In this episode of Aussaat – Talk, Jonathan Berschauer sits down with Tom Corcoran, co‑author of the bestseller Rebuilt and the driving force behind the revitalization of the Church of the Nativity in Maryland (USA). Tom shares insights into the core principles of parish renewal: a powerful weekend experience, a clear discipleship pathway, a missionary heart, and healthy leadership.
The conversation also explores the transformative power of small groups as a key to authentic community, discipleship, and evangelization—especially in an increasingly secular world.
Look forward to practical tips, inspiring stories, and book suggestions for anyone who wants to breathe new life into their parish.
Topics in this episode
- The four principles of healthy, growing parishes
- Building parish life in a secular environment
- Small groups as the heartbeat of community & mission
- Tom Corcoran’s personal book recommendations
Books
- Michael White & Tom Corcoran: Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter. Ave Maria Press, 2013. ISBN 978‑1594713866. (German edition: Rebuilt – Die Geschichte einer katholischen Pfarrgemeinde, Pastoralinnovation, 2016, ISBN 978‑3950425000.)
- Michael White & Tom Corcoran: The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7‑Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities. Ave Maria Press, 2025. ISBN 978‑1646803460. (No German translation published yet.)
- Michael White & Tom Corcoran: Rebuilding Your Message: Practical Tools to Strengthen Your Preaching and Teaching. Ave Maria Press, 2015. ISBN 978‑1594715785. (German edition: Rebuilt – Wie Sie der Botschaft Flügel verleihen, d & d medien, 2020, ISBN 978‑3864000256.)
- Chip Heath & Dan Heath: Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die. Random House, 2007. ISBN 978‑1400064281. (German edition: Was bleibt: Wie die richtige Story Ihre Werbung unwiderstehlich macht, Hanser, 2008, ISBN 978‑3446413245.)
- Chip Heath & Dan Heath: Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard. Crown Currency, 2010. ISBN 978‑0385528757. (German edition: Switch – Veränderungen wagen und dadurch gewinnen!, Fischer Taschenbuch, 2013, ISBN 978‑3596190256.)
- Jim Collins: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t. HarperBusiness, 2001. ISBN 978‑0066620992. (German edition: Der Weg zu den Besten: Die sieben Management‑Prinzipien für dauerhaften Unternehmenserfolg, Campus, 2011, ISBN 978‑3593386485.)
- Jim Collins & Morten T. Hansen: Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck—Why Some Thrive Despite Them All. HarperBusiness, 2011. ISBN 978‑0062120991. (German edition: Oben bleiben. Immer, Campus, 2012, ISBN 978‑3593396606.)
- Andy Stanley: Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend. Zondervan, 2012. ISBN 978‑0310494843. (No German translation available.)
- Rick Warren: The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message & Mission. Zondervan, 1995. ISBN 978‑0310208136. (German edition: Kirche mit Vision: Gemeinde, die den Auftrag Gottes lebt, Gerth Medien, 2016, ISBN 978‑3957341808.)
- Doug Fields: Purpose Driven Youth Ministry: 9 Essential Foundations for Healthy Growth. Zondervan, 2013. ISBN 978‑0310694854. (German edition: Jugendarbeit mit Vision: 9 Schritte zu einer lebendigen Jugendarbeit, Gerth Medien, 2005, ISBN 978‑3865910615.)
Links
- Church of the Nativity, a parish in the Archdiocese of Baltimore: https://www.churchnativity.com/
- Rebuilt Parish, Parish Revitalization Movement: https://www.rebuiltparish.com/