Governance in the Church His Excellency Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, DD Auxiliary Bishop of Manila

Two biblical models of leadership we shall consider: Leader as Steward and Leader as Servant.

Stewards

Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. (1Cor 4:1-2)

10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. [1Pt 4:1O]

11 Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1Pt 4:11)

Servants

9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'" (Lk 17:9-10)

46 An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. 47 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side [Lk 9:46-47]

48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest." (Lk 9:48)

24 Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. 25 He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as 'Benefactors'; [Lk22:24-25]

26 but among you it shall not be so 26 but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. 27 For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. (Lk 22:26-27)

What kind of Church do we want?

1. A church as communion. 2. A participatory Church 3 1. A church as communion. 2. A participatory Church 3. A church in mission

What kind of leadership do we need in this kind of Church?

We “cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings”; we need to move “from a pastoral ministry of mere conservation to a decidedly missionary pastoral ministry”. (Evangelii Gaudium 15)

In many places an administrative approach prevails over a pastoral approach, as does a concentration on administering the sacraments apart from other forms of evangelization. (EG 63)

Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way”. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities. (EG 33)

Important Challenge I hope that all communities will devote the necessary effort to advancing along the path of a pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are. “Mere administration” can no longer be enough. Throughout the world, let us be “permanently in a state of mission”. (EG 25)

The Church’s closeness to Jesus is part of a common journey; “communion and mission are profoundly interconnected”. (EG 23)

The principal aim of these participatory processes should not be ecclesiastical organization but rather the missionary aspiration of reaching everyone. (EG 31)

More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: “Give them something to eat” (Mk 6:37). (EG 49)

A bishop will sometimes go before his people, pointing the way and keeping their hope vibrant. At other times, he will simply be in their midst with his unassuming and merciful presence. At yet other times, he will have to walk after them, helping those who lag behind and – above all – allowing the flock to strike out on new paths. (EG 31)

No to sterile pessimism The evils of our world – and those of the Church – must not be excuses for diminishing our commitment and our fervour…. Our faith is challenged to discern how wine can come from water and how wheat can grow in the midst of weeds. (EG 84)

No to sterile pessimism One of the more serious temptations which stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism which turns us into disillusioned pessimists. Nobody can go off to battle unless he is fully convinced of victory beforehand. If we start without confidence, we have already lost half the battle and we bury our talents. (EG 85)

Invitation to all whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. (EG 3)

Thank You Very Much! His Excellency Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, DD Auxiliary Bishop of Manila