128. Designed for Discipleship w/ Heidi Indahl
In this episode Jon Konz and Heidi Indahl discuss the transformative approach of Designed for Discipleship, which integrates quality education with authentic faith formation. They explore the gaps in traditional catechesis, the importance of a discipleship-driven mindset, and the four key principles that guide effective faith education. Through real-life examples, they highlight the breakthroughs experienced by parishes and schools that have adopted this approach, emphasizing the need for a personal relationship with Jesus as the foundation for spiritual growth.
TAKEAWAYS
Curriculum alone won't solve faith formation issues.
Discipleship should be the primary focus of education.
Understanding faith increases reverence and desire.
Planning must start with the end goal in mind.
Teaching methods should adapt to different age groups.
127. Rural Catholic Youth Ministry w/ Kevin Losleben
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon interviews Kevin Losleben about challenges and opportunities in rural Catholic youth ministry. They discuss the importance of equipping leaders, creating sustainable programs, and fostering authentic relationships with youth. Kevin shares practical steps for starting youth groups, overcoming common objections, and the impact of one-on-one mentorship in youth ministry. The conversation emphasizes the need for simplicity, sustainability, and authenticity in engaging young people in faith.
Visit CatholicMinistryProfessionals.com to learn more.
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Takeaways
Equipping leaders is essential for sustainable youth programs.
Authenticity is key to connecting with today's youth.
Simplicity in programming helps prevent burnout.
Investing in youth is crucial for the future of the Church.
Starting a youth group can be done with minimal budget.
Prayer and discernment are vital before launching initiatives.
126. Evangelization that scales: Don’t just do the work — MULTIPLY THE MISSION
If you feel like you’re carrying the mission alone, this episode will help you shift from doing the work to building systems and teams that multiply evangelization. You’ll learn practical ways to form others, build simple rhythms, and create sustainable ministry that grows beyond your own time and energy.
Visit CatholicMinistryProfessionals.com and move from frustration to renewal today.
TAKEAWAYS
You can’t sustain ministry alone—systems and people multiply impact.
Start with beauty. Beauty opens hearts to truth and goodness.
Multiplication starts small—one person, one rhythm, one repeatable process.
125. Stop wasting time: How to have meetings that matter
Parish meetings often feel like they go in circles—lots of talking, little action, and even less fruit. In this episode, Jon and Thai unpack why so many meetings feel pointless and how to fix them by anchoring every conversation in mission, goals, and accountability.
You’ll learn how to move your meetings from maintenance to momentum, where clarity replaces confusion, and every conversation moves your parish closer to making more disciples.
TAKEAWAYS
Start every meeting with prayer and a reminder of your parish mission.
Establish a clear rhythm for identifying and pursuing mission-oriented goals.
Build accountability by reviewing next steps and progress at each meeting.
Change happens through small, consistent actions—not big overhauls.
Renewal begins when your meetings move from maintenance to mission.
124. Fundraiser or Outreach Event: Reframing the Fall Festival
Your parish festival doesn’t have to be just a fundraiser or a social gathering. With the right perspective, it can become your biggest outreach event of the year. In this episode, Jon walks through how pastors and parish leaders can reframe success, equip volunteers with 3 simple questions, and lead their parish into mission during the festival.
Takeaways
Parish festivals are often limited to fellowship without outward purpose — but they can be so much more.
Equipping volunteers with 3 scripted hospitality questions makes outreach simple and practical.
Success isn’t measured by dollars raised, but by connections made and lives touched.
Small, intentional shifts can transform a fundraiser into a mission-focused event.
123. Solve Problems and Create Joy
It can be tempting to see problems as interruptions — something to push through or avoid. But what if problems are actually the places where God wants to show His power? In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Thai and Jon unpack how solving problems creates joy, how to break problems into practical steps, and how inviting others into the process accelerates transformation.
If you’ve been frustrated by ongoing issues in your parish, this conversation will help you reframe those frustrations as opportunities for renewal.
TAKEAWAYS
Joy isn’t found in avoiding problems — it’s found in solving them with the Lord.
All problems break down into three categories: conversations, tasks, and processes.
Ownership accelerates transformation — when others own the solution, the fruit multiplies.
122. A new era for Catholic Ministry w/ Zach Rawson
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon speaks with Zach Rawson, the Director of Youth Ministry and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Winona, MN. They discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural parishes as they transition to new leadership structures and groupings. Zach shares insights on innovative approaches to faith formation, the importance of empowering parents, and the hope for renewal in ministry through collaboration and community engagement.
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Takeaways
Rural parishes are facing significant changes, including groupings and shared leadership.
Effective youth ministry requires collaboration among parish staff and community members.
Empowering parents is crucial for the spiritual development of children.
The church offers hope and healing through Jesus, especially for young people.
Bishop Barron's vision emphasizes evangelization and increasing seminarian numbers.
Real change often comes from small, intentional actions rather than large programs.
121. From frustration to fun: REDISCOVER JOY in Your Parish Work
Parish ministry doesn’t need to feel heavy. In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, we talk about how to move from frustration to fun by rediscovering joy in your parish work. You’ll learn how reconnecting with your “why,” solving problems with creativity, and keeping score where it counts can reignite the fruit of the Spirit in your ministry.
TAKEAWAYS
Joy is not optional—it’s one of the fruits of the Spirit that fuels lasting ministry.
Solving problems with creativity can actually spark joy and strengthen community.
Focusing on lead measures keeps you hopeful and effective, even before big numbers change.
120. Getting UNSTUCK in ministry
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon discusses how to overcome stagnation in ministry. He emphasizes the importance of identifying specific stuck points, engaging in discernment through prayer and community feedback, and taking actionable steps to create sustainable progress. The conversation highlights the need for clarity, intentionality, and small, measurable actions to foster growth and engagement within the parish community.
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TAKEAWAYS
Feeling stuck in ministry is common and can be addressed.
Naming specific stuck points is crucial for progress.
Engage with peers and parishioners for feedback.
Keep action plans small and measurable.
Small adjustments can lead to significant changes over time.
Consistency is vital for long-term success in ministry.
119. The Organized Saint w/ Nicole Morse
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai and Jon engage with Nicole Morse, the new Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at Divine Mercy Parish. Nicole shares her experiences from a recent workshop that provided her with tools for effective ministry, emphasizing the importance of organization, communication, and building relationships within a merged parish setting. The conversation highlights the challenges of unifying multiple parishes, the significance of prayer and discernment, and the need for parental involvement in faith formation. Nicole's insights on celebrating small wins and fostering a collaborative environment among parish leaders offer valuable lessons for Catholic ministry professionals.
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Takeaways
Nicole emphasizes the importance of being organized in ministry.
Building relationships is crucial for fostering unity among parishes.
Prayer and discernment are essential for effective leadership.
Celebrating small wins can help maintain motivation in ministry.
Engaging parents in faith formation is vital for children's spiritual growth.
Listening to individual stories helps in understanding parish dynamics.
Creating a collaborative environment leads to better communication.
The role of a director involves serving and supporting others.
Clarity of vision helps in achieving ministry goals.
Surrendering challenges to God can lead to unexpected blessings.
118. The Importance of Taking Action
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon delves into the importance of taking action. Often, the biggest obstacle to fulfilling our mission isn't a lack of resources or timing, but our own hesitation.
TAKEAWAYS
Many Catholic Ministry Professionals delay action not because they lack clarity, but because they fear the consequences of acting.
Naming the desire God has placed in your heart is the first step
Movement brings clarity. Small steps matter. Conditions don’t have to be perfect for God to work.
117. Parish Growth Plan: Sustainable Renewal (pt. 3 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Thai and Jon discuss the concept of sustainable renewal for parish growth. They emphasize the importance of creating a rhythm of renewal that avoids burnout while fostering long-term growth. The conversation covers defining renewal, the significance of prayer and discernment, and practical steps such as team workshops, weekly meetings, and visual workflows to keep the parish aligned with its mission. The hosts also address common concerns about overwhelm in parish leadership and provide actionable steps for listeners to implement in their own ministries.
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Takeaways
Sustainable renewal is essential for parish growth.
Renewal involves discerning God's will and vision.
Regular team workshops help maintain focus and alignment.
Weekly touchpoint meetings keep the team accountable.
Visual workflows aid in tracking progress toward goals.
Team morale is crucial for effective ministry.
Simplicity and focus are key to manageable changes.
Addressing overwhelm is important for parish leaders.
Small, intentional changes can lead to significant impact.
Workshops can realign teams to their vision.
116. Parish Growth Plan: Aligning Resources (pt. 2 of 3)
In this episode, we dive into how parishes can align their resources—time, people, and budget—with their mission to drive growth. We address the common issue of misaligned resources that lead to overwhelmed staff, scattered efforts, and missed opportunities. Learn how to simplify your approach, prioritize your most impactful initiatives, and start with one clear goal to achieve sustainable growth.
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Key Takeaways:
Aligning resources effectively ensures that your parish’s vision for growth is supported.
Take stock of your current resources by doing an audit—look at your people, budget, and ministries.
Set measurable, realistic goals based on your current situation, then break those down into manageable steps.
Involve your team in the process—growth should be a shared responsibility for everyone.
115. Parish Growth Plan: Grow on Purpose (pt. 1 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss strategies for parish growth, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, clear vision, and tracking progress through metrics. They address common challenges faced by parishes, such as competition from non-denominational churches and the need for a mission-driven approach to engage the community effectively. The conversation highlights actionable steps for parish leaders to foster growth and revitalization within their communities.
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Key Takeaways
Most parishes are not actively focused on growth.
There's a version of competition for every parish community.
Growth is essential for fulfilling the mission of the church.
Midwest nice can lead to a reluctance to confront necessary changes.
A clear vision aligns the community towards a common goal.
Maintenance tasks should be predictable to free up time for growth.
Tracking metrics helps identify areas for improvement.
Engagement metrics can reveal opportunities for outreach.
Parish leaders need to be proactive in fostering growth.
Collaboration and clear communication are key to success.
114. Transforming Parish Culture: A Path to Renewal
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Jon Konz and Thai Hua discuss the importance of leadership development and strategic coaching for Catholic parishes. They emphasize the need for clear vision and direction in ministry, the significance of identifying key problems, and the value of building tailored support plans. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainable changes over time and encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards transforming their parish culture.
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Takeaways
Leadership development is essential for effective ministry.
Clear vision is crucial for parish growth and direction.
Identifying key problems is the first step in renewal.
Tailored support plans are necessary for different parishes.
Sustainable changes lead to long-term success.
Accountability is vital for maintaining progress.
Small, intentional shifts can create significant impact.
Ownership of the plan is essential for successful implementation.
113. Our TOP 10 BOOKS to transform your ministry through your work
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the importance of professional development for Catholic ministry professionals through reading. They share their top 10 recommended books that can enhance leadership skills, personal growth, and organizational effectiveness within the church. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in personal development and offers practical steps for integrating reading into daily routines. The hosts also address common objections to finding time for reading and encourage listeners to take actionable steps towards their professional growth.
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Takeaways
Professional development is essential for Catholic ministry professionals.
Reading can provide fresh perspectives and ideas.
Understanding 'why' is crucial for effective leadership.
Building good habits is key to personal and professional success.
Minimal changes can lead to significant improvements in organizations.
Confidence is vital for effective leadership in ministry.
Communication styles impact team dynamics and effectiveness.
Accountability within teams fosters a culture of success.
Making time for reading is a matter of prioritization.
Small daily habits can lead to substantial personal growth.
112. Church Volunteer Bootcamp: Fostering Long-Term Commitment (pt. 3 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon discusses strategies for fostering long-term volunteer commitment within the Catholic Church. He emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that values volunteers, leads with vision, evolves programs, and shows appreciation. The conversation also highlights the need for clear communication of impact to retain volunteers and keep them engaged in ministry work.
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TAKEAWAYS
Transforming parish culture is essential for volunteer engagement.
Avoiding burnout is crucial for long-term commitment.
Leading with a clear vision helps volunteers understand their purpose.
Evolving programs keeps volunteers engaged and interested.
Showing appreciation can significantly boost volunteer morale.
Regular communication about impact fosters a sense of accomplishment.
Simple changes can revitalize stagnant programs.
Presence and support from leaders are vital for volunteer retention.
Handwritten notes and small gestures of gratitude are impactful.
Clear communication of goals and outcomes is necessary for retention.
111. Church Volunteer Bootcamp: Training Volunteers to Make Disciples (pt. 2 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professional Podcast, Jon discusses the importance of transforming the culture of volunteerism within parishes. He emphasizes the need to raise expectations for volunteers, moving beyond mere participation to empowerment and discipleship. The conversation covers practical steps for training volunteers, including modeling prayer, connecting them to the church's mission, and equipping them with necessary skills. Jon also addresses common challenges faced in volunteer training and offers solutions to overcome them, ultimately aiming to create a more engaged and effective volunteer base in the church.
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Takeaways
Transforming the culture of volunteerism is essential for parishes.
Raising expectations for volunteers leads to deeper engagement.
Volunteers should be seen as missionaries, not just helpers.
Prayer must be the foundation of volunteer training.
Connecting volunteers to the mission enhances their sense of purpose.
Training should focus on spiritual formation and practical skills.
Clear communication of impact encourages volunteer participation.
Simplifying recruitment processes can alleviate training burdens.
Utilizing technology can streamline training and communication.
Empowered volunteers can significantly contribute to parish growth.
110. Church Volunteer Bootcamp: Volunteer Recruitment THAT WORKS (pt. 1 of 3)
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon Konz discusses effective strategies for building a volunteer recruitment plan that aligns with the mission of the parish. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ministry needs and matching them with the gifts of parishioners. The conversation covers innovative approaches to engage volunteers, streamline management processes, and communicate the impact of service to encourage participation. By implementing these strategies, parishes can foster a thriving volunteer culture that enhances community involvement and spiritual growth.
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TAKEAWAYS
Parish ministries often struggle to recruit enough volunteers.
A clear recruitment strategy aligns volunteers' gifts with parish needs.
Understanding the needs of the parish is crucial for effective recruitment.
Volunteers often feel misaligned without a clear strategy.
Parents' involvement is essential for passing on the faith to children.
Simplifying the volunteer management process can reduce burnout.
Using tools like Google Forms can help identify parishioners' gifts.
Communicating the impact of service encourages volunteer participation.
A volunteer recruitment worksheet can help define ministry needs.
109. The Art of Saying No: Setting Professional Boundaries in Catholic Ministry
In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai and Jon discuss the importance of setting professional boundaries within Catholic ministry. They explore how to balance work and life, improve clarity and communication, and create space for missional work. The conversation emphasizes the need for community, the challenges of work-life balance, and the significance of defining roles and responsibilities. The hosts provide actionable steps for assessing time, saying no, and maintaining passion while setting boundaries to prevent burnout.
TAKEAWAYS
Setting professional boundaries is essential for effective ministry.
Work-life balance is often misunderstood and needs redefinition.
Clarity in communication is key to setting boundaries.
Saying no can lead to greater freedom and focus on priorities.
Defining your role helps avoid burnout and confusion.
Assessing how you spend your time is crucial for effectiveness.
Healthy boundaries improve work-life balance and mission focus.
Community and relationships are vital for spiritual health.
Passion for work must be balanced with personal boundaries.
Actionable steps can help in setting and maintaining boundaries.