Catholic Ministry Professionals

In this episode, Jon Konz and Thai Hua discuss how you can take practical steps as you are growing in your journey of discipleship and how to guide others along the way. Thank you for Briar Cliff University for underwriting this program.

Does your parish life need a boost? Learn how to drive more engagement in parishes by identifying behaviors and measuring outcomes. Jon talks strategy for outcomes in this episode of Catholic Ministry Professionals.

Most parish meetings end with conversation. Not decisions. That gap quietly drains your team.  Tune in this afternoon at 4 on Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1 FM as 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 vo...

Most parishes say they want more vocations. But few are building the kind of culture where vocations can actually grow. In this episode, Jon sits down with Fr. Travis Crotty, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Sioux City, to unpack what’s really behind the decline in vocations and what parish leaders can do about it. They explore why the “vocations crisis” didn’t start today, what healthy vocat...

Many parishes aren’t growing, they’re just trying to survive, and survival mode becomes its own weekly rhythm: urgent issues dominate meetings, important decisions stall, and discipleship gets postponed. Ministry like this is exhausting – parishioners don’t know where to go and leaders feel like they can’t lead. Using Matthew 9:36 (“like sheep without a shepherd”), the episode calls leaders to mov...

Most parish leaders are sincere, hardworking, and prayerful — yet still feel scattered and reactive. In this episode, Jon and Thai unpack why renewed energy isn’t the solution. Clear priorities are. Drawing from Matthew 9:36, they explore how compassion without direction leaves people disoriented — like sheep without a shepherd. Leadership clarity isn’t a buzzword; it’s an act of charity. This epi...

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 pe...

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. Takeaways Profound hospitality means treating everyone as Christ. Surprise and d...

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...

Tune in this Tuesday at 4pm on Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1 FM. 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. Tune in this Tuesday at 4pm...

Tune in today at 3:20pm on Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1 FM. In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals, 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 approa...

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...

In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, Thai and Jon discuss challenges and opportunities in church music. They emphasize the importance of beautiful music in worship, the need to cultivate an atmosphere of worship, and the role of men in finding their voice within the church. The conversation highlights practical steps for improving music ministry and engaging parishioners...

In this episode of the Catholic Ministry Professionals Podcast, hosts Thai Hua and Jon Konz discuss the importance of effective preaching in Catholic parishes. They explore various frameworks for crafting impactful homilies, the necessity of prayer in the preparation process, and the importance of practice to improve preaching skills. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by Catholi...

If you work for the Catholic church and want to avoid burnout, overcome team dysfunctions, and put more souls in the pews, we’re here to help.   In this episode we discuss 5 essential steps to implement change in your parish. If you want to transform your parish through your work, but you’re not sure where to start, Download the free parish health assessment at Catholicministryprofessionals.com/fr...

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 delegat...

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. —------- Takeaways Profound hospitality means treating everyone as Christ. Surpr...