Category Archives: Leadership

* Don’t invite former employers and parents into the room Sometimes a minister carries around gaping wounds from previous elderships. He feels betrayed or abused, and so he has trouble imagining that the new eldership will be any better. Whatever … Continue reading →

* It’s fine for ministers to collaborate with each other, but not against the elders. No block voting. Ever. A minister feels oh-so strongly that the parking lot needs to be restriped. He’s afraid the elders will say no. And … Continue reading →

* No surprises We say to the staff: “Don’t assume that you have to drag us kicking and screaming into a more progressive worship style. Don’t try to push and manipulate us piecemeal. Don’t dare add innovations to the worship … Continue reading →

* Ask to meet regularly — as regularly as the elders will permit Ministers are busy (or should be). They have deadlines and commitments. They often resent time spent in meetings, especially in meetings with elders. After all, a meeting … Continue reading →

* If the elders haven’t said, the ministers should ask the elders what their relationship should be. I think the relationship between ministers and elders should be defined and stated. Some elders fall into the habit of treating ministers as … Continue reading →

Consider a typical progressive Church of Christ, led by a plurality of elders with two or more ministers on staff. Everyone is qualified for his position. The elders are good elders. The ministers are good ministers. Query: how should they … Continue reading →