Proclaimer Blog
Who’s the leader now?
Who leads your church? No, who really does? I was reminded this week that church members are required to obey their leaders (Hebrews 13). But who, in reality, is leading the church? This issue arose as I discussed an article I'd written with a much wiser older colleague (of the Lucas variety). In the article, I argue for strong leadership from the pastor when it comes to issues of singing (you'll have to wait for our 2011/12 resource guide for the full article, I'm afraid). Dick wondered whether the previous generation's battle of pastor vs choir had simply been replaced by pastor vs drummer. Possibly. In fact, almost certainly in some places.
But I wonder if the issue is deeper and is, at its heart, the question of who leads. So here are some illustrations, none of which (it won't surprise you to know) are made up:
- a church member who contributes a large proportion of the church's income threatens to withdraw support unless he gets his way. Who's the leader now?
- a church member who should really be a leader but is not (because he's too difficult) hijacks a church vote through loud and aggressive arguments. Who's the leader now?
- a bullish worship leader chooses the songs he wants rather than accepting the authority of the pastor. Who's the leader now?
- a cliquey group make plans without the wardens/elders knowledge and then propose them in an unexpected coup. Who's the leader now?
And so it could go on. What gives rise to these situations? The answer must be two fold:
- it may be a problem with church members who are unwilling to recognise their leaders' authority
- it may be a problem with church leaders who do not display servant hearted leadership or lack the courage to be leaders
In both cases, as it happens, the resolution of the issue lies with a leader. And, ironically, both require the leader to lead – either by tackling graciously the problem in the member or by tackling robustly the sin in his own heart. Both resolutions are required of most leaders most of the time. So, in your church, who's the leader now?