Quality leadership and service

Have you ever noticed that the church leaders we tend to like, whether clergy or laity, are people who radiate a certain joy at being alive? They make connections with young people and older folks from all walks of life and make all smile. They leave us thinking that good things are possible. If you watched Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to our country, you couldn’t help but feel good, smile, and go away with a sense of hope.

The fourth planning principle in our diocesan Road Map for Pastoral, Program, and Facility Needs 2008-2013 is “Quality Leadership and Service.” This principle focuses our attention on the key component for any successful enterprise — quality leadership.

Spiritual leaders. Bishop Silva has emphasized the primary importance of spiritual leadership. His vision — that the Diocese of Honolulu and its parishes be led by Gospel-inspired, enthusiastic, and skilled pastors and pastoral leaders — is the foundation for accomplishing the actions of the diocesan Road Map. Clergy and laity are called to be Gospel-based, prophetic, and critical in engaging the culture and challenges of the times.

Spiritual leaders are educated and grounded in faith. As our task forces and parish communities work to implement the Road Map’s actions, we may need to deepen our understanding of our faith beyond a basic knowledge about Catholic doctrine and official teaching. For example, being able to share a thorough understanding of the sacramental dimension of our faith life is necessary. Memorized answers are basic; however, they are insufficient for church leadership in today’s complex society.

While no single leadership style ensures success, there are a few qualities that are particularly relevant as we work to implement the diocesan pastoral Road Map.

Service-oriented leaders. Quality leaders value and practice the delivery of services. These diocesan and parish ministry leaders respond to those seeking assistance with a willingness to listen, understand needs, and provide appropriate services. This may mean, for example, less emphasis on a program one presumes should be offered in a parish and more attention to services for which parishes express a need. Or it may mean collaborating with multiple service providers and finding new solutions. It always means service that is characterized by hospitality, sensitivity and respect for those served.

Selfless leaders. By its very nature, the church draws leaders who commit to witnessing to Jesus. Leaders who embody this commitment in their daily lives are easily recognized — they are selfless.

Human nature is rarely devoid of self interest, but the best leaders have a profound commitment to the good of the whole. It is not easy to measure or even adequately describe this quality although people seem to instinctively recognize it. It is quite amazing how readily people respond to the question: “Is leader X in it for himself/herself or for the community?” In the context of our Road Map, outstanding leaders go about their work for the good of their parish, the diocese, and the whole church.

The continuing development of priests’ pastoral skills recognizes their primary role as spiritual leaders. At the same time, their capacity to identify, oversee and delegate to skilled lay leaders is also important. Lay leaders need to be competent, but they often need to combine their expertise with better spiritual formation and understanding of the common good.

Our church needs the gifts of all — quality clergy, lay staff and volunteers. It takes the whole church working together to truly witness to Jesus.