One of the problems BEC leaders in urban areas have is that the members of their cell groups are professionals, college graduates and individuals who are daily in contact with representatives of other religions. To get ahead of them and be able to present a gospel reading for reflection would seem to require a broader biblical and liturgical culture. That is true of course; it is for this reason that formation programs for the laity are offered by dioceses (e.g. the GAWARASAL). It is also for this reason that during the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, it was decided that Lay Ministers of the Word should also be installed alongside the Lay Ministers of the Eucharist. Parishes have also been sending chosen members to pastoral programs where these are existent. I together with three other parishioners have attended the Scripture Ventures program in Tagaytay. But training programs are not enough.
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