Back in the day, I saw a lot of abuses and problems with the typical “elected deacon” approach to church government.
Authority was given to deacons – who were not called to full time ministry - and responsibility was given to pastors – to pretty much carry out the deacons wishes. This meant the church was not being led by the vision and calling of the ministry but by people who were not really called to ministry.
The first time I saw a church led by the ministry, I was amazed at the positive difference it produced.
Since then, I have been completely committed to the “elders” of the church being comprised of people called to full time ministry.
In my reaction to all this, I do think I went a little overboard in the past in trying to insure only the ministry was leading the church.
Now – our church has an amazing advisory team built out of some phenomenal leaders in our church. The primary leadership and direction for our church still flows out of the ministry leadership. Our advisory team serves as eyes and ears for our church – as well as sharing the load of creating amazing church. We invite their unfiltered input on everything but ultimate authority for direction still resides with the elders.
We just met with our advisory team last night and they are the best! What a great time - eating, praying, sharing ideas and laughing together. The healthiest leadership team we have ever had in our church.
1 Comment
pastor, i love our church government model.
it baffled me when i first showed up out of my denominational background over a decade ago. but i was also definitely drawn to it.
it was clear to me, that after seeing pastor after pastor voted from his position, that a church should be built out of a leader's vision from God.
jessica and i are so glad to follow the lead. and we are so confident in knowing how you and ps seek guidance and input from your network of advisory team members, other pastors and friends.
our faith is up and our hopes are high for the future!
Posted on January 27, 2009 at 11:05 PM