The Critical Importance of Lay Leadership in the Church
Lay leaders play a vital role in our Church. They are our teachers, our Eucharistic Ministers, our Ministers of Welcome, our parish staff. They are us.
In reflecting on the on-going public discussion about lay leadership and ministry formation, I am struck by a number of things. First, the development of lay leadership competencies and on-going formation opportunities is a key hallmark of many diocesan pastoral plans. Those pastoral plans -- and the parish-level implementation strategies -- are fundamental to our personal and faith development as followers of Christ.
Some people are
intimidated by the “lay leadership” terminology in the Church. Some may see or think of “leadership” in an "old-school," hierarchical and clergy-centric form. With the number of vocations decreasing, the Church must free up priests and religious from doing mundane administrative duties (that the laity can do), so they can spend their time at the core of their vocation: teaching, preaching, and administering the sacraments.
As lay leaders, we have an obligation to assist, support, and complement the ordained through using our gifts, skills, and talents. This wonderful article by
a Notre Dame professor actually lays it out in stunning terms: our leadership
role is central to our baptism! It is fundamental, not optional…just like
evangelization and discipleship is not optional. https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/how-does-our-understanding-of-church-leadership-change-when-we-take-the-role-of-all-the-baptized-seriously/
So this week, how might you be willing to take the responsibility of leadership--based on our baptism--to heart? What will you do?
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