Advertise on podcast: The Church Podcast

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Edmund Mitchell, founder of Zealous Parish Ministers and Anthropic-certified AI practitioner, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Edmund shares his journey from aspiring biomedical engineer to decade-long parish minister — serving in youth ministry, evangelization, and adult ministry — before turning his entrepreneurial instincts toward equipping Catholic leaders through his work with Zealous Parish Ministers. Together, Christopher and Edmund explore why the best parish ministers often learn as much from entrepreneurs, psychologists, and systems thinkers as they do from theologians, and how drawing from outside the Catholic bubble can actually deepen and strengthen ministry. They dig into the formation gap between catechetical education and operational leadership, the undervalued role of intuition and the heart in ministry, and why youth ministry remains the innovation hub of parish life.

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with John Brahier, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Longbeard, the Catholic AI company behind Magisterium AI, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. John shares how a decade in Catholic education — teaching math and theology, directing campus ministry at Divine Child High School, and serving in diocesan leadership in the Archdiocese of Detroit — eventually led him to the intersection of Catholic formation and artificial intelligence. His journey into Catholic AI began when students came rushing into his office after the launch of ChatGPT, and it was deepened by the election of Pope Leo XIV and the Church's early engagement with this new technological moment. Together, Christopher and John explore what it actually means to build AI tools rooted in Catholic fidelity, why most ministry leaders are still catching up to the technology around them, and how the Church can approach AI with the discernment and intentionality this moment demands. They also dig into Magisterium AI — what it is, how it works, and why a specialized Catholic AI is different from simply prompting a general tool to "act Catholic." For more show notes visit us at https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Charlotte McCorquodale, researcher and leader with Ministry Training Source, a Catholic research organization dedicated to equipping Church leaders with credible data, practical insights, and formation resources, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Charlotte shares how her journey in youth ministry stretches back to the early 1980s — and how that lifelong commitment led her to pursue a doctorate in 2000 and found Ministry Training Source, an organization built around helping the Church form and equip lay leaders. Over the past 25 years, MTS has conducted a series of landmark longitudinal studies on the state of pastoral ministry in the United States, culminating in the recently released Illuminating Trends report. For more visit https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Pete Burds, Chief Mission Officer at NET Ministries and co-host of the YDisciple Podcast through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Pete shares his journey from growing up in Chicago in the 90s — shaped by a powerful high school conversion — to campus ministry in Denver and Milwaukee, diocesan leadership, and eventually stepping into a national role at NET Ministries. Along the way, he reflects on what it means to truly disciple someone and why mentorship is not a strategy but the very method Jesus modeled for the apostles. Together, Christopher and Pete explore what it looks like to build a culture of discipleship in parishes and schools today, why so many ministry leaders fall into the trap of ministering from a distance, and how relational investment — not programming — is what actually produces lasting fruit. They also discuss how NET's training model forms missionaries not just spiritually but as whole persons, and how that formation translates into greater confidence, courage, and effectiveness in ministry. For more visit the Show Notes at https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Kathy Goller, founder of Teal Horizon Coaching and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Kathy shares how more than twenty years of diocesan ministry in the Diocese of Buffalo — and a season of unexpected transition during the pandemic — led her to found Teal Horizon Coaching, where she now works with ministry leaders, nonprofit professionals, and others in service-oriented work. A master's-level pastoral minister and certified coach, Kathy brings both lived experience and practical tools to the challenges facing Church leaders today. Together, Christopher and Kathy explore what sustainable ministry leadership actually looks like — from recognizing the early warning signs of burnout, to reframing self-care as a spiritual practice rather than an indulgence, to building practical rhythms of rest, renewal, and review into an already full life. They also unpack the importance of identity, delegation, healthy boundaries, and the courage to ask for help. This conversation is an honest and encouraging call for ministry leaders to stop running on empty and start leading from wholeness — for the sake of themselves, their families, and the people they serve. For more go to https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down with Rhyan Ramirez, also known as Bro Rhy, Catholic speaker, trainer, and host of the Accompany Podcast through the NFCYM Podcast Network. Rhyan shares his journey from Northern California to ministry leadership in South Carolina, reflecting on how his own confirmation experience and the adults who accompanied him changed the course of his life. From volunteering in catechesis to working in mental health and youth ministry, Rhyan opens up about the path that led him into speaking, training, and evangelization. Together, Christopher and Rhyan explore the connection between emotional intelligence and evangelization, why empathy and self-awareness matter in ministry, and how leaders can better accompany young people who may be carrying unseen burdens. They also discuss the difference between emotional hype and authentic encounter, the importance of practical next steps after retreats and conferences, and how accompaniment must become more than just another parish program. This conversation is a thoughtful and energizing reminder that effective ministry begins not just with what we say, but with how we see, receive, and walk with others. For more visit https://thechurchpodcast.org

In Episode 051 of The Church Podcast, I continue my engaging conversation with Michael Marchand, co-founder of ProjectYM. We delve into the importance of community and the vital role volunteers play in youth ministry. Michael shares insights on common pitfalls youth ministers encounter while building and managing volunteer teams. We discuss effective strategies for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, emphasizing the need for long-term investment in their growth. Additionally, we explore how youth ministers can shift from a do-it-all mentality to a leadership style that empowers others. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for those looking to enhance their ministry efforts. Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your approach to volunteer management and community building.

In this episode of The Church Podcast, I sit down with Michael Marchand, co-founder of Project YM, to discuss the vital role of community and calling in youth ministry. Michael shares his journey from a youth group participant to a leader, highlighting the challenges faced in ministry and the importance of connection among youth ministers. We delve into the inception of Project YM, a resource for Catholic youth ministers, and its evolution into a thriving community that fosters support and collaboration. This is the first part of a two-part conversation that promises to inspire and equip those in ministry. Join us as we explore how to better serve and uplift our communities in faith.

In Part 2 of this conversation with Dr. Julia Sadusky, Christopher and Julia move from principles to practice. If Part 1 focused on integration and posture, Part 2 tackles the real-world questions parents and ministry leaders are actually facing: “When did this get so complicated?” “When should I talk to my kids about sex and pornography?” “How do I protect my kids without isolating them?” “What does it mean to care for people on the margins in distinctively Catholic ways?” Julia draws from her books on gender and sexual identity, her clinical work, and years of youth ministry experience to offer grounded, developmentally wise guidance for families and churches. Go to https://thechurchpodcast.org for show notes

In this first part of a two-part conversation, Christopher sits down with Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed psychologist specializing in sexuality, gender, and faith. What unfolds is not a debate—but a deeply pastoral and thoughtful exploration of how faith and psychology actually belong together. Julia shares her personal journey—from a theology of the body student at Ave Maria University to working at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and Christian discipleship. She reflects on the formative influence of Mark Yarhouse, and how encountering real people with real questions reshaped her vocational path. Together, Christopher and Julia explore: Why Catholics don’t need to fear psychology How therapy and spiritual direction can complement one another What the Church actually does well in teaching about sexuality Why wrestling with Church teaching can be a sign of faith—not rebellion How youth ministers can respond when teens ask difficult questions The “iceberg principle” and why the real question is often beneath the surface This episode is especially helpful for ministry leaders who want to hold truth with confidence—but without defensiveness.

In this dynamic and deeply personal conversation, Christopher Wesley sits down with Joe Melendrez, Catholic musician, speaker, and creative evangelist, to explore what it means to proclaim the Gospel through music, movement, and art. Joe shares his journey from a life-changing Teen ACTS retreat as a teenager to an international ministry that blends worship concerts, testimony, retreats, and faith-based apparel. Together, Christopher and Joe unpack the creative process behind evangelization, the importance of participation over performance, and how intentional rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and self-care sustain long-term ministry. The conversation also addresses burnout, innovation in the Church, and why empowering young voices is essential for renewal. For more go to https://thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, Christopher sits down once again with longtime friend and pastoral leader John Rinaldo for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, accompaniment, and formation in the Church today. John shares about a new season of ministry that includes launching the podcast Called to Lead, founding Accompaniment Partners, and continuing his work as an adjunct lecturer at Santa Clara University. Together, they explore what it means to lead faithfully amid complexity, why accompaniment is more demanding than it sounds, and how leaders can resist the urge to rush toward solutions instead of formation. The conversation closes with a reflective invitation for listeners to consider the questions they are living with—not to solve them quickly, but to let them shape how they lead.

In Episode 045 of The Church Podcast, host Christopher Wesley dives into the often-untouched questions surrounding ministry in our Q&A edition. As we wrap up the 2025 season, Christopher addresses anonymous listener inquiries, tackling the challenges of engaging parents in their children’s faith formation and navigating the delicate balance of holding others accountable without seeming judgmental. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships within ministry, listening actively, and seeking community support. Whether you're feeling burnt out or striving for deeper connections, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for ministry leaders, ensuring you’re equipped as we transition into the new year. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration that aims to uplift and empower your ministry journey.

In this rich and wide-ranging episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Father Chris Nahra, Associate Pastor at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Clinton Township, Michigan. As a priest formed in the ancient Syriac tradition—and as a national leader in Maronite youth ministry—Fr. Chris brings a passionate and deeply pastoral perspective to the challenges and hopes of the young Church. Together, Christopher and Fr. Chris explore the beauty of the Maronite Catholic tradition, from its roots in the monastic witness of St. Maron to its poetic, symbolic, and contemplative liturgy. They discuss why young people today are increasingly drawn to ancient forms of worship, how a culture of belonging transforms a parish, and what Eastern and Western Catholics can learn from one another as the Church seeks renewal. Fr. Chris also shares his own vocational story—beginning with a life-changing encounter at a Maronite youth conference—and opens up about the joys, challenges, and surprises of ministering to a generation facing unprecedented loneliness and spiritual hunger. For more on the episode visit us at thechurchpodcast.org

In this episode of The Church Podcast, I reflect on the transition into a new year while also embracing the current Advent season. Together with John, we explore the powerful concept of choosing one word to guide our goals and aspirations for the year ahead. With the hustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to overlook the importance of personal growth and leadership development. We discuss how focusing on a single word can simplify our resolutions and help us create actionable habits. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode is filled with insights on setting intentions for the upcoming year. Join us as we delve into the significance of discipline, collaboration, and the unique phases of life that shape our journeys in ministry.