Clerical Popularity

Recently, I spoke to someone who has become a fast friend. He is actively involved in starting a new church and I am excited to hear about the steps he followed. Starting a new parish in the Autocephalous or Independent Catholic movement is exceptionally difficult. First, people don't quite know how to classify us. They also can be skeptical of us and of our intentions. The logistics of parish founding are also extremely difficult in terms of financial, property, and people resources. During our conversation, I cautioned him against allowing the church to hang on his personality. Thankfully, he was aware of the risks involved with such an option.

I believe this is a real issue in our tradition. We do not have denominations which can appoint clergy and provide for them. We also do not have the benefit of frequent oversight of the clergy because of our distance. So, frequently a person is ordained to the diaconate and priesthood and it is largely up to them to start the parish. Hopefully they are successful, and others join them. A founder syndrome can develop where the person is elevated to an exalted status. Then, if they have to move away or become ill or become too elderly to continue the work, the parish dies off and no longer exists. Instead of being a light to the world it was a flash in the pan.

This doesn't signify that I am against ministries or options that are time limited. There is a season for everything. However, if the goal is to build something that is lasting it takes more than the personality of one person to make it continue. This is especially true of so-called large personalities. These can end up several ways:

 1. The parish was founded by Father X. Father X runs a tight ship and is well liked. When Father X gets too old or infirm, Father Y begins helping at the parish. But he does things differently. People don't like different, so they leave. Soon the parish dwindles and is forced to close. While people can't be chastised for caring for their priest and liking his style, he maybe could have done more to pull back gracefully from the situation to prevent a shock to the parish. (I've seen this happen)

2. Father A is a dynamic individual. He is generous, affable, and funny. He starts new ministries and people really enjoy him. When responding why people like coming to the church, it is because Fr A is there. Fr A ends up falling short sexually or steals money or commits any number of (sadly) too-frequent clerical sins and people are scandalized. They leave the church or the faith all together because they are so disappointed. (This has happened more times than I can count)

3. Father B is viewed as a holy man and, to be honest, he likes knowing that people feel that way about him. He starts ministries to the poor and even gives out expensive gifts to them. He likes the recognition and awards of his work. Instead of the left hand not knowing what the right is doing, he becomes a divisive figure. Some think he is flashy and a conman while others venerate him as a living saint. This, too, divides the parish. (This is a mainline example of which I am familiar)

And, of course, these aren't all the scenarios! I don't list these to say that a priest can't be charismatic or beloved or well regarded. Frankly, it is expected that the priest will be an upstanding citizen and that people will regard him with favoritism. But I am saying that the whole operation can't be wrapped around the persona and/or ego of the priest. If the parish hinges on the personhood of the priest, then the priest has failed. He failed in the same way a business or non-profit leader fails when they neglect to implement a succession plan. 

We have to be vigilant against such temptations as recognition. Next, there are a few steps that can be taken to help protect ourselves and parishes. 

1. We have to diversify authority to ensure that others can be called upon in an emergency or in time of need so the pastor isn't the only person. 

2. We have to raise up others in a community to take a visible role so that the priest isn't the only cleric or church official who has the community's focus. 

3. Take away some of the power. The priest should not be the pastor, controlling finances, and making all decisions for the church. These roles have to be diversified so that it is not all vested in one person. This limits temptation for the priest and ensures good oversight.

These are also not an exhaustive list. They are just some ways that can prevent problems. Ultimately, our main focus should be on extending grace through the sacraments and forming people in their faith. We must do this pleasantly and with sincerity, but we also have to avoid against becoming exalted.

"If priests sin, all the people are led to sin. Hence every one must render an account of his own sins; but the priests are also responsible for the sins of others." - St John Chrysostom