Reconfiguring the Outcomes of Simbahayan: The Case Study of Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Diocese of Imus

Teofilo Viray

doi:10.57106/scientia.v15i2.222

Authors

Teofilo Viray University of The Philippines, Los Baños

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57106/scientia.v15i2.222

Keywords:

Simbahayan, Basic Ecclesial Communities, Gated Communities, Organizational Outcomes, Organizational Contexts

Abstract

This article examines Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), or Simbahayan, of the Catholic Church as a social organization. The term Simbahayan comes from two joined Tagalog words: simbahan (church) and pamayanan (community). Rooted in these two social institutions, the Simbahayan represents a convergence of ecclesial and communal life, linking the Church with other social units. This study explores how the Simbahayan organize to achieve outcomes within gated communities and how organizational contexts shape these outcomes. This qualitative case study, conducted in the Diocese of Imus, used key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a review of parish documents to examine the organizational context. All data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke (2024) and triangulated (Denzin, 2009). Data collection was conducted with the parish priest's approval and informed consent from all participants. This study highlighted a geographical form of Simbahayan within gated communities, where the heterogeneity of lay leaders and members significantly contributes to fulfilling both the material and spiritual outcomes of the organization. The enabling organizational contexts identified in this study are strong interorganizational relationships, members’ support system, and mutual resource dependence. The constraining organizational contexts identified are the absence of formalized BEC guidelines, challenges in ecclesial interministerial coordination, fragmentation, low participation, and structural problems within the Simbahayan. The study recommends ways forward to achieve recognized Simbahayan outcomes, including leadership succession planning, organizational effectiveness, and establishing a parish discernment team to support the continuity and re-engineering of the Simbahayan structure.

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