Every parish wants more engagement. Few can define what that means. If you can't measure it, you can't move it. Let's break down the three things you need to do to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real change in your parish.

Reclaim time for what matters. Download the free Time Audit at catholicministryprofessionals.com/timeaudit.

Bulletins inform. Emails remind. But a magazine mailed to someone's home says — we thought about you.

Jon Konz sits down with Isaac Summers of Decided Excellence Catholic Media to talk about how one apostolate is reaching the unchurched and unifying merged parishes.

Real hospitality starts before they show up.

Reclaim time for what matters. Download the free Time Audit at catholicministryprofessionals.com/timeaudit.

Good people. Good intentions. But somewhere between this week's meeting and next — nothing happens.

In this episode, Jon and Thai give you three things to fix that: clear expectations, a visible short list, and a predictable check-in rhythm that makes accountability feel like a team — not a trap.

Structure doesn't replace love. It protects it.

Reclaim time for what actually matters. Download the free Time Audit at catholicministryprofessionals.com/timeaudit.

If your parish team is working hard, showing up, and doing the things — and nothing is shifting — that's not an effort problem. That's a drift problem.

In this episode, Jon names it and gives you three moves to fix it. Name the Drift. Build a Weekly Missional Accountability Rhythm. Lead Like a Father.

One question added to your weekly meeting does more than any attendance report ever will: did this week count for something or did we just get through it?

Want help building a leadership rhythm that changes lives? Visit catholicministryprofessionals.com.

Most parish meetings end with conversation. Not decisions. That gap quietly drains your team.

Jon gives you three things to fix that: Decide Out Loud. Name the Owner. Set the Date. One clear decision. One person responsible. One firm deadline. Write it down before anyone leaves.

And if you think structure doesn't belong in volunteer ministry — Jon addresses that too. Vagueness doesn't protect your volunteers. It burns them out. Structure is an act of charity.

Try it at your next meeting. One week. Every decision. See what changes.

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Key Takeaways

• Every decision needs three things before anyone leaves the room: a clear decision stated out loud, one named owner, and a firm deadline.
• If everybody owns it, nobody owns it — one person must be responsible or it won't get done.
• Volunteers don't need less structure. They need to know exactly what they're carrying and when it's due.
• Write the decision, owner, and deadline word for word before the meeting ends — a softened recap email undoes everything.
• Close every open loop by putting the follow-up on the next meeting's agenda before anyone walks out.

Most 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.

In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Jon engages with therapist Justin Derry to explore the integration of mental health awareness within Catholic ministry. They discuss the importance of tough conversations, the impact of conflict avoidance in parish teams, and the necessity of self-care for effective ministry. Justin emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to personal well-being, highlighting the connection between physical health and team performance. The conversation also delves into actionable frameworks for addressing difficult conversations and the mindset shifts required for fostering healthy relationships within ministry teams.

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.