The Double Calling: Christian and Leader

Every baptised person who follows Jesus carries two callings: one found in their identity and the other found in the mission given by Jesus. St Augustine once wrote:

“I must distinguish carefully between two aspects of the role the Lord has given me, a role that demands a rigorous accountability, a role based on the Lord’s greatness rather than on my own merit. The first aspect is that I am a Christian; the second, that I am a leader. I am a Christian for my own sake, whereas I am a leader for your sake.”

These words strike at the heart of, not just Fr Gerard’s and my vocation as ordained priests, but the baptised Christian’s calling to leadership and influence. Like you, I’m a Christian, striving daily to follow Jesus—faithful in prayer, growing in love, and trusting God’s mercy when I fail. That is my joy and my foundation. But I also carry a second calling, as do a growing number of lay leaders in our parish: to be a leader for your sake.

The Weight of Leadership: There are moments when leadership feels heavy. For example, I carry the responsibility of making decisions that affect the rhythm of people’s spiritual lives. I know those decisions impact people’s routines, their sense of belonging, even their faith. It is never something I take lightly. Some nights, the responsibility even keeps me awake.

Another weight comes in stewarding parish resources. When I decide how funds are allocated—whether to fixing the roof, funding a new ministry, or employing new staff—I feel the burden of knowing these are your and my offerings, entrusted to the Church for God’s mission. There are also pastoral moments that pierce the heart: having to compassionately ask someone to step back from a ministry in which they have served, because the needs of the parish or their own circumstances have changed.

The Joy Within the Burden: And yet, alongside the weight, there is joy—and often, it is joy that surprises those who lead. In the midst of the solitude of leadership, close friendships emerge that sustain; faithful friends who remind me that leadership is never lived alone. Amidst the challenge of difficult decisions, I sometimes see new life spring up: a change that once seemed painful bearing fruit in ways none of us expected. At times like this, I am reminded that my leadership is not about me at all. It is Christ who leads, Christ who heals, Christ who provides. My task is to make space for Him.

Leadership as Culture-Shaping: Last week I wrote about creating intentional culture—how culture doesn’t just happen, but is shaped by what we repeatedly do. Augustine’s words remind us that leadership is part of that culture-shaping work. It’s not management; it’s service. The way we both lead, and allow ourselves to be led, sets the tone because both perspectives carry influences. Leadership isn’t management but service. Each welcome at the door, each cup of tea after Mass, each quiet act of help shapes our culture from isolation into belonging. When each of us chooses to serve with joy, our parish grows more into the Kingdom that God intends.

Our Shared Mission: St Augustine knew the double calling: Christian for his own sake, leader for the sake of others. I feel that same tension and grace every day. The burden is real, but the joy is greater, because it is Christ’s joy. And it is never a burden I carry alone—because we are in this together. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of leading you, and thank you for leading with me in your own ways. Together, may we continue to build a parish culture that reflects Christ—where every act of service, every sacrifice, and every welcome becomes a sign of God’s Kingdom breaking through among us.

May each of us live our first calling—discipleship—so deeply that our second calling—leadership—becomes a natural overflow of Christ’s love.

Peace and love, Fr Josh