Collaborative Planning: A Parish Leader's Responsibility
In Chapter 2 of his famous Letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul rhetorically asked the community he is writing to if he made plans according to “worldly considerations” (sometimes translated as “human standards”, 2 Cor 1:17), or if he followed the Divine Will—heeding what God is calling him to do. Of course, Saint Paul was following the calling of the Holy Spirit, not simply doing what he thought would be popular. Planning is an important part of infusing life into a pastorate; it helps surface the strengths, areas to improve, opportunities, and concerns. It can help shape the activities, initiatives, and programs that fall within the guiding principles of a diocese's strategic plan, so that they work together to meet the local needs of each pastorate. Collaboration is key. Bringing people together is an important part of being a leader, especially in the planning process. People want to have ownership, be a part of something great--and bigger than themselves...