132. The Hidden Bottlenecks Killing Parish Engagement
In this episode, Jon and Thai break open the real reason parish engagement feels flat or unpredictable: bottlenecks. Not spiritual weakness. Not apathy. Bottlenecks.
From confusing workflows to unclear ownership to scattered communication, most parishes are trying to grow while dragging dead weight behind them.
We walk through the most common bottlenecks, why they matter, and how they quietly block parishioners, volunteers, and even staff from moving deeper into mission.
You’ll also learn a simple, practical process for mapping your current systems, identifying the real friction points, and redesigning your workflow so engagement becomes predictable instead of accidental.
We also introduce a free tool — the Workflow Mapping Worksheet — that will help your team name the problem, build the solution, and start moving with clarity.
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TAKEAWAYS
Engagement breaks down at the bottlenecks, not the margins.
Most parishes lack a shared definition of what “good engagement” looks like.
The highest-leverage fix is mapping the workflow behind one engagement metric.
Bottlenecks become obvious when steps and owners are written down.
Engagement increases when leadership alignment replaces guesswork.
131. AI for Catholic Churches
AI isn’t a threat to ministry—it’s a tool that helps you reclaim time for mission. In this episode, Jon and Thai talk about how parish leaders can start small, build confidence with AI tools, and make the shift from busyness to intentional leadership.
TAKEAWAYS
You don’t need to be techy to use AI effectively.
Start with a Time Audit Worksheet to see where your time goes.
Automate or delegate the mundane so you can focus on mission.
130. Principled Flourishing w/ Mike “The Monk Guy” Ferrell
In this conversation, Mike Ferrell discusses the concept of profound hospitality, emphasizing the importance of approaching everyone as if Christ were present. He outlines five key points that define this approach, focusing on the need for surprise, delight, and attention to detail in creating a welcoming environment.
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Takeaways
Profound hospitality means treating everyone as Christ.
Surprise and delight are essential elements of hospitality.
Measuring actions against the principles of hospitality is crucial.
Breaking down walls in business requires a new approach to hospitality.
Attention to detail can transform customer experiences.
129. From Visitor to Disciple: Building a Culture of Engagement
Thai and Jon discuss effective strategies for transforming visitors into disciples within Catholic parishes. They emphasize the importance of intentional engagement, creating follow-up systems, and personalizing communication to foster a welcoming environment. The conversation highlights actionable steps that parishes can take to enhance visitor experiences and build lasting connections.
Takeaways:
Engagement begins with awareness, systems, and communication.
Hospitality must be consistent, personal, and intentional.
Visitors are more likely to return when they feel seen, valued, and invited into next steps.
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.