PASTORAL CHALLENGES/
MODEL DESCRIPTION/NATURE/EMPHASIS
SERVANT A model developed in a low-key, non-
authoritarian, even humble vein, dominant
in Vatican II’s Gaudium et Spes.
Emphasis is place on the need first of all to
scrutinize the signs of the times – a
phrase originating from the N.T (Mt. 16:2-4);
and introduced into Catholic Theology by
Pope John XXIII.
This model defines the role of the Church in
the modern world to bring liberation to the
oppressed, comfort to the needy,
acceptance of the outcast, good tidings to
the poor, forgiveness to the sinners.
STRENGTHS
The Church’s task is seen then
as to be to associate itself
through its members and as an
institution with all movements
working for the values of peace,
liberation, justice, development
& reconciliation in the temporal
order.
The impact of this model has
been felt most in the Third
World, especially in Latin
America, hence the
development of Theology of
Liberation.
The Church is more structured
towards the mission of service
instead of building up its own
house.
In mission territories, it is being
concretely worked by rapid
indigenization and greater
concentration on ministering to
the basic human needs of
underdeveloped nations.
WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES FOR
GROWTH
The special mission of the Our task is to carry on Christ’s
Church, its proper and mission of service to the whole
distinctive contribution in the world; for as a servant Church
socio-political sphere is not we are not to be served but to
clear. serve.
It is not also clear what is the Our evangelization is integral
relationship between human that will bring liberation to the
development and the growth body & salvation to the soul.
of the Kingdom, the
progressive restoration of all This is the high time that the
things in Christ. Church gets serious enough in
her option for the poor.
There is the danger of
misunderstanding of meaning The Church has to get involved
or over-simplifications of in the socio-economic-political
meaning in the term used in life of the people when there are
this theology which are often issues that affect the life of the
biblical (liberation, salvation, people.
peace, justice, charity,
community, life, oppression, As a servant, the Church caters
injustice.) to the needs of all races,
cultures.
Or may be understood in a
secular or violent way or And Biblical foundation of
misconstrued by Marxist servanthood is needed.
Ideologies.
MODELS OF THE CHURCH
By: Cardinal AVERY DULLES, SJ