The dysfunction begins with the annual church business meeting. If that’s not enough, then bring on the deacon board elections! But that’s material for another post.
Over the years I have served on a few church boards and have learned that many have no idea what their role should be. But they certainly understand what they think it should be. It doesn’t take long to recognize that for some it is a perception of power. Their long-awaited opportunity to influence the direction of the church, the pastor, the staff, the finances. The chance to drop ministries and resurrect ineffective programs because the traditions of the church requires them. And you know the attitude and behavior that goes with it.
Some can be mentored and led into an understanding of leadership and what it means to serve on a deacon board – if you must have one at all – and there are some that cannot and will leave a damaging wake as they take their ball and go home. I believe the Bible is clear on what a deacon board, or your equivalent, is to do. In Acts 6 you see the first “deacon board” with a mandate of serving. They took on other responsibilities in order to ensure the apostles had time to devote themselves to prayer and leading the church. The primary responsibility of the board is to support the vision God gave their pastor. You help make it happen. You pray and you find the finances. You share that excitement with the church so they understand and participate in the implementation of that vision.
Sheep don’t lead the shepherd. The board must support the pastor. He has to know you have his back. He will give account for what he does and doesn’t do and say. Pray for him, support him and allow your pastor to be himself both personally and in his leadership. They tried to put Saul’s armor on David but it was too big, too awkward. David stumbled, it clanged. Don’t try to dress the pastor in your armor!
Great message, Pastor Biller, I am on the Bd of Deacons at my church and I agree totally with you.
Thanks Fran. Sounds like you already are, but being an advocate of the vision for the church will be one of the greatest things you can do for your pastor.
Could have used you on a few of my Deacon boards back in the day. Most of the guys who served did so with a true servant’s heart, but there was always one who felt it was his calling to keep the Pastor in check. In retrospect, I feel that if I had taken more time to train them using the biblical model, I might have avoided some of the grief a lot of Pastors- including myself- experience. Garnering the most votes does not necessarily a Deacon make!