Regional Leadership Symposiums and Parish Best Practices
Regional Leadership Symposiums have been held in eight regions of the country. These symposia were designed to gather pastoral leaders including pastors, parish life coordinators, parish staff such as pastoral associates, deacons, diocesan personnel, and pastoral council leaders. These gatherings will provide opportunities for dialogue to surface emerging models, best practices, and lived theology. Participants are diocesan teams who will be invited to share their experiences and vision for the future of parish life.
The purpose of the leadership symposium was two-fold:
- To collect research information about how parish pastoral leadership is responding to the needs of the church.
- To create a national conversation about pastoral imagination in developing creative parish leadership.
At the leadership symposium participants:
- Heard how others are addressing leadership issues.
- Were provided with a reflection process that can be replicated in parish or diocese.
- Were asked to respond, in writing, to a series of questions regarding the topic of the symposium.
Responses from each region are available on this website. A final analysis of the models and best practices will be published in 2009, as the final book in the "Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership Series," published by Loyola Press..
Related Reports & Articles
"Co-Responsibility" Studied By Emerging Models Project
July 4, 2009
The co-responsibility of the entire parish, called "total ministering parishes" by the Project, called for by Pope Benedict XVI, and reitered by Bishop Gerald Kikanas at a gathering of the Leadership Roundtable, was studied by the Emerging Models Project.
Emerging Models: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.
April 30, 2009
As the research and conversations of the first phase of the Emerging Models Project are being analyzed, the face of the future is coming into focus. A PowerPoint presentation.
Short Summary of Major Findings of Phase I
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.
April 25, 2009
After five years of study and conversation with lay and ordained pastoral leaders across the country, the extensive findings, an in-depth study, can be summarized as representing a paradigmatic shift in how parish life is structured and served.
Book Review: Shaping Catholic Parishes
September 11, 2008
In reviewing the first book in the Emerging Models Series, David Gibson says 'the book's riches can only be hinted at.' Gibson looks at diversity, collaboratin, and young adults as he reviews Shaping Catholic Parishes.
Book Review: Shaping Catholic Parishes
September 10, 2008
In a review of "Shaping Catholic Parishes" for Church Magazine, Bill Pickett names the value of this first book -- the first in the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership Series -- for those dealing with change in parish leadership.
Shaping Catholic Parishes
by
Carole Ganim, Ph.D., Editor
June 2, 2008
First in the Emerging Models of Catholic Leadership Series, "Shaping Catholic Parishes" published by Loyola Press is a "must read'" and can be purchased now from any of the Project Partners or from Loyola Press.
Best Practices of Parish Leadership
May 28, 2008
While the emerging models or structures of parish leadership are exceedingly diverse, the patterns or behaviors of leadership demonstrate surprising commonalities. These common elements have caused the project to redefine emerging models as less of a “structural model” and more of “a practice or set of practices” which are giving birth to the parish of the future. Download the Summit PowerPoint on best practices!
What Makes Great Parishes Different?
by
David Delambo, Ph.D.
May 28, 2007
Is it possible to identify the characteristics of an excellent parish? A study of the characteristics of excellent parishes was conducted for the Emerging Models Project by Dr. David DeLambo as part of a study on lay ecclesial ministry. As described in this article, the answer is "Yes!"
Parish Vitality Indicators
by
David Delambo, Ph.D.
May 27, 2007
In a survey of nearly 1000 parishes, pastors were asked to indicate the strength of a series of characteristics of their parish. The results of this survey of parish vitality indicators is a very good indicator of what is happening in parish life today.
Vision for the Future
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.
April 11, 2007
With the conclusion of the regional leadership series, we begin the work of analyzing the responses of nearly 500 people form two thirds of U.S. dioceses. The results paint a comprehensive, hope-filled, and engaging portrait of what is emerging in parish leadership.
North Central Leadership Symposium Report
by
David Ramey
November 7, 2006
Pastoral leaders in the North Central region describe parishes of the future as having changing parish structures and roles, along with more involvement in leadership of the laity.
Participants feel there will be a greater awareness and emphasis on social justice and Catholic social teachings, as well as an increased role of service as part of the parish identity.
Insights From the Field: Vision and Challenge for Parish Leadership
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.
November 1, 2006
The challenge facing ministry formators today, in forming the character of the pastoral leader for leadership in the 21st century is indeed, daunting. The good news is that it can be done in ways that are totally unexpected and yet attainable within the current structures. The characteristics will serve pastoral leaders whatever the socio-economic setting, demographics, or geography.
These findings are the result of extensive research
being conducted by six national organizations representing lay and ordained leadership, using
a variety of formal and informal research methodologies. A growing and credible body of information is now available to those who are preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
South Leadership Symposium Report
by
David Ramey
October 3, 2006
Participants from the southern tier indicated that in the future there would be more diverse parish structures with sensitivity to cultural diversity.
When asked to describe what inclusive pastoral behaviors included they most frequently mentioned multi-cultural awareness and inclusivity, the importance of teaching by example, and creating welcoming, inclusive, and inviting communities.
When expressing their views on the needed welcoming behaviors of leadership, participants overwhelmingly defined these as personal efforts to create a genuinely open and welcoming environment with cultural sensitivity.
Southwest Leadership Symposium Report
by
David Ramey
September 5, 2006
In the report for the Southwest Leadership Symposium participants identified the parish of the future as being defined by increased lay leadership, inclusive of diverse people and forms of leadership, smaller faith based communities, clustered and changing parishes, and increased use of technology. Read full report.
Lay Ecclesial Ministers and the Future of Parish Leadership
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.
June 27, 2006
Findings from Regional Leadership Symposiums have significance for lay ecclesial ministers.
MidAtlantic Leadership Symposium Report
by
David Ramey
November 2, 2005
Marks of Pastoral Excellence
by
Marti Jewell, D.Min.,
David Ramey
September 1, 2005
How would you rate your leadership in the areas of being collaborative, ethical, pastoral, prophetic, inclusive, and welcoming? This is the question being posed to pastoral leaders across the country in a series of leadership symposia sponsored by the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership Project.
Northeast Leadership Symposium Report
by
David Ramey
June 23, 2005
Southeast Leadership Symposium Report
by
David Ramey
April 25, 2005
Upper Midwest Leadership Symposium Report
by
David Ramey
November 18, 2004
Pacific Northwest Leadership Symposium Report
November 8, 2004
Related News
Shaping Catholic Parishes - An Interview
June 2, 2008
Project Director Marti Jewell is interviewed about the Project's new book "Shaping Catholic Parishes." The interview is condcuted by Frank Morock, host of Catholic Bookmarks Radio, an initiative of the U.S. Conference of Bishops' Catholic Communications Campaign.
