As we sat down for breakfast, I found myself being peppered with all sorts of questions. I was a little nervous because I had never had someone from the parish council showed so much interest in my ministry. As a new youth minister, I was a bit skeptical and held back until he said, “The reason I’m asking you these questions is that I want to see how we can help you succeed.”
I admit this was an anomaly; the parish council always seemed like this untouchable group that only the pastor could access. I thought the parish council was making decisions, and if I dared question them, then I would be cast away to a lonely island. I was wrong.
Over the years, I’ve learned one of the most untapped resources in the parish for any employee is the parish council. While not all are created equal, and while some have their fair share of dysfunction, every lay ecclesial staff member needs to connect with them because they are a:
Your pastor meets with this group regularly. He’s sharing with them initiatives and ideas. If he trusts them, he’s going to weigh their opinions on decisions that matter and impact you. Most of what they know about day to day operations and the church’s progress is going to come from him.
It’s important to pray that the parish council gives him sound wisdom and supports his efforts. As employees, we need to connect with the council so that they can put names with faces. If they are helping him make decisions, it’s essential to make sure they at least know who you are and what you do.
Your parish council is also a representation of the community. They represent a variety of people they will assist you in reaching your audience effectively. In some cases, the parish council knows the community better because they are in it all the time. Members of the council are talking to parents and going to events; you might not know are happening.
If you invest in your parish council they will help you gain access to what is going on in the neighborhoods that surround your church. They will help you gauge the temperature of what is going on with the people you leading.
Even if your pastor is receptive and good at helping your ministry succeed, you need the parish council to help you advance your ministry because they can:
Some members have gifts and talents that could bless your ministry and help it grow stronger. Get to know who sits on the council and ask them to help you. Most of them are willing to get involved further.
Don’t overlook the parish council and start engaging them by:
It might be a little weird to cold call a member of the parish council. Ask your pastor if you can come by and introduce yourself (Especially if the council is new) and explain what you do. Even if you’ve been before trying to make an effort to attend and listen. Get a sense of the dynamics and connect with people at the end. It’s the easiest way to break the ice.
If you connect with one or two members, invite them out for a cup of coffee. Tell them you want to sit down and share a few ideas and get their insight. When you meet with them, ask them about what they do, their family, and why they love your church. Build a rapport, which can lead to trust. You don’t have to connect with everyone, just a few.
The reason you want to connect with the parish council is to help them gain an awareness of your ministry. The best way to do that is to invite them to check it out and give some feedback. Have them attend and then meet with them afterward to ask questions like:
It’s humbling but helpful. Take advantage of the council’s wisdom so you can improve your ministry. And, you might be surprised and find that they love what you do so much that they are looking to get involved.
The more you connect with parish leadership, the more you’ll become aligned with the vision and mission of the parish. You’ll find support and even an ally, which is so important. Take time over the next few weeks to learn more about the parish council because it’ll help you advocate for the ministry you care so deeply about growing.
How do you connect with parish leadership? What has worked for you?
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