Elders: The Care and Feeding of Elders in a Progressive Congregation: Duties to the Whole Flock

* The flock

Elders are shepherds, and shepherds care passionately about the flock — all the flock. Ministers are often placed over one or two programs. Sometimes they let their passion for their ministry overwhelm their passion for their flock. Sometimes they let their passion for the latest fashion in how to do church overwhelm their passion for their flock.

Elders will be upset and react very negatively every time a minister says something like, “Yes, I know 30% of the church will leave if we add drama to our services, but BIG CHURCH uses drama and so must we!” or “We need a more public role for women — so let’s bring in a woman preacher for a special Easter service. I know half the members will be offended and never return, but I know this woman who gives an incredible testimony …”

Every minister on staff is a minister to the entire congregation. You may be a youth minister or children’s minister, but you run those programs for the benefit of the entire congregation. If change is needed in worship — and it often is — consider how to patiently and gently lead the church into change rather than forcing change down their throats. It really does work better.

Ministers for children and teens often forget that 40-year old adults aren’t like 14-year old kids. They don’t change as easily, but some of this is for good reason. They aren’t adolescents used to being told what to do. They are often leaders at work, at home, and at church. You don’t just run over them — mainly because it’s immoral but also because it’s futile.

Love the entire flock, not as an abstraction, but as God’s own children, each of whom has a stake in the church and its future. Lead, don’t demand. Teach, mentor, counsel, guide, and walk alongside the members.

On the other hand, don’t let the slowest-to-change members hold back the church forever. Be patient and loving, but do insist that needed change take place. And so it’s good that there’s often a tension between ministers, who are often too impatient, and elders, who are often too patient. But the tension is resolved collaboratively with the entire church in mind.

* Get outside your silo

Now the natural corollary to the first principle is the necessity of getting outside of your silo. Even if the elders don’t bring it up, make it a point to show in practical ways your concern for the entire church. Volunteer to teach adult Bible classes outside of your ministry age group once a year or so. Show up for work days. Sign up for an adults-only mission trip. Get involved in committee work. Go to going-away parties and housewarmings for people you don’t even know.

This approach to ministry accomplishes several things —

* You can’t care for people you don’t know. Getting out of your ministry part of time gives you a way to form relationships with people of all ages — making you a better minister.

* It’s a way to make friends, and what minister has too many friends?

* It builds support for the ministry, because people will only support your ministry if they support you as a person.

* It helps you grow as a Christian. Some of those people who aren’t part of your ministry are spiritual giants. There’s a lot to learn that you can’t get from an M.Div.

* It helps you build compassion and empathy for people not like yourself. You can’t really understand the elderly members if you’ve never talked to them. Listen to their stories. Listen to their hearts.

* It makes you seem more like an actual person to the church rather than a symbol or hired hand. And that makes your harder to fire — or even to disrespect. You want respect? Get oursite of your silo.

Ministers generally hate to be thought of as hirelings. They want to be thought of as members of the church whose opinions and desires matter as more than a mere temporary employee. And then they act like temporary employees. If you want to be thought of as a member, act like a member.

You see, members work at their job — 40 or 50 hours or more — and then volunteer in church, teach class, lead small groups, etc. Show the same commitment and you’ll be loved and respected. Act like a hireling, and you’ll be treated like one.