Jesus’s leadership would be defined by several core attributes, which would shape every aspect of his ministry:
- Radical Love and Compassion: Jesus would lead with an unconditional love that embraces everyone, especially those on the margins. He would prioritize the vulnerable, the outcast, and the forgotten, making them feel seen and valued within the parish community. His compassion would manifest as a deep empathy for people’s struggles, both spiritual and material.
- Humility and Service: He would not lead from a position of power or authority, but from a posture of humility and service. Jesus would model leadership by example, washing feet (John 13:1-17) and serving others rather than demanding to be served. He would be approachable and relatable, making everyone feel comfortable coming to him with their concerns.
- Authenticity and Integrity: Jesus’s words would be perfectly aligned with his actions. He would be transparent, honest, and courageous in speaking the truth, even when it was difficult or unpopular. His integrity would build a deep trust with his parishioners, who would see him as a reliable and genuine spiritual guide.
- Inclusion and Hospitality: His ministry would be radically inclusive, breaking down social and religious barriers. The parish would be a place of welcome for people of all backgrounds, a safe haven where no one is judged or turned away. This hospitality would be a tangible expression of God’s love for all people.
- Empowerment and Discipleship: Rather than simply giving directives, Jesus would empower his parishioners to discover and use their own gifts for the good of the community. He would not just be a teacher but a mentor, forming disciples who are equipped to go out and share the Gospel themselves.
Communication and Topics
The way Jesus would communicate and the topics he’d cover would be a direct reflection of his attributes.
Communication Style
- Personal and Relational: Instead of relying solely on mass emails or announcements, Jesus’s primary mode of communication would be personal, face-to-face conversations. He’d spend time with people individually, listening to their stories and sharing his message in a way that resonated with their personal experiences.
- Storytelling and Parables: Just as he did in the Gospels, Jesus would use relatable stories and parables to communicate profound spiritual truths. These narratives would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their theological background, and would encourage them to think critically about their lives and their relationship with God.
- Empathetic Listening: He would be a master listener, giving his full attention to the person speaking. His communication would be a two-way street, where he validates people’s feelings and perspectives before offering guidance or wisdom.
Topics Covered
- The Kingdom of God: The central theme would be the Kingdom of God, not as a future concept, but as a present reality of justice, love, and peace. He would teach about how to live out the values of the Kingdom in everyday life.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: He would focus on the transformative power of forgiveness, encouraging parishioners to forgive one another and themselves. Reconciliation would be a key topic, fostering unity and healing within the community.
- Social Justice and Care for the Poor: Jesus would explicitly connect faith to social action, challenging the parish to actively work for justice and to serve the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. This would not be seen as an optional activity, but as a core component of Christian life.
- Authentic Prayer and Relationship with God: He would teach people how to have an authentic, intimate relationship with God, moving beyond ritual and toward a living, personal connection. This would include practical guidance on prayer, meditation, and spiritual practices.
- Humility and Self-Denial: Jesus would challenge the parish to embrace humility and to let go of self-interest and pride, showing them that true fulfillment comes from serving others and placing God first.
Top Five Agenda Items for a Parish Council
Given his priorities, here are the top five items on Jesus’s agenda for a Parish meeting:
- “How can we better serve the most marginalized people in our community?” This would be the central item, forcing the council to look outward and identify the most vulnerable people—the homeless, the lonely, the immigrant, the addict—and develop concrete plans to meet their needs. This item would be about actions, not just words.
- “How can we create a more radically welcoming and inclusive parish environment?” This agenda item would focus on breaking down any barriers to entry, whether they be cultural, social, or personal. It would involve a frank discussion about who feels left out and what practical steps the council can take to ensure everyone feels they truly belong.
- “How are we equipping our parishioners for personal discipleship and evangelization?” Instead of focusing on large-scale programs, Jesus would want to know how the parish is empowering individuals to grow in their faith and to share it naturally with others. The discussion would be about fostering authentic relationships and providing the tools for personal spiritual growth, not just program attendance.
- “What specific steps are we taking to promote reconciliation and unity within our parish?” Jesus would address any existing divisions or conflicts head-on. The meeting would focus on fostering a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation, both between individuals and within the various ministries and groups of the parish.
“How are we simplifying our structures to free up time and resources for ministry?” This item would challenge the council to examine administrative burdens and institutional complexity. Jesus would want to ensure that the parish’s time, money, and energy are focused on its mission of love and service, not on unnecessary bureaucracy or maintenance of systems that don’t serve the community.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post