Pastoral Lay Leadership: Embracing Our Role in the Mission of the Church -by Bro. Glenn dela Cruz
In the modern Church, pastoral lay leadership stands as one of the most crucial and transformative aspects of ministry. As lay leaders, we are called not just to be passive members of the Church but active participants in the mission of Christ, a mission entrusted to all the baptized. This sacred responsibility invites us to follow Christ, serve the Church, and spread the Gospel with conviction, courage, and humility.
The Call to Leadership
Pastoral lay leadership is rooted in our baptismal calling. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This Great Commission is not restricted to priests and religious, but extends to all baptized Christians. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 900) affirms, “The lay faithful are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, so that they are capable of working for the renewal and building up of the Church.”
As lay leaders, our participation in the mission of the Church takes various forms—teaching, serving, mentoring, and leading others towards Christ. This is not a task we take lightly, but a sacred duty. The Second Vatican Council's decree Apostolicam Actuositatem reminds us, “The laity should, above all, be engaged in the proclamation of Christ by their word and example of life, so that all may hear the Gospel and know Christ.”
Leadership Modeled on Christ
Our leadership must be modeled after Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who led with love, humility, and a servant’s heart. In Mark 10:45, Jesus declares, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As lay leaders, we are called to this same selflessness. We are shepherds of our communities, guiding them not for personal gain but for the salvation of souls.
This Christ-centered leadership is a key feature of the lay apostolate. The Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (3) teaches that the apostolate of the laity is a sharing in the salvific mission of the Church. Each baptized Christian has the responsibility to spread the Kingdom of God according to their abilities and the needs of their community.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The role of the pastoral lay leader is not one we fulfill through personal strength alone. As Acts 1:8 reminds us, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses." This divine empowerment enables us to fulfill our pastoral roles with the grace and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Lay leaders, especially those involved in pastoral care and evangelization, must constantly seek to be attuned to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.
In "Christifideles Laici (29)", Pope St. John Paul II emphasized that lay people are "called to a new state of affairs, the fruit of a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit," and that we must recognize and exercise the charismatic gifts bestowed upon us by the Spirit. These gifts are not for personal glory but for the edification of the Church and the salvation of souls.
Challenges in Lay Leadership
With great power and responsibility comes great challenges. Lay leaders often face the temptation of pride, the burden of balancing ministry with family life, and the struggle of staying spiritually nourished while tending to others. However, it is precisely in these challenges that our faith is tested and refined. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
One of the greatest challenges we face is ensuring that our leadership remains humble and rooted in the service of others, rather than in self-promotion. Jesus cautioned against leadership that seeks only power and recognition. In Matthew 23:11-12, He teaches, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” As pastoral leaders, we must remember that our ultimate goal is to point others to Christ, not ourselves.
Strengthening Our Leadership
How, then, do we strengthen our pastoral lay leadership? Firstly, by remaining close to the sacraments. Frequent reception of the Eucharist and Confession keeps us grounded in Christ and allows the Holy Spirit to renew and guide us. The Catechism (CCC 1416) reminds us that the Eucharist "strengthens our charity, which tends to be weakened in daily life; and this living charity wipes away venial sins."
Secondly, pastoral lay leaders must commit to ongoing formation. The Church has always emphasized the importance of catechesis and spiritual growth, especially for those in leadership roles. Gaudium et Spes (43) calls for lay leaders to be well-formed, not only in theological knowledge but also in understanding the signs of the times, so we can respond effectively to the needs of the faithful.
Lastly, we must foster a spirit of collaboration with the clergy. Lay leaders do not replace ordained ministers but work alongside them, sharing in the mission of the Church. Lumen Gentium (31) speaks of the mutual respect and cooperation between the ordained and the laity, encouraging us to exercise our distinct roles harmoniously for the good of the Church.
Conclusion: Leading with Courage and Faith
Pastoral lay leadership is a calling to serve God and His people with faith, humility, and courage. It is not a passive role, but one that requires us to be fully engaged in the life of the Church. 1 Peter 5:2-3 exhorts us, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.”
As lay leaders, we are invited to embody Christ’s love, to lead with His wisdom, and to serve with His compassion. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we continue to rise to the challenges of our calling, strengthening the Church and bringing others into the fullness of life in Christ.
References:
Comments
Post a Comment