Transforming Parishes, Transforming Lives
We know that transforming parishes means changing culture—and that cultural change is hard! That’s why we’re “on the air.” Each week Deacon Keith Strohm and his co-hosts Rachel Espinoza and Kristin Bird explore different facets of parish renewal. Breaking open their own experience working “in the trenches” at the parish level, and discussing with their many guests the principles, strategies, programs, and processes that make an actual difference in parish life, your podcast hosts provide practical, real-world advice you can use.
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Ep. 7: Conflict, Conflict, Conflict
12/16/2022
Ep. 7: Conflict, Conflict, Conflict
Money Quote: "I go back to the Gospels a lot . . .the more I encounter Jesus in the Gospels I encounter someone who is certainly not afraid of conflict and not afraid of tension because He saw it as an opportunity for growth." --Kristin Bird Episode Summary: Deacon Keith, Executive Director of , Kristin Bird, Executive Director of , and Rachel Espinoza, Editor and Liturgical Training Consultant with , explore the reality of conflict within parish life and discuss ways to navigate through it and strategies for creating an environment for healthy, instructive conflict. Key Topics: Catchup (0:56) Vatican Website Hacked (6:55) Introduction to the Topic of Conflict (11:30) Conflict in Parish Life (13:13) Conflict as Misalignment of Expectations (15:17) Healthy vs Unhealthy Conflict (16:54) Examples of Healthy Conflict (29:40) Self Knowledge & Team Awareness as Tools for Healthy Conflict (39:42) Creating Environments for Healthy Conflict (50:06) Need to Talk? If you have an ongoing conflict at your parish that you would like to talk to us about, or if you have questions about evangelization or parish renewal, just reach out to us: Resources Mentioned** Next Steps Join the M3 Community Explore The Missionary Leadership Academy **As an Amazon Associate, I may earn money from qualifying purchases and receive commissions for Amazon purchases made through links in this post.
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Ep. 6: Exploring the Pre-Discipleship Journey -- Thresholds & Accompaniment
05/09/2022
Ep. 6: Exploring the Pre-Discipleship Journey -- Thresholds & Accompaniment
Money Quote: "You are never going to fail if you do something that builds trust." --Rachel Espinoza Episode Summary: Deacon Keith, Executive Director of , Kristin Bird, Executive Director of , and Rachel Espinoza, Editor and Liturgical Training Consultant with , discuss how to help walk with othrs through the thresholds of pre-discipleship conversion. They explore each of the thresholds, discuss what folks at each threshold might need, and share some practical advice on how to help others move through these key moments in their journey toward an intentional relationship with Jesus. Key Topics: Spring Sports in Wisconsin (1:14) Introduction to the Pre-Discipleship Thresholds (6:19) The Threshold of Trust (19:47) The Threshold of Curiosity (38:12) The Threshold of Openness (49:55) The Threshold of Seeking (62:00) Implications for Parish Life & Evangelization (73:00) Need to Talk? If you have questions about evangelization or parish renewal, just reach out to us: Resources Mentioned** Next Steps Join the M3 Community Explore The Missionary Leadership Academy **As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases and receive commissions for Amazon purchases made through links in this post.
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Ep. 5: Avoiding Burnout -- The Care and Feeding of New Disciples
01/19/2022
Ep. 5: Avoiding Burnout -- The Care and Feeding of New Disciples
Money Quote: "We have to ask ourselves this question: Am I as passionate about this person's spiritual fullness . . . as I am excited about what they can do in all the areas of ministry I am involving them in." --Rachel Espinoza Episode Summary: Deacon Keith, Executive Director of , Kristin Bird, Executive Director of , and Rachel Espinoza, Director of Family Faith Formation and Evangelization at in Chicago talk about how to nurture the disciples you have in the parish (particularly new ones)--especially in the early days of parish renewal when they get called upon to handle a disproportionally large amount of the work necessary to move forward with transformation. Key Topics: Visiting Other Parishes (Timestamp 6:30) Introduction to Topic (12:10) Distinction Between Engaged Parishioners & Disciples (16:05) Causes of Burnout in Disciples (25:25) Importance of Charism Discernment to Avoid Burnout (34:05) Examples of Leadership & Discipleship Discernment (49:00) Warning Signs of Burnout (58:29) Investment & Accompaniment to Prevent Burnout (61:09) Need to Talk? If you are frustrated and nearing burnout and need to talk, just reach out to us: Resources Mentioned: used by Kristin in her parish Next Steps:
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Ep. 4: Diving into the Shallow End: The Importance of Shallow Entry Points in Parish Renewal
05/27/2021
Ep. 4: Diving into the Shallow End: The Importance of Shallow Entry Points in Parish Renewal
Money Quote: “If we are honest . . . we don’t love people enough! —Rachel Espinoza Episode Summary: Deacon Keith, Executive Director of , and Kristin Bird, Executive Director of , and Rachel Espinoza, Director of Family Faith Formation & Evangelization for explore the critical importance of “shallow entry points,” ways in which parishes can help those who are disconnected from Christ and His Church be introduced to Jesus and the Christian community in non-threatening and welcoming ways. Key Topics: 1000 Hours Outside Update (Timestamp 6:48) Meeting People Where They are at as a Parish—Shallow Entry Points (10:21) Shifting to a More Individualized Approach (16:40) What Do Shallow Entry Points Look Like? Examples. (25:25) Changing Perspective: Shallow Entry Points Shouldn’t All Be at the Parish (37:50) Obstacles to Creating Shallow Entry Points for Parishes (42:20) Breaking Through the Obstacles (48:55) What are Some of the Fruits of Using a Shallow Entry Point (52:00) Resources Mentioned Sustainable Children's Ministry: From Last-Minute Scrambling to Long-Term Solutions: https://amzn.to/2RspRFL Alpha: Discovering Christ: Following Christ: Share Christ: Missionary Leadership Academy Next Steps Join the M3 Community Contact Deacon Keith () Contact Kristin () Contact Rachel (mailto: )
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Ep. 3: No, I Don’t Want Better Donuts: Radical Hospitality as the Foundation for Evangelization
04/14/2021
Ep. 3: No, I Don’t Want Better Donuts: Radical Hospitality as the Foundation for Evangelization
Money Quote: “All of us are charged with that. It’s not a committee’s job; it’s not your pastor’s job. Everyone of us has to be a person of radical hospitality” —Jane Angha Episode Summary: In this episode Rachel, Kristin, and Deacon Keith explore the nature of radical hospitality with Jane Angha, Executive Director of , an apostolate that works with parishes and dioceses to help them live and minister in a more hospitable way. Want to learn how your parish can embrace radical hospitality in practical ways? Then tune in! Key Topics: How Jane Got Started Focusing on Radical Hospitality (Timestamp 9:20) What Do We Need to Get Started on the Radical Hospitality? (14:09) Why is Radical Hospitality Essential in Parish Life? (16:45) Growing a Heart for the Outsider (31:19) Helping Parishes Get Through the Overwhelm in Starting (39:15) Connecting Secular Best Practices of Hospitality to Jesus (52:18) Resources Mentioned Ministry Blueprints Missionary Leadership Academy Next Steps Schedule a Consultation Session with Jane Angha CLICK HERE [INSERT LINK TO RESOURCE] to download Ministry Blueprint’s Hospitality Checklist for your parish! Join the M3 Ministries Community Contact Deacon Keith () Contact Kristin () Contact Rachel (mailto: ) Podcast Guest, Jane Angha About Jane: Jane lives in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and is the Director of Ministry Blueprints. Jane has mentored and trained youth and young adult leaders for 20 years. She has a bachelor of science in secondary education and religious studies from the University of Wisconsin, and a Master in Theology from St. Norbert College, DePere, Wisconsin. Jane has worked with non-profits, congregations, and dioceses to create new models of ministry and provide innovation workshops and processes to schools and faith communities. In her spare time, Jane loves to write hike, cook, and try out Pinterest DIY projects.
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Ep. 3: No, I Don’t Want Better Donuts: Radical Hospitality as the Foundation for Evangelization
04/14/2021
Ep. 3: No, I Don’t Want Better Donuts: Radical Hospitality as the Foundation for Evangelization
Money Quote: “All of us are charged with that. It’s not a committee’s job; it’s not your pastor’s job. Everyone of us has to be a person of radical hospitality” —Jane Angha Episode Summary: In this episode Rachel, Kristin, and Deacon Keith explore the nature of radical hospitality with Jane Angha, Executive Director of , an apostolate that works with parishes and dioceses to help them live and minister in a more hospitable way. Want to learn how your parish can embrace radical hospitality in practical ways? Then tune in! Key Topics: How Jane Got Started Focusing on Radical Hospitality (Timestamp 9:20) What Do We Need to Get Started on the Radical Hospitality? (14:09) Why is Radical Hospitality Essential in Parish Life? (16:45) Growing a Heart for the Outsider (31:19) Helping Parishes Get Through the Overwhelm in Starting (39:15) Connecting Secular Best Practices of Hospitality to Jesus (52:18) Resources Mentioned Ministry Blueprints Missionary Leadership Academy Next Steps Schedule a Consultation Session with Jane Angha Join the M3 Ministries Community Contact Deacon Keith () Contact Kristin () Contact Rachel (mailto: ) Podcast Guest Jane Angha Jane lives in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and is the Director of Ministry Blueprints. Jane has mentored and trained youth and young adult leaders for 20 years. She has a bachelor of science in secondary education and religious studies from the University of Wisconsin, and a Master in Theology from St. Norbert College, DePere, Wisconsin. Jane has worked with non-profits, congregations, and dioceses to create new models of ministry and provide innovation workshops and processes to schools and faith communities. In her spare time, Jane loves to write hike, cook, and try out Pinterest DIY projects.
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Ep. 2: Breaking Away from Buzzword Bingo: What Does Catholic Parish Renewal Look Like?
04/14/2021
Ep. 2: Breaking Away from Buzzword Bingo: What Does Catholic Parish Renewal Look Like?
Money Quote: “If the only time that people participate in the works of mercy is in the four walls of the parish, then we are not living our life as parish correctly!” —Kristin Bird Episode Summary: Deacon Keith, Executive Director of , and Kristin Bird, Executive Director of , and Rachel Espinoza, Director of Family Faith Formation and Evangelization for try to cut through the buzzwords and talk about what parish renewal really looks like? How can we tell if our parish is truly being renewed? How can we avoid dead ends and wasting our time? Key Topics: Rachel’s Experience in Ministry and Parish Renewal (Timestamp 10:00) Single Biggest Obstacle to Parish Renewal—Rachel’s Perception (22:40) Brief Discussion on the Pastor’s Role in Parish Renewal (25:00) What the Heck is Parish Renewal Anyway? (27:20) Resources Mentioned Alpha https://alphausa.org/ Missionary Leadership Academy Next Steps Join the M3 Community Contact Deacon Keith () Contact Kristin () Contact Rachel (mailto:)
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Ep. 1: Catholic Parish Renewal and Evangelization in a Time of Pandemic
04/14/2021
Ep. 1: Catholic Parish Renewal and Evangelization in a Time of Pandemic
Deacon Keith, Executive Director of , and Kristin Bird, Executive Director of , talk about the challenges and opportunities for parish renewal and evangelization presented by the Coronavirus Pandemic and the subsequent restrictions on social gatherings. How can we continue the Mission of the Church and the renewal of our parishes in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Key Topics: Kristin’s Experience in Ministry and Parish Renewal (Timestamp 7:27) Deacon Keith’s Experience in Ministry and Parish Renewal (21:05) Biggest Obstacle to Parish Renewal (26:00) Parish Renewal in a Time of Pandemic (32:10) 3 Things that Kristin’s Parish Did to Bear Fruit in the Pandemic (52:50) Resources Mentioned Catholic Spiritual Gifts Discernment Process (https://siena.org/called-gifted) Ablaze: 5 Essential Paradigm Shifts for Parish Renewal (Affiliate Link) Missionary Leadership Academy Next Steps Join the M3 Community Contact Deacon Keith () Contact Kristin ()
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