 10 million young people in the next 10 years. Slow Is Sustainable: Real change in ministry happens through listening, relationship, and patience—embracing the “crockpot” pace of the Holy Spirit. For more visit https://thechurchpodcast.org
Episode 040 – Faith on Campus: Discipleship, Discernment, and the Next Generation with Brian Rhude
In Episode 040 of The Church Podcast, I sit down with Brian Rhude, campus minister at Towson University’s Newman Center, to explore the evolving landscape of campus ministry. Brian shares his remarkable journey from culinary school to campus ministry, highlighting the vital role of mentorship and discipleship for today’s young adults. We discuss the challenges college students face in balancing their faith with academic and social pressures, and how ministries can better support them. Brian emphasizes the importance of placing Christ at the center of life and the need for intergenerational relationships in the Church. Join us as we delve into the unique dynamics of faith on campus and the call to accompany the next generation in their spiritual journeys.
Episode 039 – Faith Meets the Feed: Storytelling, Strategy, and Stewardship with Katie Hinderer
In this insightful and practical episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Katie Hinderer, founder and CEO of Rosebud Social, a digital marketing agency helping Catholic and mission-driven organizations tell their stories online with clarity and creativity. From journalism to social media strategy, Katie shares her journey of discovering how faith and innovation can meet in the digital space. Together, they explore the intersection of communication, culture, and mission—how parishes, schools, and ministries can move beyond event flyers and start sharing authentic stories that evoke belonging, inspire trust, and build real community. Katie also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she leads a remote creative team, integrates AI tools ethically, and balances hustle with holiness. Key Takeaways The Power of Presence Online: The Church must reclaim its place as a leader in art, culture, and digital storytelling—not just participate. Authenticity Over Aesthetics: The most effective posts tell human stories, not just share information. People want to see faces, not flyers. Consistency Builds Trust: Posting regularly (at least three times a week) signals life and vibrancy within your parish or organization. Faith and AI Can Coexist: Tools like ChatGPT can enhance creativity, save time, and aid discernment—if used responsibly. Healthy Hustle: Rest, boundaries, and sabbath rhythms aren’t optional extras; they’re essential for sustainable leadership. Team Care: Leadership means modeling rest—Katie enforces tech breaks, creative Fridays, and digital sabbaths for her staff. For more on this episode visit https://thechurchpodcast.org