Effective Lay Ecclesial Ministry Requires More Than Just Academic Credentials

For years I was hesitant about returning to grad school. I didn't like how people were telling me, that to be effective at what I do, I needed a graduate degree. I was told that it would advance my career and create new opportunities. It felt like I would only receive value in my field if I had a master's. This mindset persisted until a friend advised, "Chris, pursue a master's only if it's for you, not because others say so."

That is all I needed to change my mind and in 2020 I pursued my master's in pastoral theology, from which I graduated two years later. You might be wondering,  "Did obtaining my master's in pastoral theology make me a better ministry leader?"

The simple answer is yes, but did it do all of those things people said it would do? Not really. I had value before my degree, and now that I have one, I wouldn't say I have more. Whether a master's degree is essential for a person in lay ministry sparks a broader discussion within the Church.

The problem is that we've put the sole value of expertise and formation on a graduate degree. For many men and women, paid or volunteer, a master's in theology or something similar is desired; however, is it necessary? And if one has the degree, is it even enough to do the job?

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their 2005 document Coworkers in the Vineyard of the Lord emphasizes the need for high-standard formation for lay ecclesial ministers, akin to that of the ordained (Coworkers in the Vineyard of the Lord 33). While the document isn't about setting uniform standards it does provide goals and guidance. For instance, they encourage creative formation opportunities, especially in mission and rural areas, for diverse cultural groups (CITVL 33).

This aligns with Canon Law 231, which stipulates that laypersons serving the Church must acquire proper formation for their roles (CIC 231). Everyone who works in the Church needs formation, but the type of formation that is necessary has to go beyond the graduate degree. In fact, I would argue that a graduate degree alone isn't enough to equip the faithful to do the work that God calls us to do, and until that is addressed, we're going to find people making mistakes, burning out and the shortage of qualified individuals will continue.

The Church, encompassing dioceses, universities, and parishes, must ensure that the laity grows by making sure they have access to resources for:

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

A common challenge I've observed is individuals in Church service running on spiritual fumes. To combat this, spiritual direction and retreats are invaluable. Pastors and supervisors should facilitate access to these resources. Simple yet effective strategies include celebrating Mass together weekly and providing a day for retreat without tapping into personal time. These practices allow for spiritual rejuvenation and deeper faith sharing.

HUMAN FORMATION

The USCCB highlights the importance of developing a lay minister's human qualities (CITVL 36). This often-overlooked aspect involves accessing resources like books, workshops, and coaching. These tools help in understanding personal gifts and leading effectively. For those on a tight budget, starting with podcasts or books can be a practical first step. At Marathon Youth Ministry, we focus on this type of formation, offering numerous resources.

INTELLECTUAL FORMATION

Many dioceses and universities are making strides in providing accessible higher education. However, parishes should support those pursuing degrees, allowing study time during work hours. If higher education isn't feasible, parishes can organize workshops or discussions on Church teachings, encyclicals, and USCCB statements to foster a deeper understanding of the faith.

PASTORAL FORMATION

Effective ministry requires staying abreast of trends and challenges. This can be achieved through conferences, webinars, workshops, and networking with peers. Sharing insights through social media, blogs, or podcasts also contributes to the collective knowledge pool.

While these are a few ways to enhance lay ecclesial ministry formation, the conversation is ongoing. Diocesan leaders, pastors, and administrators should continually seek ways to foster growth in these key areas. If you're seeking guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Marathon Youth Ministry or subscribe to our email list for more resources. And remember that when we grow and invest in our leaders we equip them with the confidence to fulfill God's calling on their life. 

HOW HAVE YOU GROWN IN THE LAST YEAR? WHAT RESOURCES ARE WORKING BEST FOR YOU?