Pastors study business practices to improve their effectiveness

January 19, 2023

Pastors are well trained in pastoral care and theology.

But when they get to a parish, they may be stumped by a spreadsheet, figuring out who to invite to the pastoral council, or understanding risk management.

“Unless their undergraduate degree had something to do with business, they are generally unaware,” said Sue McEntee executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa.

In consultation with Bishop William Joensen, Father Dan Kirby and others, she found The Pastor’s Toolbox, which consists of two books and a curriculum that walks pastors through the business side of leading a parish.

“The author connects everything back to theology so they could understand there’s a connection between being a good pastor and being a good business person as well,” McEntee said.

International priests, new pastors, and newly ordained priests are working their way through the books with community leaders fostering the discussions. The leaders are going beyond the books by inviting the priests to apply what they’re hearing to their everyday experiences in parishes. 

Small-group discussions give the pastors opportunities to discuss best practices, to learn together, and build trust among themselves. 

Michele Whitty, of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines, facilitated a discussion on mission and vision, stewardship and fundraising parish planning and excellence.

When pastors lead with mission and vision, good things follow including strong relationships, community engagement and vibrant parish communities, she said.

“I believe principles of hospitality are core to organizational mission and vision. When hospitality principles are intentional and consistently practiced, people are much more willing to want to engage, share their skills, volunteer their time and open their wallets to support the mission,” Whitty said. 

Eventually, all the priests in the Diocese will experience The Pastor’s Toolbox to either learn or strengthen their skills.

“We’re trying to set the foundation for them to be successful,” McEntee said.

The books and gatherings are funded through a grant from the Catholic Foundation.