Funkcja kierownicza jako problem teologii pastoralnej

Abstract

The attitude to the guiding function of the Church has evoluted over the past ages of the development of pastoral theology. This process has been influenced by the one-sided understanding of that function at the very origin of pastoral theology as a university subject. Vatican Council II was a crucial event in the pastoral thinking about the guiding function and in the development of pastoral theology. The conciliar documents opened up new prospects and tasks for the pastoral thinking, pointed to a new style and method of carrying out research. In the post-conciliar situation the guiding function took on agreater significance. The changes that take place in many spheres of life demand continual changes and improvements in the activity of Church institutions, including parishes and dioceses. There is still a need to modify and make some improvements within the sphere of guiding Church in stitutions, so that they could work most efficiently. We need also a critical and constructive approach to the question of guiding the Church at the Church-wide, diocesan and parochial levels. Guiding in contemporary conditions has become a more and more complex process. A general direction of evolution of the Church should go from an authoritative leadership to democratic, from being authorized to command and govern to authorized leadership, from linear organization to linear-staff organization. It is in accord with main assumptions of the Church teaching on the ancillary priesthood.