Ministry Leaders Anonymous
by Matt Rice & Chris Bartlett
Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a podcast produced by Ablaze Ministries hosted by Matt Rice & Chris Bartlett. Matt & Chris have over 40 years experience working & leading in ministry. They want to take the experience & skills they have developed over decades and offer them to ministry leaders everywhere. The work of ministry leaders, whether it is a youth minister, a director of religious education, a volunteer coordinator, or an unpaid retreat director, is a powerful and sometimes lonely mission. Ministry Leaders Anonymous is here to remind you that you are not alone, as well as to provide a moment of sanity during a busy week of ministry. Matt & Chris have just about seen it all, and they are ready to dive into & bring to light the hurts, hopes, & hungers of all ministry leaders. Ministry Leaders Anonymous will feature topics important to maintaining physical, spiritual, & mental health. They will discuss habits & proven successes for all kinds of ministries, as well as inviting insigh
Episodes
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Episode 173: We're Taking a Break
After 172 episodes over the past few years, it's time to shift our focus. We have really loved doing this show and the community that has gathered around it. Thank you all for listening and for all the feedback you have shared. At this point, we think we have said all we should say, and are...
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Episode 172: Catholic Social Teaching w/Dr. Richard DeClue
Matt and Chris are joined by Dr. Richard DeClue from the Word on Fire Institute as they discuss the “best kept secret” of Catholicism: Catholic Social Teaching. Learn more about what the church teaches on hot topics like Immigration, Fair Wage and more. Connect with Dr. Richard...
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Episode 171: Get Them on Retreat
Chris and Matt discuss the importance of retreats when building your ministry team. Even just a simple one day retreat can help energize and inspire your ministers. Listen to today's episode on how transformative these outpourings can be and get tips on planning your own retreats. Follow MLA on...
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Episode 170: Leadership Expertise in the Church w/Jonathan Schmitz
Chris is joined this week by one of his teens from 20 years ago who has become a quite successful in leadership in the business world. Jonathan Schmitz is a leader in sales and business coaching. He and Chris discuss the key elements of the things that he has learned and how they apply to…
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Episode 169: Imaginative Apologetics w/Holly Ordway
Holly Ordway joins the show to share about her love of Tolkien and the importance of the imagination in our faith. She discusses with Matt and Chris how imagination is crucial for evangelization and answering questions about the faith. Connect with Holly http://www.hollyordway.com Follow MLA on...
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Episode 168: How to Share Jesus at Walmart
Chris, Mandi and Kris in a padded room! Bartlett is joined by fellow Ablaze Missionary Mandi Whittaker and Kris Frank, the Vice President of Vegabond Missions. Vegabond Missions is a ministry that may be a little different than many of us have experienced. Their mission is to go outside of the...
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Episode 167: Youth & Young Adult Ministry w/Dr. Bob Rice
America's favorite youth ministry hero joins the podcast IN PERSON this week! Dr. Bob Rice was in town for the Ablaze training week and joined Matt & Chris to discuss youth and young adult ministry. He has been influential in calling for a new USCCB document on youth ministry and is now helping…
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Episode 166: Sports Vs. Church
The age old problem...sports vs. Church functions. Whether is kids missing youth ministry to play sports or dads missing Mass to watch football, it's been an issue forever. But how should we as ministry leaders approach this age old question with fresh answers? Matt & Chris have some ideas.…
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Episode 165: Five Advanced Tips for Volunteer Training
Recruiting and training of volunteers can often be lather, rise, repeat from the previous year. Matt and Chris share their flops and their successes in the avenue of training volunteers for the ministry year...starting with not calling it training(what!?!) They share the five essentials for what…
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Episode 164: Life Cycle Part 2
Matt and Chris continue their conversation from last week about the Life Cycle of a ministry. This week, they focus on the "death" stage of a ministry and what that means as well as the "growth" stage which is where most of us find our ministries. Follow MLA on Twitter...
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Episode 163: Life Cycle Part 1
This week, Matt & Chris start a two part series on the Life Cycle of a ministry. They share about the stages a ministry should go through and how it often gets stopped short for many reasons. They'll share their insights into how to fix this issue and grow our ministries to new heights. Follow…
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Episode 162: Common Language
Oftentimes important messages are miscommunicated because everyone is using different terms for things or have different understandings of terms. This can happen a lot in ministry with our teams, volunteers or with those we are ministering to. Matt & Chris discuss the practice of finding common...
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Episode 161: Equipt
We always hear that we should be constantly growing and improving as ministry leaders, but with the large list of to-dos and demands on our time for ministry, it is often hard to find time for that. This is why Ablaze has created a new project called Equipt: a book summary program to give you 10...
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Episode 160: Nostalgia
Nostalgia is a powerful thing. From our favorite childhood memories, to our first breakup, these memories are powerful and we can still be brought instantly back to those feelings from long ago. Chris and Matt talk about how these memories affect how we lead as ministry leaders and how we can...
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Episode 159: Proofs & Atheism
Robert Mixa from Word on Fire joins the shows to discussion atheism and how to work with people who have doubts or are combative towards faith. This is one of our "big brain" episode that goes deep into theology and methods for best walking with people struggling with belief in God. Enjoy!…
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Episode 158: Docility to the Holy Spirit w/Dcn. Ralph Poyo
The amazing Deacon Ralph Poyo joins the show the week to share his story of conversion over many years, the importance of docility to the Holy Spirit and how he has stayed in ministry for over 40 years. Come sit at the feet of one of the best ministry leaders in the country. Connect with Deacon...
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Episode 157: Dream Leader w/Tim Dumas
Leadership guru Tim Dumas joins the show to share his expertise on leadership. He shares his 20 year journey of finding out what leadership really is, dreaming big and course correcting as a leader. Connect with Tim (https://www.linkedin.com/in/servusleadership/) Follow MLA on Twitter...
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Episode 156: What Keeps People in Ministry Part 2
Crystal Marchand from ProjectYM joins the show to continue last week's discussion on what keeps people in ministry. She brings her expertise from years of supporting youth workers to share the three C's of longevity in ministry. Connect with ProjectYM Instagram: @project_ym Sign up for the Thrive...
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Episode 155: What Keeps People in Ministry
Matt and Chris ask the age old question of what sustains people in ministry for the long haul. We have an epidemic of tremendous people leaving ministry and we all know a lot of the reasons. But by focusing on those who have stayed, what can we learn about being able to stay in ministry for the...
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Episode 154: Covid Still Sucks
Some places are opening up. Some aren't. Some people want in person ministry. Some don't. Matt and Chris discuss the "light at the end of the tunnel" for Covid in many places across the country but also how many others are still dealing with tough realities. How do we show each other kindness and...
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Episode 153: Abuse of Self w/Chase Crouse
Chase Crouse rejoins the show with Chris to tackle the topic of how often ministry leaders abuse themselves physically, mentally and spiritually by overworking and taking care of everyone else except themselves. Chase, a professional nutrition and health coach, chats about the things we can all…
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Episode 152: Baggage
We all carry our own baggage into ministry. Whether difficult things from our personal life or wounds we've picked up from failures in ministry or hurtful things people said, we all have them. How do we find healing from those things and continue to grow as a ministry leader? And how do we help...
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Episode 151: Your Job is Easier When...
Chris and Matt share the three primary things that should be in place to make your job easier than ever before...and they may not be what you think. Tune in to make your life easier and grow your potential as a ministry leader. Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nxtlvlmin) Join the...
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Episode 150: Vaccine for Discouragement
Chris and Matt discuss Pope Francis' recent trip to Iraq and particularly about a homily he gave about the cure for discouragement. The answer is especially important for ministry leaders. If you've felt discouraged in the past year or are helping others through discouragement, this is the…
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Episode 149: Know When to Fold Em
Matt and Chris channel their inner Kenny Rogers to discuss knowing when to hold, fold, walk away or run away from a specific ministry. How do you discern when it's time to move on or when it's time to double down? The guys explore all of this with much delight. Enjoy :) Follow MLA on Twitter...
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Episode 148: Professionalism in Ministry (Part 2) w/Jason Deuterman
Jason Deuterman rejoins Chris and Matt on the show for the second of a two part series on professionalism in ministry. This week, they discuss growing & cultivating professionalism for you and your team. They each share (hilarious!) horror stories of their unprofessionalism early in their…
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Episode 147: Professionalism in Ministry (Part 1) w/Jason Deuterman
Jason Deuterman rejoins Chris and Matt on the show for the first of a two part series on professionalism in ministry. Professionalism and ministry don't often go hand in hand and some may even be averse to talking about both in the same sentence. All three share how they've grown as professionals...
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Episode 146: Where Do Ministry Leaders Come From?
Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nxtlvlmin) Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/) Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablaze.us) Subscribe/Rate Matt is back and talks with Chris about where ministry leaders come from....
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Episode 145: What led to the birth of Christendom?
Chris flies solo this week due to the God-forsaken winter storm in Texas. He shares insights from Sherry Weddell's "Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples" and a few key points to help us all grow as ministry leaders....
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Episode 144: Teaching Vs Training
A lot of ministry leaders are taught how to do ministry...but how many have been trained? Chris and Matt discuss whether teaching or training is more important. How can the two be combined? And how can we take these methods and apply them to how we minister? All these questions will be answered…
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Episode 143: Jesus for Mayor!
Chris and Matt recently traveled together to Chattanooga, Tennessee and....Chris got highly involved with the local mayoral race?!?! (What!?!?) This leads to a discussion on the balance between being yourself in ministry and professionalism...and it's a pretty funny story too so that's a fun…
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Episode 142: There's More w/Jim Beckman
2020 was tough. But will 2021 be better? Somehow worse? Jim Beckman rejoins the show to share his thoughts on the matter. How did we grow in 2020? What did we learn from our successes, failures and difficulties? Have we applied those to our plans for this year. Tune in for a thought provoking...
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Episode 141: Unexpected Fruits
Matt went to the wedding of a former Ablaze missionary and it made him realize how much unexpected fruit there is from working in ministry. He and Chris chat about how we often miss out on what God is doing around us as we focus on the task at hand. Follow MLA on Twitter...
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Episode 140: Chris is Excited, Taylor is Sad
Taylor Schroll joins Chris to talk about a huge win for Catholics that gives Chris a ton of hope and made Taylor sad. They discuss discouragement and rallying around things that spark interest in faith for people. Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nxtlvlmin) Join the Discussion on…
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Episode 139: WWCOMD (What Would Chris or Matt Do)
In a fun new concept, Chris and Matt share strange ministry scenarios that they may or may not have been in themselves(they definitely were) and ask what the other would do in the situation. Not only do you get to hear some of the wildest moments from their work in ministry, but you'll definitely...
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Episode 138: The Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader w/Joe Klinker
The founder of Tiny Saints joins the show to share the wonderful story that led to everyone's favorite Confirmation gifts. He and Chris also discuss how ministry leaders can learn from entrepreneurs to tackle new challenges with creativity. Get your Tiny Saints today at https://www.tinysaints.com...
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Episode 137: Lead One Chapter Ahead
This week, Chris and Matt discuss leading from one chapter ahead. We know ministry can get hectic(especially this year) and we can often get behind. This conversation reminds us that we only need to be one step ahead of those we are leading. Also, in a year of uncertainty and new challenges, how...
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Episode 136: Shifting to the Apostolic Age w/Dr. Scott Cleveland
In October, Chris and Matt discussed the book "From Christendom to Apostolic Mission" in a two part series. That's how much they love this book and how important it is for ministry leaders. This week, they brought in the expert, Dr. Scott Cleveland from the University where the book was written…
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Episode 135: Over Invest w/Matt Regitz
Matt Regitz is a powerhouse parish ministry. He shares what he's learned from his 20+ years of experience and coaching other ministry leaders. He also shares about the shift in focus to the domestic church in a post-pandemic world. Connect with Matt Insta: @mcregitz FB: Survive and Thrive...
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Episode 134: Cast a Smaller Net
The Great Commission can be daunting. We know that we are called to make disciples of all people and often cast our nets so wide to catch them all that it doesn't catch many. It's not working. Chris and Matt talk through aiming our shots a little better with the hopes of fulfilling the Great...
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Episode 133: The Crisis of Innovation in the Church
The guys are joined by Jason Shanks from OSV to talk about their efforts in innovation in how we do ministry. They are answering the call of the New Evangelization and want to help you in that endeavor as well. Find out more at https://www.osvchallenge.com Follow MLA on Twitter...
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Episode 132: Bruce Lee, Master Evangelist w/Jared Zimmerer
Jared Zimmerer from Word on Fire joins the show to share how Bruce Lee was a master evangelist and what we can learn from his methods to better invite people into a life of faith. There are distinctions made between evangelization and catechesis and also how they work together. Jared is a...
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Episode 131: From Christendom to Apostolic Mission | Part 2
Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nxtlvlmin) Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/) Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablaze.us) The guys continue the conversation from last week on switching from operating like we are...
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Episode 130: From Christendom to Apostolic Mission | Part 1
Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nxtlvlmin) Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/) Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablaze.us) The guys found a new book and are REALLY diggin it! They're putting it in the category of...
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Episode 129: Interview with Laura Sobiech: Mother of Zach who's life inspired the new Disney+ movie "Clouds"
Matt and Chris had the pleasure of speaking with Laura Sobiech. She is the mother of Zach who's life and example while battling cancer inspired the world. The movie "Clouds" based on his life releases on Disney+ this week! In the interview, the guys talk with Laura about her son, the tragedy of...
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Episode 128: Key Changes for the Post-Quarantine Church
Matt and Chris discuss a new book by Thom Rainer about how we can be best equipped and prepared to thrive post-quarantine in our ministries. "The Post-Quarantine Church: Six Urgent Challenges and Opportunities That Will Determine the Future of Your Congregation" by Thom Rainer...
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Episode 127: Best Practices for Leading Volunteers w/Michael Marchand
Michael Marchand of ProjectYM joins the show to share his best practices on getting the best volunteers you can and retaining them. From interviews to placement to mentorship to matching gifts, he lays out the perfect plan for serving your volunteers the best you can. Follow MLA on Twitter...
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Episode 126: The Art of Play in Ministry w/Tony Vasinda
Tony Vasinda joins the guys to discuss the art of play in ministry. Going beyond just games, they share best practices in bringing joy and a new way of learning through playful actions and activities. Everyone shares they're big wins and greatest failures in this attempt which is not only...
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Episode 125: Inside Out
Chris & Matt discuss situations where you find yourself unsatisfied with how something is going in your local parish. How should you respond? Do your own thing? Try and fix it? The guys share about how to address the situation with wisdom and prudence. Follow MLA on Twitter...
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Episode 124: Passion Over Compliance
Chris and Matt both share what they've learned about ministry leadership from times that they were leaving a ministry. Also, Matt makes funny noises and tries his best to derail Chris for 30 minutes. The takeaways are all about helping you empower your team of staff and volunteers. Follow MLA on...
About this show
Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a podcast produced by Ablaze Ministries hosted by Matt Rice & Chris Bartlett. Matt & Chris have over 40 years experience working & leading in ministry. They want to take the experience & skills they have developed over decades and offer them to ministry leaders everywhere. The work of ministry leaders, whether it is a youth minister, a director of religious education, a volunteer coordinator, or an unpaid retreat director, is a powerful and sometimes lonely mission. Ministry Leaders Anonymous is here to remind you that you are not alone, as well as to provide a moment of sanity during a busy week of ministry. Matt & Chris have just about seen it all, and they are ready to dive into & bring to light the hurts, hopes, & hungers of all ministry leaders. Ministry Leaders Anonymous will feature topics important to maintaining physical, spiritual, & mental health. They will discuss habits & proven successes for all kinds of ministries, as well as inviting insigh
Hosted by
Matt Rice & Chris Bartlett
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