McGrath Institute Blog

This I command you: love one another. (John 15:17)

Jesus commands us to love one another—he doesn’t say anything about liking each other. But we all have a common mission; therefore, we must work together regardless of personal affinity or agreement. A team that does not grow together will not work well together. 

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:13–15)

Jesus knew the importance of teamwork. In building a team of twelve Apostles, he made working together to build the Kingdom of God an essential element of the Christian faith, and a delicate but fundamental task of Christian leaders. So too must we foster a sense of belonging, community, and purpose. 

The nature of leadership, authority, governance, and responsibility in the Catholic Church has been debated since the Apostles began sending out delegates and anointing presbyters and deacons to help serve the growing Christian community. The Church has historically relied on clergy and religious to further its mission, as well as dedicated laypeople; however, with the emergence of “Nones“ (religiously unaffiliated young people) and the decline (and challenges) in religious vocations, a gap has developed between the expectations of the faithful and the ability of the Church to fill many of its non-ordained leadership roles.

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power are his.
He causes the changes of the times and seasons, establishes kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who understand.”
(Daniel 2:20–21)

Having a “mental model” or common framework is helpful in establishing expectations, skills, and competencies around leadership. Scripture brings the lessons of leadership to life through the image of the cedar tree. The cedar of Lebanon is an effective way to contemplate the vocation, mission, and development of leaders in the Catholic Church.