Connections

• CAM
• NALM
• USCCB

National Association of Lay Ministry

The Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership Project

by Marti R. Jewell
Director of Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership, NALM

The Emerging Models Project (Project) is a five year effort to surface and support the models of parish leadership developing in the United States. It is an ambitious, multi-pronged initiative that will look at how parishes are creating vibrant parish life. At the heart of the Project is the reality of the declining number of priests, the growing acceptance of lay ecclesial ministers and the leadership of parishioners, especially parish pastoral councils. The ultimate goal of the project is to understand these emerging models, while helping the church embrace the models that best serve her mission.

This is an initiative of six national ministerial organizations:

• Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development
• National Association for Church Personnel Administrators
• National Association for Lay Ministry
• National Association of Deaconate Directors
• National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association
• National Federation of Priest Councils

The project also hopes to work with organizations such as the NFCYM. The Emerging Models Project is made possible from a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

The first phase of the Project is called “Building the Foundation.” This is an information gathering phase designed to discover what is, in fact, in place across the country. The Emerging Models Project is working closely with the National Pastoral Life Center on the third Parish and Parish Ministers study, which is collecting longitudinal data on lay ministers and their role in sustaining vital parishes.

One of the first research studies being commissioned by the Emerging Models Project is a study of parish life coordinators. We know that approximately 19 percent of U.S. parishes do not currently have a resident pastor. Approximately 4 percent are led by a Parish Life Coordinator (or other parish leaders with a Canonical appointment, Canon 517.2). The hope is to gather much needed statistics and information in order to understand the implications of this model of leadership, while also gathering information about the leadership of the other 15 percent of parishes without resident pastors. With this information the Project will then be able to study how the parish life coordinator and the sacramental moderator work together, and how these relationships can be enriched. This will be followed by a study of the implications for diocesan pastoral planning. A symposium for all those involved in leadership of 517.2 parishes has also been planned.

Research is also beginning on the characteristics of vibrant parishes and on what is inviting to young adults as they consider parish leadership roles. There is much to do, and many collaborative efforts are being woven together. Vibrant parish life is happening across the country thanks to the creative and collaborative efforts of many ordained and lay ministers. We look forward to discovering and celebrating the work of those who give so much to the life of the church.

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