YM Transfer: Recent Episodes
Christopher Wesley
Who's in your village? Who are the people that are helping you grow to know Christ? When we surround ourselves with men and women who love God and love others, we will never feel alone. In this episode of the YM Transfer Podcast, our guest, Brenda Noriega, shares with Chris Wesley, her faith journey and passion for proclaiming the Good News. Brenda is not only enthusiastic about sharing her faith but giving a voice to the young church through her work with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.
A little bit more about Brenda...
Before Brenda was with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Team, she served as the Young Adult Programs Coordinator with the Diocese of San Bernadino. She is a speaker and advocate for the faith. Brenda collaborates in multiple regional committees representing young people and is also a member of the National Advisory Board for young adult ministry. To connect with Brenda, follow her on Instagram @brenda_noriega_yaministry
Unfortunately, many of us believe the lie that it's lonely at the top. When you become a leader it's easy to feel alone, the burden of our decisions and responsibility can isolate us from the support and nourishment we need. In this episode of the YM Transfer Podcast, Chris sits down with ministry guru Katherine Angulo V. from the McGrath Institute out of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend Indiana. Katherine currently serves as the Program Director for the Thriving in Ministry Initiative.
A little bit more on Katherine...
Born in Mexico and raised in Colombia, Katherine received a B.A. in Modern Languages in 2000 from King College in Tennessee and a M.A. in Pastoral Ministries in 2005 from St. Thomas University. She has more than 19 years of experience in youth ministry. She began as a Youth Minister at St. Mary's Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, where she later became the Director of Pastoral Ministries. After nine years, she became the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Raleigh. Before coming to the McGrath Institute, Katherine served for four years as the Associate Director of Youth Ministry at the Office of Formation and Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. For more click HERE
To listen to the Church Podcast Interview with Katherine click HERE
Every word we use matters. Whether you use them to cast vision, encourage a friend, or identify yourself, what you write or say makes a difference. In this episode of the YM Transfer, Chris and fellow author Lindsay Schlegel talk about the power of words, especially when it comes down to how we use them. They also spend time talking about writing, parenting, and the power of God's presence.
How are you doing? It's a loaded question that we often respond with a simple answer, but deep down inside, there is a more profound feeling, and some times it can be complicated. When I asked Christina Lamas, Executive Director of NFCYM (National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry), the response was simple but encompassed so much. In this episode of YM Transfer Podcast, Christina and I talk about leadership and growth by opening up that answer, "I'm managing, and I'm blessed."
A little more about Christina...
Christina has been the Executive Director of NFCYM since 2016. She's been in ministry since the age of 14, serving as a catechist, youth minister and for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. As Executive Director, she oversees the administration, management, and operations of NFCYM. This includes, but is not limited to, serving on the Board and various teams, serving as the NFCYM liaison with outside organizations, directing all public relations and advocacy functions. To learn more about NFCYM and Christina, go HERE.
Why did you get involved in ministry? That's a different story for each of us, and the journey that God calls each of us into is unique. No matter the why or how or when behind our story, it's crucial to start well. We need to trust in our Lord and to surround ourselves with good people. In this episode of the YM Transfer Podcast, guest Kim McMillan shares her unique story of starting and then having to restart after being in the same parish for years. If you've ever wanted to know how to reinvent yourself and build a solid foundation in ministry, then check out Kim's story.
A little bit more about Kim...
In addition to her 20 years of parish experience, Kim has a certificate from the Center for Ministry Development in Youth Ministry Studies and has completed the Archdiocese of Chicago's certification requirements for Catechists serving as Coordinators of Youth Ministry. Kim knows the value of networking in a community of practice and is an Associate Member of the NFCYM. Kim has served on the Board of Directors for the NFCYM, recently completing her term. While parish ministry remains the focus of Kim's time and attention, she loves to share her passion and experience in ministry with others and facilitates Confirmation retreats and speaks with adults about effective parish ministry. Kim is currently the Director of Youth Ministry at St Benedict Parish in Chicago.
We all have hurts in this world and nothing heals like God's love. No one understands this better than my guest on the YM Transfer, Sarah Kaczmarek. In episode 16 of the YM Transfer Podcast, Sarah and I talk about the importance of community, small groups, and coffee. At the time of this recording, Sarah was Associate Director of Alpha Catholic, she has since moved on to new adventures. She is also the Director of Pastoral Ministry at Encounter Ministry, you can learn more about her role HERE
Who is pouring into you? Coaching isn't just for athletes and highly paid professionals because we all need someone to pour into us. So, who is pouring into you? The YM Transfer Podcast is back with Season 2. In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful April L. Diaz, Founder and Lead Warrior of Ezer and Co. In our conversation, we talk about femininity in the church, leadership, coaching, and so much more.
A Little More About April…
April is a wife, mother, and author. Her organization Ezer and Co was founded in March of 2019. Ezer and Co offer coaching and certification in coaching. Anyone looking for Spiritual Leader Coaching: should check out her online training (next one begins 8/19/20). If you want to follow what April is doing, please subscribe to Ezer + Co. You will receive weekly emails designed to help guide people toward wholeness in life and leadership. https://www.ezerandco.com/subscribe
To read more about April click HERE
Are you allowing your team to be creative and collaborative? What happens when we pass off leadership to our teenagers and our volunteers? That's what we look into in this episode of the YM Transfer withmy guest Doug Franklin, founder, and president of Leader Treks. I've Doug for a number of years, we met originally at the Student Leadership Conference when it was in Columbia, Maryland. Doug is a leadership guru, he's introduced me to the intentional ministry model, how to work with teams and I've used Leader Trek resources several times in my parish ministry.
A little more about Doug:
Doug is married to his wife Angie, together they have two Weimaraners. Doug attended Wheaton College, where he studied Christian Education. He later went on to work in churches as a youth pastor. Through a desire to equip teens with leadership resources he started LeaderTreks in 1994. Today LeaderTreks offers trips, leadership training, and curriculum all focused on making disciples and developing leaders. You can read more about his journey and values HERE
This episode is full of wisdom on how to lead your team and invest in the next generation of leaders. Download the episode or listen to it on iTunes.
In this episode of the YM Transfer my guests are Elle and Kenny Campbell. I've known them for a few years through social media but got to spend time with them in 2016 in the midst of a big transition in my life. What I love about Kenny and Elle is how they are always creating and grinding it out. It's important for church workers to constantly create and that's what this episode is all about.
A little more about Kenny and Elle:
Kenny and Elle started in youth ministry at The Chapel in Buffalo, New York. There they not only lead teens but started to create so much content that in 2010 they launched Stuff You Can Use. What started as a simple site grew into a mission to equip youth ministers and now children's ministers. In 2016 they took it to a new level by launching Grow Curriculum for youth and children's pastors. You can read more about their journey HERE
This episode is full of some great tips on staying productive, thinking outside the box and going after some crazy ideas. Download the episode or listen to it on iTunes.