What are some ways leaders in a parish can attract capable volunteers?

In episode 17 of the Upstream Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and guest Father John Riccardo explore a fundamental shift in how church leaders can view and utilize volunteers, emphasizing that the church is the Body of Christ and not a corporation. They assert that the biggest challenges are rooted in low expectations, treating volunteers generically, and creating a division between paid staff and unpaid volunteers. By raising expectations, discerning people's unique spiritual gifts, and holding everyone equally accountable to the mission of rescuing, renewing, and transforming the human family, parishes can become more vibrant and effective.

Thanks to Father John Riccardo for being on the show!

This episode of Upstream with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3EMRli4

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6b7Y050FFTMNeDaYQUoRUj

Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni.

We also have two other podcasts you might be interested in. One is called At The Table with Patrick Lencioni. And the other is called The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni. Find them on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

Pat is joined by his friends Fr. Austin Gilstrap, pastor of Our Lady of the Lake in Hendersonville, TN, and Fr. Michael Fye, pastor of St. Anne in Nashville, TN. The three of them have a spirited conversation about OCIA and what it really means to initiate people into the Catholic church. They discuss the importance of excitement, depth, and timeliness in conducting spiritual formation, and explore the different ways that pastors can best serve the people joining their congregation.

Pat and his friend Fr. Michael Andrade, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis, CA, have a vulnerable and practical conversation about the challenges pastors face when taking over a new parish. They challenge the conventional wisdom of waiting to make changes and explore how immediate, prayerful, and intentional leadership fosters healthier transitions. Fr. Michael also shares his personal experiences of forming a supportive team, embracing criticism, and leading courageously for the good of the parish.