Ministry Leaders Anonymous

This week's show starts off with an absolute bang! Matt reveals something he instantly regrets and you will have the audio to prove it! This leads to a discussion about worry in ministry. Is it always a bad thing? If so, how do we avoid it. Can it sometimes be helpful? If so, when?

Ministry leaders are always inundated with things to do, emails to respond to and meetings to attend. We can feel overwhelmed with everything we have to do and those seem to be the days more and more distractions come our way. This week, Matt and Chris share about the concept of Deep Work they've been reading about and apply the lessons from the book to help us accomplish the big things we need to get done. “Burnout sometimes happens when people get overwhelmed but getting overwhelmed sometimes happens when we don’t schedule deep work.” Chris Bartlett. "Deep Work" by Cal Newport. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X47ZVXM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablaze.us (mailto:mlapodcast@ablaze.us)   Support MLA on Patreon (http

What is a parish culture? How do we shift it more towards the heart of Christ? Tim Glemkowski, author of "Made For Mission: Renewing Your Parish Culture," joins the show to answer. "Made For Mission: Renewing Your Parish Culture"(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YF9N5CF/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1) Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablaze.us (mailto:mlapodcast@ablaze.us) Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/) 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)   Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt Rice   Producer/Editor: Taylor Schroll

When the President is away, the kids will play...Matt is out of town so Chris upgrades producer Taylor to co-host Taylor and they have some fun talking about accompaniment in ministry. Taylor shares a pretty wild story, but he promises he's still a good Catholic boi. Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org) Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/) Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast) Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/) Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablaze.us)   Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Taylor Schroll   Producer/Editor: Taylor Schroll

In response to a recent article from Aleteia(https://aleteia.org/2019/12/08/poor-leaving-church-en-masse-says-researcher/), Matt and Chris discuss how we may be underserving low income communities. Are the poor leaving the Church or is the Church leaving the poor? Tune in for the discussion on how we can take off our blinders and not lose sight of "the least among us." Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!   Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org) Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/) Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast) Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/) Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablaze.us)   Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt Rice   Produce

The guys take a look at how our parishes have operated for decades and how we could shift the way we do things to be, as Pope Francis says, among the people. Our parishes are extremely vital for our sacramental lives, but not every evangelistic effort needs to be at or be directed by the parish. How can our parishes be places of vibrant and growing faith that send people out to evangelize our communities? Tune in for the discussion. Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)! Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org) Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/) Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast) Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)   Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Minis

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} Already missing the arguing at the Thanksgiving dinner table? Have no fear, Chris and Matt are here to argue about how we do Confirmation prep. They share their thoughts on the constant debate of how to form people for the Sacraments well when many don’t want to be there. Tune in to hear their positions and weigh in on the discussion in our Facebook Group!

Matt and Chris recently read “Remote: Office Not Required” by David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried. They discuss how working remotely can be beneficial for both ministry leaders and parishes. They discuss the pros of working remotely as well as some of the cons and how to lessen their effects. All work for this episode was done remotely. Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceProducer: Allison HoldridgeEditor: Taylor

We as Church have been given the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations, yet too often we settle for the “meh” commission. Chris shares how to move from “meh” to mission and Matt goes on a lot of tangents. Happy Thanksgiving from the MLA team!    

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} Chris sits down with his wife to discuss how awesome she is :) They chat about the great qualities, insights and traits that female ministry leaders bring to the table. Kendra shares her experience of working alongside Chris in youth ministry and starting her own women’s ministry.

This week, Chris and Matt discuss the pros and cons of using marketing techniques to draw people into our ministries. Should we use them? If so, what do we need to avoid? Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceProducer: Allison HoldridgeEditor: Taylor Schroll

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} The guys share how to utilize story and personal testimony to evangelize and as an integral piece of catechesis. They share the why, what and how so that testimonies can make a huge impact in your ministry. Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceProducer: Allison HoldridgeEditor: Taylor Schroll

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} This week, Matt and Chris talk about how growth in ministry takes stepping out and doing something out of our comfort zone. They discuss some of the risks they have taken, how they’ve worked and what they’ve learned when it hasn’t worked out. “In order to encounter the Comforter, we have to be uncomfortable.” Chris   Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceP

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} Matt and Chris recorded in front of a live audience during one of their breakout sessions at the conference. They answer questions from the audience on how to handle some of the most difficult situations in ministry.

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} The first year of ministry is quite often a whirlwind. Whether you find yourself in your first year or are supervising/working with someone in their first year, Sarah Lessmann joins the guys to share how to thrive in that first year and assist others to do the same Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceProducer: Allison HoldridgeEditor: Taylor Schroll

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} So often, we get focused in so much on our own ministry that we all put ourselves in silos. Michael Marchand from Project YM joins the guys to talk about how collaboration is not only better for building the kingdom, but better for us as ministry leaders Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceProducer: Allison HoldridgeEditor: Taylor Schroll

Taylor Schroll threw a coup, overtook Chris with brute strength and mettle and took over cohosting duties this week. He and Matt discuss bringing fun and the joy of the Gospel into our ministries. Taylor yells. Matt laughs. You will probably do both. Tune in!   Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceProducer: Allison HoldridgeEditor: Taylor Schroll

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} All ministry leaders deal with difficult times in ministry. Whether personal struggles, the work of ministry being difficult due to a large workload or other things out of your control, we can find our passion waning. Matt and Chris discuss the inevitability of these seasons, how to navigate them and find ways to find a way out of the tough times. Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Host

Matt and Chris use this episode to discuss the most important traits a ministry leader needs to have. As the fall semester is ramping up, let's return to these foundational traits we need to make sure we are growing in especially in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcast)Join the Discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlapodcast/)Ministry Leaders Anonymous is a production of Ablaze Ministries (ablazeyouth.org)Hosts: Chris Bartlett and Matt RiceProducer: Allison HoldridgeEditor: Taylor Schroll

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} One of the most renowned ministry leaders in the nation joins the show to respond to some of the recent crises among ministry leaders. The conversation revolves around some of the most basic truths that we all teach every week but often forget in our own personal lives. Jim gives an impassioned plea to remember that God truly loves each of us and to reach out for help in the areas we need it most.   Pray the Novena of Surrender to the Will of God here: https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/novenas/p03530.htm Thanks to ALOB (http://a-lob.com/) for letting us use his song, Strong God (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strong-god/1291068295?i=1291068305), from the album No Match for Love (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-match-for-love/1291068295)!Email us your thoughts! mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org (mailto:mlapodcast@ablazeyouth.org)Support MLA on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/mlapodcast/)Follow MLA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mlapodcas