Leadership training and consultation is one ministry that CEP offers to local churches. We work with church officers and non-ordained leaders. We have grown over the years through the privilege and challenge of helping church leadership work more efficiently and effectively.

As we interact with churches, we often see that time is wasted by leaders who do everything but lead. Many try to micro-manage rather than lead. Elders try to do the work of deacons, often at the expense of doing what elders should do. There is confusion between the formal, ordained leaders and the informal, non-ordained leaders. In these situations, strategic leadership is sacrificed.

The Westminster Divines, though dealing with theological issues of the 17^th century church, were amazingly ahead of their time with many of their conclusions. For example, the Westminster Confession of Faith I-6 says “…there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.”  Because of God’s common grace, we can learn things from the world around us that can assist us in serving Him. Though it makes some uncomfortable, our culture and circumstance can assist us in understanding and applying God’s will in our lives, particularly in the area of leadership. Often we assume that the Bible and the Standards give us details on how leaders are to function when, in reality, they only supply us with the framework.

The three books listed above are extremely helpful to leaders, particularly local church sessions, who want to make better, more intentional determinations about how to carry out their role. Though we do not call our sessions and committees “boards, ” they do board-like things. What we call ourselves is not the issue, but how we implement our roles does matter. John Carver’s books make great tools for rethinking and developing leaders’ job descriptions, from the church session down to the lay leadership. The book by Holland and Hester, which focuses on religious organizations, is also helpful. All three books will help you structure your leaders’ functions so they not only demonstrate servant leadership but also become more effective in their role.

One of the most helpful principles I have learned about church leadership is that form follows function, or structure follows strategy. Often forms and structures obstruct the church’s ability to efficiently and effectively carry out its mission and ministry. We recommend that churches design their organizational structure around their mission, objectives, and goals.

Another thing we sometimes recommend is that, as part of the planning and evaluation process, local church officers appoint a study committee or task force to address the topic of effective, and efficient organization and procedures.  They should ask, “Are we doing things in the best way to demonstrate biblical stewardship of time, gifts, and other resources?  What could we do to be more focused and intentional in doing our ministry?  How can we be certain that we are not forcing ourselves into an unnecessary mold because ‘we’ve always done it that way’?” 

Several PCA agencies, and institutions have effectively used the principles in these three books, and the CEP staff use and recommend them as we work with local churches, schools, and other Christian organizations. As you read the books, be aware that you will have to interpolate them because they were not written specifically for Presbyterian systems. You will need to filter them through our “governed by eldership” concept.  I assure you that if you will take the time to read these books and look at the process and procedures of leadership in your church or school, you will glean valuable insights for better ministry.

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