The Church Podcast Returns!

In 2016, at the National Conference for Catholic Youth Ministers in San Jose, California, I had the pleasure of meeting John Rinaldo. Our paths crossed thanks to social media and a shared interest in podcasting—I had co-hosted the Rebuilt Podcast, which John appreciated. At that time, I was navigating a challenging period in my career, having just departed from my parish of 12 years and in the early stages of forming Marathon Youth Ministry. My future seemed uncertain. It was during this pivotal moment that John proposed an exciting idea: “You want to do a podcast together?” Without hesitation, I responded, “Yeah, I’d love that.”
We envisioned a podcast that would delve into the multifaceted world of ministry. My experience was deeply rooted in parish ministry, while John brought a diverse perspective from his work across parish and diocesan ministry, Catholic Charities, and academia. Together, we spent months brainstorming and planning, culminating in the launch of The Church Podcast in the fall of 2017.

Over the next three years, John and I explored a wide array of topics related to ministry, aiming to empower others to lead, manage, and expand their ministries more effectively. Not only did we help ministry leaders grow, but the conversations we had influenced and impacted me in my journey.

Over time the show evolved. We occasionally featured guests, offering varied insights and experiences. When the pandemic unfolded, we did our utmost to support leaders through those unprecedented times. However, by the fall of 2020, amidst personal and professional changes for both of us, we decided to pause the podcast.

I must confess, I deeply missed podcasting—a medium I both consume and love creating. It's a unique way to accompany others on their journey. About a year ago, I reached out to John about reviving our project. Although he wasn't ready to return, he gave me his blessing. Hence, I am thrilled to announce the REBOOT of THE CHURCH PODCAST, returning on April 2nd, 2024.

Here's What You Can Expect:

A Diverse Guest List

Each episode will feature conversations with individuals involved in ministry, sharing their insights, experiences, and innovative ideas. From national speakers and ministry entrepreneurs to local heroes and emerging leaders, our guests will offer a fresh perspective on faith-sharing practices and challenges. Whether they are making their podcast debut or are well-known figures, we aim to introduce you to a broad spectrum of leaders who can provide new insights into your ministry. And for those of you who will miss John, don't worry he'll be on a few shows.

Supporting Professional Ministry Development

While podcasting is cost-effective, there are expenses to be met. We're partnering with organizations like Catholic Concepts and Y-Disciple to offset these costs. Moreover, we're introducing a premium membership for the Church Podcast. Premium members will enjoy ad-free content, early access to episodes, bonus features, and exclusive gifts. Importantly, 50% of proceeds from premium memberships will support the research conducted by Ministry Training Source, which aligns with Pope Francis's vision in Evangelii Gaudium, offering vital resources for pastoral ministry leaders.

We Want to Hear From You

Your input is invaluable to us. We're eager to explore topics that resonate with you, address your questions, and tackle the challenges you face in ministry. Your feedback will shape the content of our podcast, ensuring it remains relevant and resourceful. As we gear up for the launch, we encourage you to share your thoughts and questions with us.

I am filled with anticipation for the journey ahead with The Church Podcast. We've already recorded several interviews, and if you're a newsletter subscriber, you'll receive exclusive sneak peeks. If you haven't signed up yet, I encourage you to do so. My hope is that The Church Podcast will be a source of growth, inspiration, and a reminder that you're not alone in your ministry endeavors. Regardless of your role or experience level in ministry, our goal is to foster discussions that help you enhance your ministry work.

Together, let's embark on this exciting journey to explore, learn, and transform the way we do Church.