Engage and Serve

The Catholic Church is suffering its worst decline in five centuries-a precipitous slide that will turn catastrophic unless reversed by fundamental changes in strategy, culture, and leadership style. Even the inspiring leadership of Pope Francis will not reverse the slide without a strategy for action, from the grassroots through the hierarchy. Chris Lowney, a former Jesuit seminarian and business executive who now chairs one of the world's largest Catholic ministries, outlines not only the challenges but also maps the path forward in Engage and Serve. After a bracing review of the church's global struggles-from clergy shortages to scandals-Lowney draws on two decades of change-management experience to propose a strategy of five transformational principles. Engage, transform, and serve with accountability and creativity: these five words can catalyze profound change in every parish, in the way clergy are evaluated, in how bishops think, and in the roles lay men and women play in leading the church. Filled with real life examples, Engage and Serve outlines strategies that anyone can employ-from the pews to the pulpit-to strengthen the church.
As a former business executive who lectures globally about leadership, Lowney speaks credibly about the institution's challenges and potential. And, as chair of one of Catholicism's largest hospital systems, he writes "from within" as a Catholic who loves his church and is committed to seeing it flourish.