What Are They Saying About Church Management? Patterns, Problems, and Considerations for Proceeding

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, the Roman Catholic Church has seen an increase in pastoral education programs, literature, and other resources on church management. Though positive outcomes have been noted, there is much room for improvement in the way management ideas have been applied to the ecclesial context. This article examines patterns of engagement with management science in Catholic pastoral resources, and notes the key conflicts that have arisen. It then outlines considerations for a way forward in the inter-disciplinary engagement. These include the need for recognition of the limitations of management, critical reflexivity in the appropriation of management ideas, and dialogical discernment in the application of the faith tradition towards improving management theory and practice.