Many churches are long overdue to change their
governance systems, but I am still surprised to read many church constitutions that
make real leadership very difficult. Church leaders who would never structure
their business the way their church structures leadership are seemingly OK with
the fact that it is almost impossible to do any kind of leadership within their
governance system.
Yes, churches are not businesses. They are far more
important that a business because eternal lives are at stake. Yet we continue
to hamper leadership that would help the church to be more effective. Here are
some common governance issues that congregations still allow to hamper their
leadership.
Keep
the leadership from controlling the budget
In what other arena would you find a system where those
who are charged with the direction and effectiveness of the ministry (elder,
Deacons or whatever the group is called in your polity), must go to another
board (often trustees) to designate funds toward ministry initiatives. One
board is charged with the effectiveness of the church ministry and its
direction and the other board holds the dollars to carry it out hostage.
Such systems are absolute foolishness from a
leadership perspective, yet they continue to exist. Every decision the first
board makes must then be negotiated and made by a second board when it involves
funds. And a board that is not vested with the direction of the ministry can
determine whether they release the funds or not. In the best scenario this is a
waste of time and energy. In the worst scenario, it sets up conflict between
the two boards.
Multiple
boards and multiple authorities
When you give a group the designation of “board” you
give them implied authority. So, when you have multiple boards such as elders,
deacons and trustees you have multiple groups with implied authority. Of
course, this raises the question as to who is ultimately responsible for church
leadership. When no one is in charge, everyone is in charge!
It is these kinds of structures that cause the best
leaders to stay out of church leadership. They cannot lead and when they do, it
is a very frustrating experience. And because no one desires to give up their
power it is hard to change. In both scenarios, the power issue keeps people
from making needed changes. We would not admit it, but it is true! And again,
key decisions must be negotiated with multiple groups.
Confusing,
overlapping and vague authority
Reading many church constitutions is a laborious
activity because they are often full of confusing, overlapping and vague authority
that makes it impossible to interpret who is responsible for what. Good
governance documents should be simple, clear and designate lines of authority
with precision. When this is not the case, the authors (well intentioned I am
sure) set the congregation up for conflict and endless discussion.
If it is not simple, clear and delineate clear lines
of authority it is a poor governance document and should be revised. Yet we
resist revision because “you cannot change the bylaws.” Actually, you can since
the bylaws serve the mission of the church rather than the church serving the
bylaws. And you should.
What many don’t realize is that these kinds of poor
governance structures keep leaders from leading and the church from moving
forward. If you like the status quo this is a great strategy. If you care that
the church is effective it is a terrible strategy. Often it takes the courage
and diplomacy of a true leader to help others realize that their structures
need to change if they want to be effective.
Let’s call poor governance systems for what they are
and revise them for the sake of the gospel.
