The Apostolic Formation of Secular Leaders

Abstract

The term “secular leaders” as used in this article refers to those people among the laity who lead religious groups or manage the areas of apostolate entrusted to them by their priests. The apostolic formation of these people encompasses various efforts which aim at their own development in terms of the attitudes and skills necessary to lead groups of people. It is closely connected with other dimensions of the Christian formation: human, spiritual and intellectual. The candidates should undergo a process of formation in all these dimensions combined in order to be effective in their service and succeed in following their Christian vocation. Taking into account the tenets of management science, apostolic formation mainly consists in shaping the attitudes of the secular leaders in terms of both the achievement of the goals being pursued and the establishment of a religious community for the good of its members. It is vital that the leaders are properly prepared for their roles, and the best possible preparation can be acquired during university studies in theology. When this is not possible, however, the prospective leaders should have the opportunity to participate in special courses and workshops. Such courses should be organized by their dioceses.