Let There Be Light: Parish Leadership For The 21St Century

What they are saying about “Let there be Light”This book confronts the need for change in the Catholic Church.I have known the author of this book Father James Grant for over 10 years and consider him a courageous and strong religious leader. Father James is a visionary and personal friend. He is an authentic Church leader who believes in taking the Catholic Church to the people and not the other way around.Father James first came to my attention when I was the Director of Human Resources at AIG which is a multi-national insurance organisation. He was introduced to me by then AIG Chief Executive Officer Mr. Chris Townsend who described him as: “an entrepreneurial and interesting priest”. He was right on both counts!Father James founded the organisation “Chaplains without Borders” in 2004 to provide chaplaincy services to corporate Australia. Father James was appointed as the world’s first chaplain to the casino industry in 2006 (Crown Casino).Father James provides an insightful view of the need for change to current parish practices and strategy in this book. He talks about the need for ministers to move outside what he describes as their “comfort zone”. Father James argues that if a parish fails to adapt or reform it is at serious risk of decline.He uses his knowledge and experience gained over many years in business and provides parish ministers with a framework for leading effective change in their parishes. He explores a range of concepts and strategies which will assist a parish to implement the necessary change to survive and thrive into the future.Father James believes that the Church is just like any other organisation. It must stay focused on and relevant to the needs of its community or stakeholders to thrive and grow. It must therefore adapt to new ways of doing things and engaging with its community and/or stakeholders.This book is compelling reading for parish leaders involved in managing stakeholders and setting the strategic direction of the parish. He encourages Church leaders to fully understand the demographics of the community or stakeholders it serves, to be open minded to new ideas without compromising on Church values or belief’s and to use the sphere of influence to drive real outcomes whilst being tolerant of the diversity of views held by the community and stakeholders.Father James wants the Catholic Church to make a difference in the lives of people through renewal.