We can all define the word “church.” It is the body of Christ, a building, a ministry, and a community. Our understanding of “church” must go beyond these definitions. “Church” is also a “partnership.” It is a partnership that works for and with Christ.

At the top of Vatican hierarchy, there are church officials working together to serve the people who make up the body of Christ. This partnership trickles down to individual dioceses. Eventually, this trickle-down effect reaches those of us committed to the lay ministries of the church. We, as youth and young adult ministers and coordinators embrace this concept of collaboration and partnership in order to be more effective in our respective ministries.

To Labor Together

The word “collaborate” means “to labor together.” We need to acknowledge that each member of a parish staff is important, whether that person is in a ministerial role or a supportive role such as a secretary or bookkeeper. We each have a part to play and each part is vital if a parish is to
succeed in reaching its goals.

Perhaps the greatest example of collaborative ministry comes from Jesus and the apostles. From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus worked with those he chose to spread his message. After the resurrection, Jesus told the apostles he was counting on them to continue the work that they had started and not to be afraid when they encountered the challenges and difficulties that would surely befall them.

In the earliest Christian communities, people shared much more than their possessions. They shared ideas on how to foster the faith and help it grow. The first faith communities, parishes, if you will, could never have formed had it not been for people working together to reach a common goal.

Egos Aside…

Those of us who serve in various lay ministries of the church, need not be afraid to “labor together.” By sharing ideas and being open to suggestions from others, we will not only grow in our own faith but we will also affect positive growth within our parishes. Of course, there will be times of conflict and disagreement. As humans, we are allowed to disagree with each other. We cannot let egos get in the way of the work that we do. Attitudes like “my way is better” or far worse, “that is not the way we usually do it” can be disastrous.

Ultimately, we are not be in our respective ministries for personal gain, recognition, glory, or credit. To desire only these things is a far cry from what Jesus preached: “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) As youth ministers, we have been given the opportunity to communicate with each other. We can and must share ideas and viewpoints. We gather to talk with each other about, fundraising ideas, discussion topics, and ways to improve our respective youth groups. The Lord gave each of us specific talents to share with others, not to keep for ourselves.

We Are Called to Collaborate

This is the essence of collaborative ministry. Let us strive to lighten each other’s burdens by “laboring together.” This is the example that was set by Christ for his apostles and the early Christian communities. It worked for them and it stands to reason it will work for us as well. May we all follow this great example of collaboration and may all of us be blessed for doing so!