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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 17th 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.
- Charles Dunahoo, CEP Coordinator
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