The Rebuilt Parish Podcast

Generosity in a parish starts with a simple but sometimes uncomfortable step: you have to ask. In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran sit down with David Gaines, a Catholic business leader, parishioner, and generous giver, for a candid conversation about generosity, stewardship, and what pastors and parish leaders should know about inviting people to give. David shares how his own faith shaped his approach to generosity and why he believes some people in your parish may simply be waiting to be asked. Together, they explore how pastors can make the ask with confidence, connect giving to a clear vision, build relationships with potential donors, and help people see the impact their generosity is making. This conversation offers an important reminder: inviting someone to generosity is not simply about raising money. It can be an invitation to grow deeper in discipleship and recognize everything we have as a gift from God. 📖 FREE RESOURCES FOR OUR NEW BOOKExplore resources for Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran, including the first chapter, reflection questions, parish resources, and more:https://download.rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman 🙌 JOIN US AT THE REBUILT CONFERENCEGo Forward with hundreds of Catholic pastors, parish staff, and ministry leaders at the Rebuilt Conference, May 3–4, 2027, at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. Discover actionable ideas, connect with other parish leaders, and explore topics that can help your parish grow stronger in mission. https://rebuiltconference.com IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 – Meet David Gaines01:18 – David’s background, family, and career03:24 – How David met his wife in an airport06:03 – David’s faith story10:14 – Becoming Catholic and finding Church of the Nativity13:45 – How generosity became part of David’s faith18:45 – The moment that changed his perspective23:18 – Why pastors need to talk about giving25:11 – “You have to ask”28:21 – How giving can become part of discerning God’s will30:04 – How David decides what organizations to support32:14 – What parish leaders should know about approaching donors34:21 – Connecting generosity to vision and growth35:17 – The joy of seeing the impact of your giving37:56 – Why donors should see the fruit of their generosity41:08 – Advice for pastors who are hesitant to ask43:06 – Tom’s biggest takeaway43:52 – How generosity can loosen money’s hold on our lives46:27 – Psalm 127 and trusting God with the mission KEY TAKEAWAYS: Do not assume people know your parish needs support. Sometimes you simply need to ask.• Help people understand the vision behind the ask and what their generosity will make possible.• Build relationships with the people in your parish and recognize the experience, gifts, and resources they can bring to the mission.• Follow up with donors so they can see the people, ministries, and lives their generosity is impacting.• Calling people to generosity can be part of helping them grow as disciples.• Remember that the mission ultimately belongs to God. As Psalm 127 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” ABOUT REBUILT PARISH Rebuilt Parish comes alongside Catholic pastors and parish leaders to help them build thriving parish communities focused on making disciples. Through coaching, resources, workshops, and the Rebuilt Conference, we help parishes move forward with greater clarity, stronger leadership, and a renewed focus on mission. Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts! “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/

Small groups can help a large parish feel small, giving people a place to be known, grow in faith, and support one another. But how do you actually get them started, find leaders, and build momentum? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson talks with Tammy Jacobs and Deborah West from Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Oklahoma City about their experience launching parish small groups. Tammy and Deborah share how Epiphany moved from traditional adult faith formation studies toward a more intentional small group model centered on relationships, shared material, and pastoral care. After beginning with a parish-wide Advent study, they took a bigger step during Lent, eventually launching 24 small groups across the parish. They also share the challenges behind that success, including the fear of asking people to lead, receiving a few “no’s,” and working within a short timeline. Their experience is an encouraging reminder that a successful small group ministry does not require everything to go perfectly. Sometimes the most important step is simply identifying the people God has already placed in your parish and personally inviting them to lead. You’ll also hear how Epiphany created excitement around their Lenten small group launch through consistent communication, parish-wide messaging, shared resources, and creative invitations. Their launch even inspired teenagers to form a small group of their own. Today, 13 of those original Lenten groups continue to meet, and the parish is expanding the small group model into middle school, high school, young adult, and other areas of parish life. Want to bring small groups to your parish? Rebuilt Parish has resources to help you prepare a parish-wide small group experience, including message series materials, discussion resources, a Spiritual Campaign Guide, and a free first chapter of Jesus, the Rich Young Man and the Meaning of Life. Visit rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman to explore the resources mentioned in this episode. Want to dive deeper into small groups and other practical strategies for parish renewal? Join us May 3–4, 2027, at the Rebuilt Conference at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, MD, where parish leaders will learn from other parishes, connect with peers, and leave with practical ideas they can bring home to their teams. Register now at rebuiltconference.com. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why small groups can extend pastoral care throughout a Catholic parish• How to move from adult Bible studies toward a true small group culture• Why Lent can be an ideal time to launch parish small groups• How shared content can make leadership easier for small group facilitators• Practical ways to identify and personally invite small group leaders• How Epiphany launched 24 groups despite early uncertainty and setbacks• Why consistent promotion across the parish helped drive participation• How small groups are strengthening relationships among adults and teens• Why small groups should become a pathway to discipleship, not simply another parish program Timestamps 00:00 Meet Tammy Jacobs and Deborah West03:07 Why Epiphany Began Focusing on Small Groups04:40 Moving Beyond Traditional Adult Studies05:40 Small Groups as an Extension of Pastoral Care07:52 Building Faithful Friendships09:08 Using Shared Small Group Resources09:48 Why They Chose Lent for Their Launch11:29 Finding Small Group Leaders13:46 Overcoming the Fear of Asking16:58 Launching 24 Small Groups17:40 Creating a Parish-Wide Small Group Launch19:34 When Teenagers Asked to Start Their Own Group22:21 The Fruit of Small Groups at Epiphany27:03 Where Parish Leaders Should Start31:07 Making Small Groups an Ongoing Pathway to Discipleship34:25 Encouragement for Parish Leaders35:08 Free Small Group Resources Catholic small groups, parish small groups, Catholic parish renewal, Catholic discipleship, small group ministry, Catholic faith formation, parish ministry, launching small groups, Lenten sma

Matt Pinto, founder of Ascension Press, joins Tom Corcoran and Melissa Wilkinson to share what he has learned from more than three decades of building Catholic ministries that reach people. From his own conversion story to the growth of Ascension, Matt explains why belief, vision, beauty, authenticity, and intentionality all matter when trying to lead people closer to Christ. For pastors and parish leaders, this episode offers practical lessons for moving beyond maintenance and building for growth. Matt shares why leaders need humility, patience, courage, and a willingness to invest in what is working. He also explains why lasting parish renewal takes time, strong infrastructure, and the discipline to keep moving forward even when change feels slow. KEEP GOING Ready to Go Forward? Registration for the Rebuilt Conference 2027 is coming together, and we would love to welcome you and your parish team to Church of the Nativity for two days of practical ideas, encouragement, prayer, and conversations designed to help your parish move forward. Learn more and register at rebuiltparish.com/conference Explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life Looking for a practical resource to help people in your parish grow deeper in discipleship? Get the first chapter free from Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran’s newest book, Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life. You’ll also find free parish resources designed to help you use the book with small groups, message series, and parish-wide formation. Visit rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman IN THIS EPISODE Matt Pinto’s conversion and path into Catholic ministry What Catholic leaders can learn from an entrepreneurial mindset Why belief must come before vision and execution The importance of humility when pastors face challenges they were never trained to solve Why beauty, authenticity, and excellent presentation matter in evangelization How Ascension recognized the opportunity in small groups Knowing when to stop doing something and double down on what is working Why infrastructure and sustainable resources matter for ministry Thinking long-term while celebrating smaller victories along the way Matt’s advice for pastors who feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to change TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Matt Pinto01:05 Matt’s Faith Story03:56 Rediscovering the Catholic Faith06:46 Bringing an Entrepreneurial Mindset to the Church11:43 What Pastors Can Learn from Entrepreneurs12:03 Belief, Vision, and Execution16:15 Building Ascension16:54 Reaching People Differently21:47 Why Beauty Matters25:35 Investing in What Makes the Greatest Impact27:00 Why Ascension Pivoted to Small Groups29:16 Ministry, Money, and Free Resources31:00 Building the Infrastructure for Growth32:58 Think Big, Move Prudently34:35 Long-Term Growth and Short-Term Victories35:55 Standing on the Shoulders of Others39:04 “Slowly, Then Suddenly”39:42 Where Should an Overwhelmed Pastor Begin?42:07 Working On the Parish, Not Just In It44:44 Final Thoughts Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts! “I love the Rebuilt Podcast! It’s helping my parish make strides in parish renewal!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us support more people just like you, take steps towards parish renewal and making disciples. Be sure to give us 5 stars, write a review and share what you loved most about the episode! https://www.rebuiltparish.com/ facebook.com/rebuiltparish instagram.com/rebuiltparish https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebuilt-parish/ https://www.youtube.com/@rebuiltparish Catholic parish leadership, Matt Pinto, Ascension Press, Ascension Presents, Catholic leadership, parish renewal, Catholic evangelization, parish growth, Church leadership, pastors, Catholic ministry, parish strategy, making disciples, small groups, Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Bible in a Year, Catholic entrepreneurship

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable for pastors and parish leaders. But what if the goal isn’t simply to raise more money, but to help people grow in generosity? In this episode of the Rebuilt Parish Podcast, Melissa Wilkinson and Tom Corcoran sit down with philanthropy expert and Church of the Nativity parishioner Michelle Glennon to explore a more relational approach to giving. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, Michelle encourages parish leaders to move away from transactional fundraising and instead begin with curiosity, relationships, vision, and impact. She shares practical ways pastors can become more comfortable talking about generosity, build relationships with people who have significant giving capacity, and invite parishioners to use not only their income, but also their assets and wealth to support the mission of the Church. Michelle also explains why storytelling is such an important part of inspiring generosity, how transparency builds trust with givers, and why philanthropy should never be the responsibility of just one person. For parish leaders who know generosity needs to grow but aren’t sure where to begin, this conversation offers a practical and encouraging place to start. In This Episode Why philanthropy should be relational rather than transactional How curiosity can change conversations with prospective givers Why pastors should feel confident talking about money and generosity How to approach parishioners with significant wealth without intimidation Using stories and testimonies to demonstrate the impact of the parish Building trust through financial transparency and donor communication Helping people think beyond giving from income to giving from wealth Appreciated securities, donor-advised funds, retirement assets, and legacy giving Why raising givers is a team effort How parish staff and leaders can recognize natural opportunities to invite greater generosity Where pastors can begin if they want to strengthen a culture of giving Looking Ahead: Rebuilt Conference 2027 The Rebuilt Conference returns to Church of the Nativity May 3–4, 2027, with the theme Go Forward, inspired by Exodus 14. This is a conference for parishes, by parishes, created to give pastors and parish leaders practical tools, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn alongside others who understand the realities of parish ministry. Get on the insiders list for our best pricing: rebuiltparish.com/conference Come early on Sunday, May 2, to experience Mass at Nativity, tour the building, and see ministries in action before the conference begins. Free Book Resources Explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life with a free first chapter and practical resources designed to help your whole parish reflect, discuss, and grow together. rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman Timestamps 00:02 Meet Michelle Glennon01:54 Michelle’s Faith and Professional Background06:25 From Law to Philanthropy07:44 Fundraising vs. Philanthropy09:52 Putting the Giver First12:24 Helping Pastors Talk About Money19:11 Engaging People with Significant Wealth23:09 Storytelling and the Impact of Generosity28:59 Building Trust Through Transparency33:18 Giving from Income vs. Giving from Wealth34:25 Helping Parishioners Give Through Their Assets39:19 Building a Long-Term Culture of Generosity42:57 Making Philanthropy a Team Effort46:00 Inviting Parishioners to Help Raise Givers48:50 Where Should a Parish Begin? Resources Mentioned Church Money: Rebuilding the Way We Fund Our MissionLearn from the principles Church of the Nativity has used to grow generosity and support its mission. Giving USAMichelle references Giving USA research on charitable giving in the United States and the significant amount Americans continue to give each year. Russell James IIIMichelle recommends the work of Russell James III and his research on charitable giving and biblical generosity. Rate, Review, & Follow us wherever you listen to

What if the challenge that feels too big for you is actually the very place where God wants to show you His strength? In this special Rebuilt Conference replay, Tom Corcoran closes the 2025 Rebuilt Conference with a powerful message for pastors and parish leaders carrying real challenges back home: spiritual apathy, financial pressure, conflict, fear, overwhelm, self-doubt, and more. Walking through Psalm 18, Tom invites leaders to reframe those challenges as battles that God can use to strengthen and prepare them. David faced enemies that were simply too mighty for him, and Tom reminds us that there is no shame in admitting the same. Parish renewal was never meant to happen through our strength alone. We need the grace of God, and often that grace comes through the wisdom, gifts, and support of the people He has placed around us. At the heart of Tom’s message is one extraordinary line: “He delivered me because he delighted in me.” Before we are parish leaders, pastors, staff members, or volunteers, we are beloved sons and daughters. We do not serve God simply from obligation. We serve from the confidence that He delights in us, and we want the people inside and outside our churches to discover that same truth. Tom also reminds us that God “trains my hands for war.” The battles themselves can become part of our training. We learn by stepping into them, persevering when an idea does not work the first time, inviting others into leadership, and trusting that God can turn the challenges that once had us on the run into opportunities for victory. And great triumphs often begin with little ones. One conversation. One invitation. One email. One decision to act differently when you return to your parish. Tom closes with a vision we hope every parish leader will hold onto: Nativity may be a miracle, but God does not have only one miracle in His pocket. He is a God of abundance. What might it look like for people to look at your parish and see unmistakable evidence that God is alive and at work? It is a fitting message as we look ahead to the 2027 Rebuilt Conference: Go Forward, May 3–4 at Church of the Nativity. The next step may feel bigger than you. That may be exactly why God is inviting you to take it with Him. Looking Ahead: Rebuilt Conference 2027 The Rebuilt Conference returns to Church of the Nativity May 3–4, 2027, with the theme Go Forward, inspired by Exodus 14. This is a conference for parishes, by parishes, created to give pastors and parish leaders practical tools, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn alongside others who understand the realities of parish ministry. Get on the insiders list for our best pricing: rebuiltparish.com/conference Come early on Sunday, May 2, to experience Mass at Nativity, tour the building, and see ministries in action before the conference begins. Free Book Resources Explore Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life with a free first chapter and practical resources designed to help your whole parish reflect, discuss, and grow together. rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman Key Talking Points Reframing parish problems as battles to be faced with God Why God is bigger than empty pews, financial pressure, fear, and overwhelm Admitting when an enemy is “too mighty for me” Depending on God’s grace instead of our own strength “He delivered me because he delighted in me” Serving from our identity as beloved sons and daughters How God trains parish leaders through the battles they face Why pastors need to invite the gifts of lay leaders into the work Turning large goals into small, immediate triumphs Moving from a scarcity mentality to belief in God’s abundance Praying that your parish becomes a visible work of God Timestamps 00:05 — What If the Challenge Is Where God Shows His Strength?03:00 — The Challenges Parish Leaders Carry04:50 — “I Love You, O Lord, My Strength”06:50 — God Is Bigger Than Your Problems08:39 — Calling Out to God When You Feel Overwhelmed11:02 — Looking