As we continue to watch the decline of the Church in our current day, there are many reasons that can be attributed to the cause.  Many within the Church would easily point to the priest abuse scandal and then the bishop cover-up scandal, and they would be correct in their assertions. Those issues have certainly caused people to walk away from the church. 

There are many other reasons also that contribute to the diminishment of the Church. The sexual revolution, poor implementation of Vatican II, the increase of socialism/Marxism and the lack of authentic evangelization are a few of the other major contributors. This is all good to understand, but what can the average person in the pew really do to help rebuild their local parish?

When we commit our lives to the Lord, we commit them not only to God but also to His body (His Church). If there is one area where the laity also carry some blame for the decline of the Church, it is that many parishioners worked hard to secure their own kingdom (on earth) first and gave God the leftovers of their time, talent and treasure. 

Turning the Corner

Parishes that will become effective for the Kingdom of God in the future will be those whose laity reorient their lives to become responsible for the souls of others.  They will, of course, be following the strong model of their clergy who live this out. It will be through this sacrifice of time, energy and focus that the local parish will create an atmosphere of love that becomes authentically evangelistic in nature. 

One of the best vehicles we have today for developing this kind of disciple is through small group ministry. However, a very small percentage of parish memberships participate in small groups.  This needs to change! A massive shift needs to occur and I believe will occur in the days to come. The Church (all parishes) is going to be shaken to the core, and only those who are truly holding on to Christ will be left standing. 

We need to see adults of every age engaged in small group ministry, where they take off their mask, bring down their walls and share their journey of following Jesus. They need to be in relationship with other Catholics and take responsibility for helping them get to Jesus. 

For too long, Satan has kept us apart from each other through fear, hatred, judgment and division. Everywhere I go, when I see Catholics engaging in honest sharing in a small faith-sharing group, they are motivated to grow in their faith.  I believe the days are coming when we will not only need to share our faith and struggles with each other but will also need to depend on each other against the tide of evil that is coming. 

It used to be that we could stick our heads in the ground and avoid conflict with the evil in our culture.  We failed to be what Christ sent us out to be – a light in the world. Each person in the pew is meant to be a beacon to show people who are searching for the truth the way to find Jesus. 

Those who are serious about their faith will re-prioritize their lives to grow closer to Jesus and become a force of good in a world that sees a fear-filled church, lacking faith and conviction in the overwhelming power of Jesus Christ. This is what the average Catholic in the pew can start doing today. Involvement in small groups is the training ground to get prepared! 

Rise up, Church!