When Rebuilt first introduced the idea of preaching in message series to him, Fr. Mark Peacock wanted nothing to do with it. “How could I possibly talk about one topic for five weeks?” he remembers thinking. In this candid conversation, he shares how partnership, planning, and prayer helped him move from resistance to enthusiasm — and how preaching in series has transformed Holy Spirit Parish.
Fr. Mark explains the teamwork that goes into every series with his associate Fr. Nick, the role of their communications staff, and the parish-wide systems that keep everyone — from the pulpit to the school — focused on the same mission. You’ll also hear practical ideas like Homily in a Minute videos, themed prayer cards, and small-group alignment that keep parishioners engaged long after Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Honest beginnings: Fr. Mark once called himself “the resistor.” His biggest fear — running out of content — vanished once he began planning collaboratively.
- Shared preaching: Two priests, one unified message. Fr. Mark and Fr. Nick align weekly on the Know / Feel / Do of each homily while adding their personal stories.
- Integrated planning: Every message series flows from the parish’s mission statement and strategic plan; annual retreats map themes across the year.
- From content to community: Pairing Rebuilt Faith with a parish-wide small-group launch gave Holy Spirit record participation and deeper discipleship.
- Creative communication: Short “Homily in a Minute” recap videos, printed prayer cards, and social-media posts reinforce the weekend message all week long.
- Lay collaboration: Communications, music, and ministry leaders meet to carry each theme through the school, religious ed, and parish life.
- Flexibility with resources: The team mixes original series (like Fruits of the Spirit) with customized content from the Rebuilt Content Library.
- Practical advice: Start small, use available tools, ask for help, and make the message your own — but don’t preach alone.
Chapters
- 00 : 00 — Intro: Fr. Mark’s journey from resistor to advocate
- 01 : 08 — About Holy Spirit Parish: size, staff, and mission
- 04 : 03 — Initial hesitation: “How do I preach one topic for weeks?”
- 06 : 28 — Turning point: Collaborating with Fr. Nick and the team
- 09 : 00 — Planning the year: Themes rooted in mission and strategy
- 11 : 06 — Rebuilt Faith & small-group launch: Lenten momentum
- 13 : 46 — Writing and preaching together: Aligning message and tone
- 17 : 36 — Parishioner feedback: “Now I want to hear the next week!”
- 21 : 11 — How to connect each week: Recaps & reminders
- 23 : 06 — Homily in a Minute: Quick videos with big impact
- 26 : 28 — Creating original series: Fruits of the Spirit collaboration
- 31 : 00 — Extending the message: Prayer cards, emails, social media
- 33 : 07 — One message across parish and school: Shared Advent theme
- 35 : 19 — Next generation impact: Bringing series into the school
- 37 : 00 — Encouragement for pastors: “Ask for help and just start.”
Resources & Links
- Rebuilt Content Library: Customizable message-series resources
- Rebuilt Faith book + small-group materials: [Insert link]
- Homily in a Minute examples from Holy Spirit Parish: [Insert link]
- Upcoming Rebuilt Workshops: [Insert link]
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