In this decree the Council sought to describe the nature, character, and diversity of the lay apostolate, to state its basic principles, and to give pastoral directives for its more effective exercise.

The specific objectives of lay ministry are: evangelization and sanctification, renewal of the temporal order whereby Christ is first in all things,[clarification needed] and charitable works and social aid.

[3] The decree quotes Colossians 3:17: "Whatever you do in word or work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him".

Apostolicam Actuositatem follows upon Lumen gentium, the "Dogmatic Constitution on the Church", of 21 November 1964, which in Chapter IV, discusses the laity, by which they mean all the faithful except those in Holy Orders or religious institutes.

The Pontifical council was created in January 1967 by Pope Paul VI's motu proprio Catholicam Christi Ecclesiam.