68 The Art of Accompaniment
“Effective Planning for Ministry Is Focused on Fruitfulness”
In considering implementation of accompaniment, institutions must be
focused on providing a space in which a fruitful ministry focused on disci-
pleship can flourish:
The work of pastoral planning ought to bear fruit and also involve
effective pruning through planning, organization, and implemen-
tation so that new life and growth can occur. (Living as Missionary
Disciples, 23)
Institutions must consider their current mission, types of ministries, and
long term vision in order to assess the logistical steps in the implementation
of accompaniment. In addition to thinking about the institution’s current
ministerial “landscape,” it is also crucial to intentionally plan for the future
with long-term vision, goals, and guiding directives. Implementation of ac-
companiment calls for “knowing the destination before setting off on the
journey” (Living as Missionary Disciples, 23).
“Effective Planning for Ministry Requires Leaders”
In the implementation of accompaniment, leaders are required to carry out
the establishment and sustainment of the apostolate:
The implementation of a successful pastoral plan requires pastoral
ministers who are not just managers and administrators but spiri-
tual leaders with requisite planning skills. Such pastoral leaders are
faithful and have a strong love and commitment to Jesus Christ.
They are able to inspire others to share the Church’s mission
through their engaging vision of a lived faith in the Holy Spirit
that calls all the baptized to live as missionary disciples. (Living as
Missionary Disciples, 24)
These leaders of the institution live out their role responsibly and faithfully
through seeking the four types of formation and also demonstrating cultur-
al competency (Living as Missionary Disciples, 24-25). 1
1 Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers is a helpful resource on the development of
multi-cultural ministries from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.