From Potestas to Ministerium: The Evolving Competences of Priestly Leadership

Abstract

This article examines leadership within church communities, focusing on the role of priests as leaders. It addresses the ongoing conceptual research and modifications related to leadership dynamics, the influence of leaders on social processes, and contextually appropriate forms of behavior and influence. The study presented investigates perceptions of trust and the prevalence of leadership competencies among priests, based on surveys conducted with both laypeople and priests. Using two models – the ABCD model of building trust and a competency framework aligned with Pope Francis’s teachings on contemporary clergy – the research reveals key findings. The results indicate that all dimensions of trust are significant, though their importance varies. Despite this, both groups of respondents assessed the prevalence of noticeable leadership competencies among priests as relatively low. These findings highlight significant opportunities for enhancing and developing leadership qualities and behaviors in priests, suggesting a broad area for further improvement and training.