Episode 219

Underneath the Pectoral Cross | The Heart of Bishop William Joensen

September 29th, 2026

54 mins 32 secs

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anchor consulting catholic church growth church leadership clear path to discipleship diocesan directors discipleship evangelization everyday evangelization jim jansen ministry new evangelization parish renewal parish tools bishop william joensen des moines diocese priesthood vocation crisis leadership humble inquiry parish culture catholic leadership

About this Episode

Today, I talk to Bishop William Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. I wanted to step past the formal title so you could get to know the man behind the pectoral cross, and he certainly didn't hold back. Bishop Joensen gives us a transparent look into his life and faith, sharing how a pre-med path in Iowa unexpectedly led to the priesthood and what it was like taking the helm of a diocese just months before the pandemic hit. From some fun banter about Iowa-Nebraska rivalries to his honest reflections on leadership missteps, this episode offers a rare and refreshing look into the heart, humor, and wisdom of a bishop shepherding his flock with humility.

Episode Timeline:
  • [00:00] – Introduction
  • [04:14] – Pre-Med, Family Roots, and Discerning the Priesthood
  • [14:07] – Friendly Rivalries and the State of the U.S. Church
  • [22:09] – Pastoral Planning and 18 Months of Humble Inquiry
  • [28:40] – Offering the Unvarnished Truth of the Gospel
  • [34:01] – Respecting Subsidiarity in Parish Renewal
  • [40:28] – Navigating Demographic Shifts and Rural Reality
  • [47:56] – Episcopal Leadership, Prayer, and Learning from Missteps
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