Church government
From Neoredemptive
Aka "church polity" - how is the local church supposed to be run?
We're not big on scripts and formulas on matters for which scripture offers none. Church government is such a matter. While there are certainly scriptural motifs, principles, patterns, and anti-patterns, examples and counter-examples of good leadership, this is very different from a perscribed organizational structure.
In light of this, we're pretty open-minded about the details of how the local church is run, but do like to keep what scripture clearly does say on the matter in mind.
Contents |
Some Guidelines
Positive patterns and principles we find or see reflected in Scripture.
Transparency
The cornerstone of Christian leadership is "follow me as I follow Christ." Implicit in this is a consistent lifestyle of humble transparency in the leader's walk with Christ. This is completely counter-cultural within much of the church today. Most ministerial "success stories" are polished to a sparkling veneer that hides all of the warts, scars, failures, ongoing struggles, and constant humility and repentance that are absolutely essential to the conduct of a healthy Christian ministry.
Team
First, who
A phrase borrowed from Good to Great. In a nutshell -- who is involved in church leadership is far more important than what any of their particular roles and responsibilities are. Character, integrity, perseverence, wisdom, faith, and an ability to teach are all scriptural non-negotiables; anyone lacking them doesn't belong in church leadership, both for their own protection and for the protection of God's flock.
Everyone is a Follower
Ultimately, you are responsible for following Jesus. Doing so, practically speaking, will be a process of finding other Godly people whose lead you can follow, whose example you can learn from, whose guidance you will need.
Some Pitfalls
These can occur anywhere within the church organization, from the top to the bottom. Small group leaders become autocratic. Cults of personality form around background vocalists. Deacons lose their spine and defer to groupthink.
Cults of Personality
We've all been warned about this one.
Whether a leader's personality and public persona are a problem is never a yes-or-no matter -- it's always a question of degrees.
Diffusion of Authority
If all power over agenda, administration, and execution have been completely divested from individuals who are accountable before the church and before God, then the church is in a very dangerous place.
A church without leaders is not a faithful church, because it does not rightly reflect our God and His Christ.
Over-Concentration of Power
Beware of autocrats and micro-managers. Jesus is King and the Holy Spirit is our ever-present counselor; when leading, we need to find a balance where we faithfully reflect their roles without trying to fill them.
Some Good Reading
- Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work
- Leading the Team-Based Church
- The Courageous Follower
- Good to Great
Some Other Reading
Take these with a grain of salt...
