Introduction

The Journey

Life is a journey, but not just any journey—it’s a journey home to God. We were born for this Journey to God. It will fill our lives with peace, joy, and love—with life more abundant. This Journey to God is the entire purpose of our lives—yours and mine.

We are not alone on the Journey to God. We are part of a community that extends beyond the walls of a church building. This community comprises our family, friends, and the person sitting next to us in the pew. It’s about people, not just buildings or clergy. We all belong here, and we all have a role to play in supporting each other on this journey. You are not just a participant, but an integral part of this community.

Maybe you practice your faith but haven’t taken it seriously. Perhaps you haven’t been to church since childhood. Maybe you’re not even Catholic; possibly you’re seeking God and curious about the Catholic faith. Whatever your situation, if you’re seeking God—if you are open to the Catholic faith and beginning your Journey to God in earnest—then a Paladin small church community is for you.

Getting Our Feet Wet

So, what exactly is a Paladin small church community?

Before discussing the Paladin vision for small church communities (SCCs), let us begin with a general definition of a Catholic SCC and then build from there.

Catholic SCCs are small groups of believers who meet regularly to pray, study Scripture, share faith, and support one another in spiritual growth. Rooted in the Church’s mission, SCCs make faith more personal, communal, and mission-driven.

That’s a solid definition—but it’s only the beginning. There are key elements this definition leaves out.

Small church communities are about much more than just weekly meetings. They embody a vision, a worldview, and a set of priorities—especially the first and most important one: the Great Commission. Simply gathering Catholics into an SCC doesn’t guarantee anything about their vision, worldview, or priorities—not in today’s world.

The Paladins hold a faithful and evangelical vision for SCCs. We embrace the timeless worldview of Christ and His church. We declare that the Great Commission is the primary priority of both the Church and each of her members. We believe our name captures this vision.

Why Paladin?

Paladin is the name we’ve chosen for our lay Catholic movement—a network of small church communities united by a common mission and spirit. The name aligns well with our identity, approach, and goals.

“A ‘paladin’ is either a legendary knight of Charlemagne’s court or, more broadly, a heroic champion of a cause, often associated with a code of justice and righteousness” (Google AI).

I see in the Paladin name loyal defenders of a holy cause, a name revived from history to defend the Church and steadfastly remain faithful to Christ and the faith. A name associated with a small group of comrades (originally twelve). A name wrapped in mystery and romance. A name distancing itself from any and every modern connection. A name honoring the glorious past of our beloved church. A name that rolls off the tongue with honor and conviction. In short, a Paladin is a loyal defender of faith, family, and Church—a disciple who stands firm in love.

The Heart of the Matter

At its heart, the Paladin movement is about fanning the flame of the Holy Spirit, supporting one another on our Journey to God, and forming living, growing disciples. Or, to put it most plainly, we help each other grow in love for God and others. We cultivate that sacrificial love that never asks the cost, that gives generously and gives everything.

How does a Paladin SCC accomplish this?

We have ordinary people helping each other connect everyday life to their faith.

We meet people where they are and help them take the next step forward. Our focus is on building relationships—both with God and with each other.

Paladin leaders are spiritual warriors. They guide and support community members on their spiritual journey. They are straightforward yet sensitive, often setting aside their own will, opinions, and desires, but never compromising the truth of the Church. The love of Christ is heroic—and Paladin leaders aim to love like Him, leading by example and fostering a culture of love and understanding within the community.

What to Expect

So, let’s quickly review what this book covers to make sure this introduction serves its purpose:

“PART I: The Foundation of Everything” dives into the importance of the faithful Catholic worldview and the Great Commission.

“PART II: The Paladin Vision” explores our vision for small church communities—our faithfulness, priorities, and spirit.

“PART III: The Paladin Handbook” provides practical guidance for forming, leading, and multiplying Paladin small church communities.

“PART IV: The Paladin Discussion Series” explores our approach to creating a discussion series and guides you through the process.

So, let’s get started. Let’s explore what it truly means to live life to the fullest—seeing as Christ sees, loving as He loves, and walking together on the path that leads home. Living the Paladin vision is not just about fulfilling a duty, but about experiencing personal growth, fulfillment, and a deeper connection with God and others. It’s a journey worth embarking on, promising a more fulfilling and spiritually rich life.

To Getting the Most Out of Life →

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