Article: Hope Unpacked in Attitude

The influential German theologian Jurgen Moltmann in his book Hope and Planning suggests that, “Unless hope has been roused and is alive there can be no stimulation for planning.” And “without planning there can be no realistic hope.” Good advice for pastors and parish pastoral councils who are charged with visioning and planning! Only hope filled councils can envision a vital future for their parish. In turn a vibrant, compelling pastoral plan creates hope in parishioners. Sadly, the opposite is also true. Leaders without hope often lose interest in planning for the future and settle for the status quo or worse gripe and complain about present problems. And “without a plan, the people perish!”

Pastors and council members can express hope or the lack thereof in their attitudes. Perhaps the following “attitude check” is appropriate if hope is waning and planning is deficient.

Calling All Dreamers: These folks dream of what can be, not out of desperation, fear or fatalism, but out of a belief that the parish pastoral council can achieve the highest level of performance. They know that in the absence of a great dream, pettiness prevails.

Commitment to the End: Council members who are truly committed to their leadership ministry will create whatever is needed to make council ministry successful. They are the ones who will move to Plan B when Plan A doesn’t succeed. Why? Because they are committed to a compelling reality beyond their own personal interests!

Discipline to Stick to the Plan: Establishing continuity and demonstrating progress is crucial in a visioning and planning process. Council members realize that change is difficult and that critics are everywhere. Consistency with the process is important so the parishioners “catch on” to the council’s leadership role.

Enthusiasm: Visioning and planning can be exhilarating, only if the process is presented with spark, excitement, energy and passion.

Mission Motivated: When all seems hopeless, the leaders who are mission motivated will still be hopeful. These leaders acknowledge that what gives one meaning and the will to proceed despite obstacles is the Mission of Christ. Christ’s mission is their mission!

Simplicity: Complicated, bureaucratic processes become burdensome to the one’s leading and following. Leaders who remain faithful to a basic, simple process of pastoral planning that includes involving the parishioners in broad consultation will succeed.

Moltmann notes in his book that the catchword of hope for the apostles and prophets is always “NEW”: New Exodus, New Zion, New Heaven and a New Earth, New Covenant, New Commandment. Do you realize that you are today’s apostles and prophets planning for a New Millennium in your parish, in the Church? Now that’s something to hope for!

Mary Ann Gubish, D.Min. is Director of the Department for Envisioning Ministry for the Diocese of Pittsburgh and co-author of Revisioning the Parish Pastoral Council published by Paulist Press