Leadership
Models in the Church
by Joel Stephen Williams
Throughout most
of my years serving as a minister (1971–2007), it was my observation that many church
elders adopted much of their leadership thinking from an American business
model. There were some merits to this approach, even if this was usually done
without much critical thought. A leadership business model of a board of
directors overseeing an organization through meetings, an agenda, discussions,
consideration of proposals, formation of committees, analysis of options, and concern
for all shareholders and stakeholders was familiar to everyone. Also, this
model was useful for many matters that elders needed to address.
In spite of its usefulness over the years, this writer
sees a few potential problems in relying on this traditional business model.
First, if a model is embraced uncritically, that could be a sign that elders
are not thinking in a holistic manner. Adopting cultural approaches to doing
ministry can sometimes lead to ways of acting that are focused on the wrong
goal or that go about trying to achieve honorable goals through questionable or
even unethical means. For example, efficiency or numbers can become the chief priority
rather than persons or spiritual values. Second, if we develop a habit of
turning to culture first for forms and methods before we establish our
spiritual values, which we will use as a standard for choosing and modifying
said cultural methods and forms, we are more likely to have problems from hasty
decisions. For example, choosing an authoritarian leadership model may lead to
the neglect of the shepherding role church leaders must perform (Eph 4:11; 1
Pet 5:1–2). Third, if a single model is used exclusively, it likely will not
cover all of the responsibilities of leaders. For example, a traditional
legal-rational authority system model might work for elders and ministers
leading a congregation in purchasing new property and constructing a new
building, but it is a poor model to follow in pastoral counseling of troubled
marriages.
Thankfully, in
recent years, the field of business and leadership has produced many new approaches
that are built on ethical values. Some have even incorporated biblical
principles. While secular theories of leadership are not the whole answer for
church leadership, many of them are worthy of examination. In future articles for
this blog, my plans are to share with you short articles on several theories of
leadership such as:
· Authentic
Leadership
· Servant
Leadership
· Aesthetic
Leadership
· Transformational
Leadership
· Responsible
Leadership
Also, we will look
at how church leadership can combat evil, build an ethical climate, exercise ethical
influence, and make ethical decisions.
Whether you are
an elder, a teacher, or a leader in some other way, being a leader in the Lord’s
church is the most important work of leadership in the world. Consider what
James had to say on the sobering responsibility of a teacher: “Not many of you
should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be
judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1; ESV). And the writer to the Hebrews
speaks of the great responsibility of church leaders, of which they will have
to give an answer to God. He tells Christians, “Obey your leaders and submit to
them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to
give an account” (Heb 13:17).
