First Thoughts
Motivations vary considerably, from a genuine conviction from the Spirit of God, to a desire to resolve power struggles, to a superficial interest in imitating another church. A presenting problem (such as conflict or poor leadership) may serve as an impetus for leadership change. All of these things affect how you approach the church with the goal of leadership change.
Model Plurality As You Begin the Process
When aiming for plurality of leadership in the church, the process should begin with more than one change agent. Putting undue focus on one individual pressing for change would be counterproductive to your objective. The goal is to make the Lord Jesus Christ prominent as you begin to model, in seed form, plurality of leadership.
Although we will be addressing the reader as a single individual, consider inviting one or two others who can join you as co-catalysts and work through the process together.
Honestly Evaluate Your Motivation
It is critical that your motivation is based on a clear and convincing understanding of BE (“What is Biblical Eldership?”). BE is not just an optional or even a preferable form of church government. As the term indicates, it is biblically based and reflects God’s teaching for leadership in the local church. Regardless of whether it proves to be strategically better than other forms of church government (and we think it is), it is the pattern taught by the Word of God. Obedience to Him is foundational to everything else in this transition.
The Board Member’s Motivational Worksheet will help you work through the interplay of motivations you are likely experiencing. Download it and consider it deeply and prayerfully. Ask your spouse or a close friend for feedback on your answers. Ask God to reveal “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). If there are any conflict issues or tensions involving others in leadership roles, address them before moving on in the process. We cannot stress this enough.
Modify Your Motivation
If your motivation needs modification, we suggest the following:
- Be committed to unity from the outset. Change of this magnitude may cause disunity and division even in the best of circumstances.
- Confess any sin uncovered: pride, over-sensitivity, fear, people-pleaser attitudes, envy, etc.
- Ask the Lord to help you “be transformed by the renewing of your mind …” (Rom. 12:2) as you take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5b). Clear focus on the glory of the Lord and the love of his people must be the core of your motivation.
- Ask for wisdom in dealing with any conflict (open or subtle) among the current leadership. This must be addressed in a biblical manner, or the move to BE will be seen as a power grab in the struggle of leadership. We recommend these excellent resources for working through conflict:
- Agape Leadership: Lessons On Leadership by the Life of Robert Chapman by Alexander Strauch and Robert L. Peterson (Lewis & Roth)
- If You Bite & Devour One Another by Alexander Strauch (Lewis & Roth, 2011)
- The Peacemaker by Ken Sande (Baker, 2003)
What’s Next?
Once you have completed the motivation worksheet, and you feel ready, it’s time to move ahead to the “Board’s Preparation” step. This will help you get spiritually ready for the task in front of you.