There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.
—Niccolò Machiavelli
Use the following discussion and reflection questions with chapter 4 of Rebuilt:
- Imagine if you were to shift your focus from churchpeople to the lost (or maybe you already have). What are some of the challenges you could face? Do they align with some of the common reasons we don’t evangelize listed on pages 51–52?
- Is your parish prepared for the criticism you will get for shifting a focus to the lost? Knowing the people of your parish, what can you expect to hear as a response?
- In chapter 4, Fr. Michael and Tom list some of the early failures and successes that helped them make truly effective changes in the future. What actions can you take right now to get you started along this path?
- Fold a piece of paper in half. On the left side write, “Maintenance.” On the right side write, “Mission.” List all of the ways you feel you parish is focused on maintenance on the left and all of the ways your parish is mission-focused on the right.
