McGrath Institute Blog

The first post in this series introduced the concept of Scripture-Based Leadership as a way to develop individuals, parishes, and ministries. This post will dive deeper into this concept, exploring why all baptized Christians have a duty to become leaders.

The Need for Catholic Leadership Development

Leadership development is increasingly implemented today in business, government, and academic institutions, but sadly, it is rarer in the Church. While generic “turn-key” leadership programs are available, Catholic parishes, dioceses, and organizations can use another approach that is grounded in the Word of God.

If you are like me, the news of Jean Vanier’s abuse and manipulation of six women receiving spiritual direction was a gut-wrenching combination of disappointment, disillusionment, and disgust.

In the face of seemingly endless iterations of scandal in the Church, there was at least Jean Vanier. He was one of the beacons of hope and renewal and reform, a layman who had succeeded in creating, in L’Arche, a new form of communion and evangelization. A real lay leader in the Church. Someone whom we thought of as a harbinger of the ideals of “co-responsibility for the being and acting of the Church,” to use Pope Benedict’s words.

Here was hope for a new vision of leadership in the Church. But even this hope was dashed. Back to the drawing board. Find another beacon of hope and harbinger of renewal. But we’re running out! I thought. Where do we go from here?

Editorial Note: This month, we want to hold up women working in the Church whose dedication to ministry and service of God and neighbor is nothing short of inspiring. We hope you'll be inspired by their stories too.

Editorial Note: This month, we want to hold up women working in the Church whose dedication to ministry and service of God and neighbor is nothing short of inspiring. We hope you'll be inspired by their stories too.

Through her work, Andrea Blanco performs the vitally important task of supporting and forming Latino/a pastoral ministers, ensuring that they are well-equipped for the various needs of their ministries as they contribute to the continued growth and flourishing of the Hispanic Catholic Church.