What if conversations about giving felt less like “asking for money” and more like helping people talk with God about the gifts He’s entrusted to them? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Charlie Hiebler, Director of Stewardship for both Church of the Nativity and Rebuilt, to unpack a deeply relational—and deeply pastoral—approach to stewardship. Charlie shares how gratitude, visibility, and mission clarity can reshape a parish culture over time, why stewardship is really about people (not dollars), and how generosity becomes a real step on the pathway of discipleship.
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00:01 — Welcome + Meet Charlie Hiebler
00:27 — Charlie’s background: banking, Loyola, and the “magis”
03:24 — Stewardship as prayerful discernment: helping people talk with God
04:29 — “It’s not about money”—it’s ministry, relationships, and mission
06:11 — Why Nativity felt different for Charlie’s family
09:59 — The joy of transformation through giving
10:16 — “Work the weekend”: being visible and meeting people where they are
11:50 — Why the development director shouldn’t be stuck counting money
12:14 — Coffee, lunch, and conversations that get deep fast
15:17 — Connecting people to parish care, small groups, and support
17:36 — Defining stewardship in gospel terms
20:34 — How Nativity shifted culture: STEPS and a focused stewardship weekend
23:50 — Humor + stewardship: the “Dr. Rick” parody and why joy matters
28:16 — Simple ways to start: gratitude, clarity, relationships, and presence
35:18 — Transformation story: an anonymous gift with ripple effects
39:12 — More than cash: a family heirloom offered for the next generation
41:57 — Hope for the Church: generosity evolving, not disappearing
44:29 — “Lead with your heart”: where your treasure is, your heart will be
46:56 — Final encouragement + how to reach Charlie
If this conversation sparked ideas for your parish—especially around building a culture of gratitude and generosity—share the episode with a pastor or staff member who carries stewardship in their role.
Want to connect with Charlie? He invites parish leaders to reach out: charlie@rebuiltparish.com.
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