1. You’ve tried so many different programs and approaches that don’t seem to be very effective.
Is the bookshelf in your office crowded with discipleship studies, program manuals, twelve-step accompaniment plans, and all those other systems that guarantee amazing results that never seem to materialize? Good. You’re someone that actually wants to do the work of fulfilling the needs of your community – the needs of accompaniment, discipleship, and faithfulness to prayer and the sacraments.
2. Most of your parishioners are too busy to get involved in the parish.
Getting ministries or events staffed with volunteers can feel worse than getting your teeth pulled. Why are your parishioners too busy to contribute to the life of the parish? It’s because they’re out in the world, where they’re supposed to be. Don’t confine your people within the walls of the parish – send them out into their neighborhoods, workplaces, gyms, and little league practices to be the light of Jesus in those places.
3. You only have a handful of people you would consider “disciples”.
When you think of the people in your parish, it may feel like you have to strain to come up with those you feel truly exemplify the life of a disciple. You can use this to your advantage! Focusing your attention on a small number of people who are hungry to evangelize will allow you to prioritize people, not systems. Jesus himself called only a few to walk closely with him to form them for mission.
4. Those disciples seem to always be worried about the faith of a fallen-away relative or lukewarm friend instead of small groups.
So you’ve discerned these disciples who are hungry to grow deeper in their faith and evangelize, but it’s a challenge to get them to agree to leading a small group. Their focus seems to constantly return to a college-aged son with more interest in intramurals than Mass, or an old friend who experienced a falling out with their faith many years ago. Encourage them to focus their energy on praying and interceding for this person – this is their scope of influence.
When you notice these characteristics of a mission-ready community in your own parish, the idea of raising up disciples who are eager to share the love of Jesus with others becomes a lot less daunting. You don’t need to wait until your people are convincing apologists or well-formed theologians to equip them for their mission in the world. Instead, focus on signs that show you they are faithful, available, and teachable. They, in turn, will be ready to meet others where they are.
