Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter

by Michael White, Tom Corcoran

Drawing on the wisdom gleaned from thriving mega-churches and innovative business leaders while anchoring their vision in the Eucharistic center of Catholic faith, Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran present the compelling and inspiring story to how they brought their parish back to life.

Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter is a story of stopping everything and changing focus. When their parish reached a breaking point, White and Corcoran asked themselves how they could make the Church matter to Catholics, and they realized the answer was at the heart of the Gospel. Their faithful response not only tripled their weekend mass attendance, but also yielded increased giving, flourishing ministries, and a vibrant, solidly Catholic spiritual revival. White and Corcoran invite all Catholic leaders to share the vision, borrow their strategies, and rebuild their own parishes. They offer a wealth of guidance for anyone with the courage to hear them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Catholic, Spirituality, Faith, Christian, Church

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2012

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was okay. I had a problem with the authors calling the parishioners who attended weekly to receive Communion "consumers." I thought the point of Sunday Mass is to receive Communion and then to go into the world to do His work, not just to serve the parish but to go into the world and transform it-- true discipleship. Instead of rejecting the "consumerism" they complained about, the authors appealed to the "consumerism" of the unchurched by appealing to their desire to be entertained in order to bring them into the fold and put them to work for the parish. Are these new consumers that Fr. White is marketing to any better formed than the old consumers he showed the door? Get rid of the non-liturgical music, the screens and spotlights on the "message" and do a traditional Mass complete with kneelers. Then we'll know if they've formed true disciples or just successfully marketed a "service" to a different consumer.

[Maria Pane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring Book of a transformed Catholic Parish- with links to online videos of ministries of the church
By maria - March 14, 2013
This is an amazing book telling how a church transformed herself and her churchgoers who were mostly consumers just looking for what they could get out of church and only going to satisfy misguided needs. The church looked outside its walls to transform itself into a blossoming parish of givers to the community around them and even in Haiti. Two men - a Catholic priest - and a relatively new college graduate lay minister- came together to review the true needs of the community they serve to be God's true servants to make disciples of men. This tells the story of the trials and tribulations they faced within themselves and the church that was not working and how they made a beautiful change that now attracts thousands- and to a Catholic Church - no less. They visited other churches, listened to what the community's needs were, and began to shape a new church finding the lost amongst them. The church and these pastors very much follow the teachings of the Church on earth and Jesus Christ but they learned how to relate that to modern day society where social media is a mainstay of almost everything in daily life. They looked deep within themselves and tell a very honest and revealing side of themselves and the parish. I enjoyed reading this book and am purchasing others as gifts. I wish other Catholic Churches could find the lost within their community and not only that- awaken the already faithful to go beyond Sunday mass to serve the community. There is a lot to be learned in this book and it's not just about finding the lost Catholics- there are Christians everywhere who have either stopped going to church or stopped living their Christian life to the fullest. A Protestant friend of mine heard about this book and asked me to obtain a copy.
This book will certainly challenge the reader to think about his/her role in the world and how he/she can certainly find more to church than just sitting in the pew. This is an extremely well written book and everyone should try to tune in online to one of the masses at [���]. The music is incredible and the weekly message series really hits home. If you live in Baltimore, consider attending one of the masses- but take care- this church is filling to capacity each weekend.

[Joyce Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pastor and his associate chronicle their efforts to change a parish from stodgy, stuck and self-satisfied into a missional community of active disciples of Jesus Christ. Along the way they observe and attempt to imitate many of the successful strategies of such major evangelical churches as Willow Creek and Saddleback.

Change wasn't always met with open arms and these two admit they often did thing the hard way, but in this book they share what they learned - for good and for ill. The result is an engaging and very human tale of commitment, struggle, failure and success. When they fail, it is a cautionary tale about how doing the wrong thing for the right reason can have unintended consequences. One major thing they learned is that to make such changes easier it helps to have at least some of the people on board during the planning and implementation instead of the strategy they often followed of simply imposing on the parish what they believe to be the necessary new element or revision of an existing element of parish life.

The good: many of these strategies - requests for all parishioners to be part of some ministry, tithing and small groups are part of what Jesus described as the "narrow way" - and can be transformative for those who thought church was all about them and their needs. The inclusion of live links in the Kindle edition enables the reader to access resources such as video interviews from parish staff members and more.

The just OK: The description of the journey to implementation and the list of changes can feel exhausting... It would be up to the individual parish leaders to figure out a way to start making such changes. Since one of the major insights the authors had is that it helps to bring people along on the journey, it is interesting that they do not provide any assistance for forming people and building up teams of people who understand what changes are needed and why to transform the parish into a discipleship community .

[Lindsay Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I work in a Catholic parish, so I'm always up for hearing advice about how to make that job easier. What works in one parish won't automatically work in another, which the authors admit, but it's usually worth a try elsewhere anyway. I loved Nativity Parish's focus on being mission-oriented and trying to reach the everyman instead of just the insiders. I didn't perceive much of a Catholic focus, though. Shouldn't revitalizing your parish involve the sacraments? Catholic churches ought to be as good as evangelical megachurches, but better, because we have the Eucharist and the fullness of the Truth. This book will help you get everything else, but emphasizing the Catholic aspect is up to you.

Read my full review at Austin Catholic New Media.

[emmalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had some mixed feelings about this one. There were a few chapters that made great points that I would love to apply to Parish life where I am but there were some other things that I just could not get behind.
Also, so much of this book was so aggressive. I have seen books like this written in a way that doesn't attack the person reading. Plus they were aggressive about things that they shouldn't be aggressive about.
Also the main theme in this book was that modern US parishes are caught up in the culture of consumerism and we need to get them out of that but their solution was consumerism targeted at a different audience. I just didn't love that vibe.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Rebuilt Faith, by Michael White: Tom Corcoran, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love reading books about my faith. This book reminds us what Catholicism is about, it gives us 40 daily exercises to do including prayers, a daily reading, and questions for reflection. I really enjoyed connecting with my faith, covid did do a number on all religion when it closed down churches and temples. I really learned a lot about my faith from this book.

[Eileen O'Finlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the authors have a genuine dedication to revitalizing the Catholic Church, their church, Nativity, in particular and the universal Church in general. A friend and fellow parishioner has a son who lives in Timonium, the town in which this church is located. She asked him to check it out. He went to Mass there and loved it. He said there had to be 800 people packed into that church, so they must be doing something right. Several people in my church are reading this book right now. I don't know that everything in it would work for us, but a lot of the information could be very valuable. Certainly, we need to do something to revitalize our churches and if, as the author's state, a large number of former Catholics are now going to evangelical churches it makes sense that the authors went to those churches to find out what they were doing that works, then adapting it to the Catholic faith.

[Zeb Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book aimed at those involved in running Catholic parishes, but parishioners can benefit from it too. The authors lay out ways that Catholic parishes can energize their parishioners, appeal to the de-churched, and transform their members into ministers. Essentially, the authors have incorporated what evangelicals have been doing well for years, and have revitalized their parish in the process. Their goal is to transform Catholics from people who come to receive the sacraments and then check out, to people who are truly disciples of Christ doing his work in the world.

This is what the New Evangelization looks like at the parish level.

[Beth Neu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I like the style used with interviewing Fr. Michael and interspersing with quotes from other pastors, business leaders, and most importantly the Bible. It gives some practical tips on improving a parish for the end goal of bringing people closer to God and Jesus Christ. While every Catholic parish is unique (size, style, age, constant change, etc.) all these elements need to be combined to make a parish work at its best. While not all his examples will work for every parish (he points that out) some can be treid and most importantly, it begins with PRAYER. Go figure! Thanks, Fr. Michael, for taking the time to write this book. God bless.

[Stephanie Zimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebuilt is the story of a Catholic parish told by the pastor and another minister. It is very straightforward and tells you what they did, why they did it and how many different ways it took for success. The steps are simple and well laid out so that anyone could adapt this in their church with adaptations for your needs. I would recommend this book to anyone who works in a parish or in any way wants the parish they attend to improve. Well done!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very interesting in that it gave you a different perspective on a Catholic parish. Many good ideas and some that were questionable. Overall a good read. If you are a Catholic and want your parish to act differently this is a good place to start.

[Chris Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Have a pastor who is doing great things that mentioned this. Love the philosophy behind it and the detail and examples shared. Think it has great lessons beyond religion as well.

[Greg Bittner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate Fr. Michael's determination to "make church matter" and appeal to the "dechurched." His approach to diagnosing the problems of shrinking membership and staff infighting brought about an effective strategy and some truly innovative solutions worth exploring. I did not, however, appreciate his labeling of "churchpeople" and "churchworld." It came across to me as dismissive of the generational church, and almost mocking the faithful families who have raised children who retain the Faith and pass it on to their children. These are the faithful who sustained the Church through two millennia. Fr. Michael's programs are arguably a necessary adaptation of the Faith to our particular modern culture that has jettisoned the respect that previous generations held for the Church, even those who were not practicing Christians. Sacred Tradition is the framework of the Church, novelty is at best a new coat of paint. Elevating novelty too far can alienate the base. An ideal church growth strategy illuminates the past while being a light in the present. I'm certain Fr. Michael intends no disrespect to the past, but again, I found the "churchworld/churchpeople" labels off-putting and demeaning to the loyal faithful.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book we read for work. It definitely does what it sets out to do: helps Catholic parishes consider new ways of doing things to increase impact. And it is written in a clear and organized way with good content.

As someone who works in a Catholic church that has been on a similar journey to the church in the book, we are well on our journey and are not really the audience the book is written for. Also, as a person who grew up in the evangelical church, again, I am not really the audience (they learned from us!). Still, the book provided some good fodder for meeting conversations.

I would definitely critique the way the authors disparage some of their former churchgoers and staff. In an effort to show what church shouldn't look like, they sometimes crossed into the mean territory.

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is much to commend this book. All persons associated with a Catholic parish, priest, staff, volunteer, or parishioner, can read this with profit and take away some good ideas to help their own parish. By detailing the challenges, failures, and successes in a real parish situation, the reader knows that the authors (a pastor and staff member) can speak from long experience. And they do not make it sound like implementing their recommended changes is a snap. In fact, they can be credited with an appendix where they frankly lay out open issues.

Anyone involved in church life will likely not agree with every program or approach (I didn't), but you will be surely nodding your head "yes" over and over again.

The biggest problem I had with the book is that, while it certainly mentions the Eucharist and conveys an orthodox understanding of it, it just does not seem to be central to the effort to rebuild the parish. I'm talking about the Mass and sacraments. The authors do spend quite a bit of time talking about homiletics and music (both need to be improved dramatically -- Amen!), but I wanted to see a focus on the Eucharist, the "source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324).

That being said, the sense of the book is that building up a parish is more of a numbers game than anything else (let it be said that I am all for our churches bursting at the seams -- as long as its for the right reason). Lots of groups, programs, amenities (e.g., a cafe) to attract people to the church. But little emphasis on the truth (not much is said specifically about evangelizing and catechizing the regulars, reverts, and converts outside the homily), beauty (actually downplayed as unimportant, at least in architecture), and goodness found in authentic Catholic teaching and living as it flows from the Eucharist. My fear in such an approach is that it is a shallow faith that relies on a lot of "stuff" that is peripheral to the central message. And when the frills are no longer to one's liking, will he have a Rock to stand on?

Also, the authors really seem to enjoy beating up on the parishioners they inherited when coming into the parish. Their focus is almost exclusively on getting new or fallen away parishioners. I understand leaving the 99 for the one lost sheep, but that doesn't mean you throw the former to the wolves. Undoubtedly there was a lot of push back with the drastic changes that were implemented, and you will lose some folks no matter what you do, but poor change management was clearly an issue here. Don't toss aside the concerns and perspectives of long time, faithful Mass-goers who may have a lot invested in their parish.

I don't want to end this review on a down note. As I mentioned, anyone interested will get something good out of this that should be able to be realistically implemented (although much will depend on the pastor). The importance of homilies, music, proper staffing, monetary and time contributions, a welcoming atmosphere, transparency, frankness, outreach, communication, should be welcomed by all. Suggestions on how to go about this based on the authors' experience are worth considering. The reader will undoubtedly come across programs and approaches he had not before considered. The associated website (http://rebuiltparish.com/) is a good tool for those wishing to implement some of the suggestions found in the book. It has questions, videos (real people who've done this), suggested resources, and more.

Read it prayerfully and ask for discernment from the Holy Spirit on what you might take away from it to build up your parish.

[Cameron M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because it is to be discussed (or rather a review of the book is to be discussed) on a parish council that I am joining on Liturgical Life. I had heard of the book before, but never heard much about it, just that it was out there for parishes who are 'struggling' for whatever reason.

The book was written by Father Michael White of the archdiocese of Baltimore, MD. He and his associate wanted to make their parish 'successful' and 'grow' it because of its lackluster condition when they arrived there. The fundamental problem that was occurring were that Catholics were leaving in droves, as is really the issue across American Catholicism. They wanted to combat that and they wanted to grow, which I think is the wrong mentality to have.

The book models almost all of its growing methodologies off of mainline Protestant megachurches. The issue with that is that the parish inadvertently become more and more Protestant and less and less Catholic in its identity. If the Catholic Church in America is to grow in its sanctity, it must remain true to its sacramental identity.

This entire book was focused on other Protestant churches and pastors throughout the country in an effort to create a "successful" Catholic church. What? Increasing numbers is not how one measures success within a parish. I would disagree with that. Yes, Christ did command to go out and baptize all nations and to convert the whole world. I will not deny that. But, to measure a church's success based off of growing numbers is silly and loses sight. We are called to be a holy people.

I know of a Catholic parish in Naperville, IL who has the Latin Mass, perpetual adoration, reverent Novus Ordo style Masses, very frequent confession times, and vibrant activity in the church. This is how you create a "successful" Church - not by simply adding numbers and calling it a day.

This particular book I think almost entirely misses the Catholic identity and sacramentality. First and foremost, there needs to be a centrality focusing on the Eucharist. There needs to be adoration and very frequent confession times. Adding TV screens and video service is not the way to increase in sanctity.

There are some things that I like the concept of in this book, such as having the parishioners get involved and be held accountable for various aspects of Parish life. To add value and give responsibility as a part of the flow of the church is fundamental and a great idea.

This book mentions that they avoid consumerism at all costs, but I'm afraid by reading the book I can see they've fallen victim to that very mindset and seem to have lost the way.

If this book is only about adding a bunch of people to the church and getting numbers up, I suppose this may be a good read, then. But if a book is designed to increase the Catholicity of a Catholic parish and it mentions the sacrament of reconciliation once, and doesn't dedicate any chapters to the Eucharist, then I'm concerned.

[Fr. Jeffrey Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros: I think their analysis of what is wrong with American parishes is accurate, and their desire to go after the lost is admirable.

Cons: They seem to address the consumerism of their parishioners by catering to the consumerism of the lost, especially liturgically. A little too harsh on the parishioners they left behind.

Interesting: I am still thinking about their approach to volunteerism. The need to have a soft on-ramp, and the idea of requiring years of experience in other areas before offering liturgical ministries is a really helpful idea to chew on.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors suggest that their how to methods lead to transformation of their parish. They don't support that with evidence other than their satisfaction with groups and activities. Tell me about the saints coming out of your parish, that would be evidence of a real transformation.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this from Netgalley. It was okay but I expected more from it and not sure I agree with some of the ideas presented. It just wasn't for me but it may be for someone else.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When you change anything in churchworld, criticism, complaint, and conflict usually follow in a forceful, emotionally driven way. And if you stat challenging churchpeople and seeking lost people, there will be blood."

In Rebuilt: The Story of a Catholic Parish, the Rev. Michael White and Tom Corcoran share their journey from arriving at a dying church with no idea what they were doing to leading a thriving Roman Catholic parish. Along the way, they learned that the congregation had been formed to be demanding consumers rather than disciples. Learning first from evangelical churches, and then from their own trial and error, they changed the culture of the parish. With an both humility and clarity, they share some very practical lessons learned, especially how not to just take the details of what is working elsewhere and applying it to your church. If you long to see your church making a difference in your community, this book will be a helpful catalyst for change that fits your unique context.

[John Curtin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building a Cathedral of Light

Church defined by its physical structure for far too long. Cold concrete walls and a darkened narthex offer little appeal to a young population seeking relevance, authenticity, and purposeful engagement.

Rebuilt is the story of church examining its conscious. Leaders of a church seeing empty pews and unfulfilled promises of better days took a step back. They asked themselves hard questions and through genuine soul searching came up with and implemented real plans for change.

This book narrates how church can be transformed. An easy to read summation of real changes made to fill pews, expand involvement, and build community.

Real people making profound change for the better. Reading this book will inspire. It offers a playbook as to how to breakdown indifference and shows how to discover that the right actions can illuminate church with the energy generated by its congregation.

Those committed to real reform should definitely read this book!

[Heidi Thorsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My parish is not identical to the one described in the book, but I certainly recognize some common challenges.

I appreciate that the authors addressed all the challenges, even the ones they are still struggling with themselves and have not found a solution for. It's a real gift that they share how they DID solve a number of problems, even if an identical solution is not applicable in other locations. It's a useful starting point for discussion, at least.

I recommend the book to anyone involved in parish leadership, or anyone who is critical of parish leadership. This book can illuminate some of the challenges facing today's church leaders.

[Carol Tilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awakening is correct!

This book was handed out to those of us on the Parish Council by our new Pastor. Our Parish and school have been facing extreme financial conditions for years. Recently our school was headed to be yet another closed school in our Dioceses. We received some help from the Diocese, but time was running out. A great deal of the issues written about in this book are very similar to our needs. We took some solid ideas, did a bit of tweaking and now, our footing is much more solid.
Our new Pastor has some pretty great ideas!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book and started reading it about an hour a week and it just amazes me.

This is the story of a couple guys who ended up in charge of a fading Catholic parish. Neither of them were remotely qualified to be in charge there, but they had a strong faith, enthusiasm, and a an apparently unquenchable drive to do the right thing by what God tells us to do. They have redesigned the Catholic parish to reach the lost. What they accomplished is remarkable. They talk about fixing things that bother me in my home parish. I hope that other parishes try what they've shown to work.

[Carol A Dungan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am leading a small group at Ascension Catholic Church in Boca Raton. This church has embraced the Rebuilt concepts. I was married in this church and, even though I am a member of St. Joan of Arc in Boca, I love the small group I lead. This book gave background information on how Ascension is growing and progressing through implementing many of its ideas.

[Barbara Pavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

For today's Parish.

Having been in Parish work, it makes me realize that this book should have been written right after Vatican II. Such great ideas and ways to put them into practice.

[K Kriesel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me, I never would have chosen it myself.

There are some nuggets of wisdom and good advice. Overall, though, I kept wondering "where's the outreach?" Whipping suburbanites into shape can only go so far

[Abby Glann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but I feel like the mega church approach flies in the face of the beauty of the Catholic church. Suggestions presented here need to be carefully considered in light of so many years of tradition and substance. I think there's a happy balance, but it isn't clear here what that is.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking. Realistic, yet challenging ideas. Practical advice. Moving the Catholic Church in the right direction. The Holy Spirit inspires this parish and this book - now the Holy Spirit is moving throughout other parishes who choose to "rebuild" their parishes and make disciples.

[Tom Brinkmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended reading for anyone concerned about growing a parish to be what a parish is supposed to be. Not every word or idea are Gospel or gold for every parish, but there is enough Gospel and gold here that every parish could benefit.