Who's the Boss? A Conversation About Leadership in the Church

Who's the Boss? A Conversation About Leadership in the Church

We all know the challenges facing churches today. Beyond the pressures of building maintenance and attendance numbers, we also need to consider how our leadership structures impact our congregations. It's easy to fall into patterns that mirror the corporate world, with the senior pastor at the top, much like a CEO. This can sometimes unintentionally create a perception of the pastor as "extra holy," which can inadvertently diminish the value of the spiritual gifts that God gives to all believers (Ephesians 4:11).

This type of hierarchical structure can sometimes lead to a boss-employee dynamic between pastors and staff. This can feel at odds with the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5). While respect for leadership is important, it's also crucial to remember that we are all part of the body of Christ. Sometimes, a "what the pastor says goes" mentality can develop, where churchgoers equate position and title with unquestioning obedience, rather than focusing on the pastor's individual gifts, calling, and personal walk with Jesus. This can make it difficult for people to ask questions or express concerns.

It's also possible that this dynamic can create an atmosphere where people feel hesitant to share their true thoughts and feelings. Leadership teams might offer vague responses or try to anticipate what the pastor wants to hear. Even when input is requested, it might feel like a formality, with decisions already made. In some cases, the leadership team might appear engaged and caring, but individuals might feel their opinions are ultimately inconsequential. Those who hold differing views often even feel marginalized. The lead pastor, perhaps without even realizing it, can become very protective of their role as the primary leader and decision-maker.

Many churches wisely appoint elders, which is a wonderful, biblical practice. However, in many North American churches, these elders often remain largely unknown to the congregation, working mostly behind the scenes. Yet, these are often the individuals making significant decisions about hiring, finances, and other important matters. Even the process of appointing elders can sometimes drift away from the scriptural guidelines. Both the qualifications and the responsibilities of elders, as outlined in the Bible, are important to consider.

Let's take a look at what the Bible actually says:

• 1 Timothy 3:1-7: This passage describes the qualities of an overseer, emphasizing character traits like being above reproach, faithful, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, gentle, and not greedy. It also highlights the importance of managing one's own household well.
• Titus 1:5-9: This passage further emphasizes the need for elders to be above reproach, faithful, and to have believing children. It reiterates the importance of self-control, uprightness, holiness, and a love for good. It also stresses the elder's role in holding firm to sound doctrine.
• 1 Peter 5:1-4: Here, we see the call to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain or through domination, but by being examples.

These passages offer a powerful vision of church leadership – one that prioritizes character, faithfulness, and humble service. It's a model that's quite different from the corporate structures we often see today. It's less about positional power and more about shepherding and caring for God's people.

As we move forward, it's important for us to have open and honest conversations about leadership in the church. We need to thoughtfully examine our current practices in light of Scripture. Are we truly following a biblical model, or have we unintentionally adopted a corporate structure that prioritizes "who's the boss" over the call to serve one another in love? These are important questions for all of us to consider.