Leadership as service of a parish in mission

Abstract

This study is concerned with the style of leadership needed to enable the church to fully express itself in mission. The renewed ecclesiology of the Second Vatican council, in which the church is said to be missionary by nature, is reviewed. The fundamental structure of the church is described theologically under the themes of the people of God, creation of the Holy Spirit and the body of Christ. A study of the Council's teaching on a pyramidal style ofleadership leads to the conclusion that it is inadequate for implementing the teaching on the missionary nature of the church. A review of post-Vatican II ecclesial movements worldwide points to a strong desire among many for a church of greater participation with a more personal leadership style. A study of leadership in the corporate world shows how a servant-style is replacing the traditional pyramidal structure. It is shown how this servant-leadership style could also be used in the church. The results of a qualitative research study of St. Joseph's Parish in Metro Manila, Philippines, are presented. This shows how the pastor gathered around him a group of lay leaders who share and express his style of servant-leadership. This part of the study begins by setting the historical context within which this parish exists by giving an overview of the history of the church in the Philippines and then shows how the leaders of St. Joseph's Parish motivated a passive congregation to become a church-in-mission. This occurred over a number of years through the parishioners being invited to full participation in parish life and becoming involved in service of those in need. An intense formation programme by parish leaders, who used a servant-leadership style, helped lead this parish from its former passivity to a manifestation of the missionary nature of the church. The study concludes by identifying some themes for further research.