Congregational Control
Control is such a talked about word in the church. There are negative notes of controlling elders, controlling preachers, and controlling members. There seems to be constant warfare concerning the person or people controlling a congregation. Elders throw fits when their control is questioned, preachers quit when they feel they have no control, and members leave because they feel they have no say. It seems everyone is jockeying for position for controlling influence. Satan uses the desire for control as a smoke and mirror device. It is an illusion. People seek control feeling that this is the key to security in life. But control is dictated by pride. Because someone who must control has a overinflated sense of self. These people believe they are the only one’s who can make the right choice or action. True leadership is giving away control. This builds accountability in others. One of the hindrances to congregational development is this desire on many parties to control, instead of these parties relinquishing power. Churches have divided, members have quit, and elders have resigned over control.
Related posts:
- Friendliness and Congregational Growth
- Congregational Development at Castle Rock
- Review of “Leading Congregational Change”
- The Test of Faithfulness and Congregational Participation
- Review of “Managing Congregational Conflict”
About The Author
Huge issue, no question. It is ironic that the followers of the crucified one, the Jesus who surrendered his life for the sake of others have so much difficulty relinquishing control…
And I most definitely say this as one guilty of this indictment.
Thank you for this mornings reading. This is one of the first things I read this morning (11/28/07, 10:55 AM) I am about to sit down and work on class and sermons. Of course this is not my first study this week on class and sermons but beginning a little late this morning. (hospital visiting first today). Thanks for the admonition/warning to lose control and allow the Lord to have all control. You are right. As a preacher I/we are put in control so much that I/we struggle with wanting control all the time. I do struggle with elders who want to control and not shepherd. If they would shepherd as shepherds the control would take care of itself. just venting about elders who want control without shepherding.
Many elderships control through power, not godly influence. Sometimes elders will expect everyone to fall in line, without developing the characteristics of a shepherd. The reason sheep follow, is because of the trusted voice, not the position.
The reason sheep follow, is because of the trusted voice, not the position.
Great statement! Thank you.
Good post. Very insightful and reflective.
Wonderful!!!
As long as Jesus Christ is Lord and the church still belongs too him, then Jesus is in control. He demonstrated “controlling” leadership through self-sacrificial service expressed in the cross. Those who wish to be leaders (elders, preachers, lay-leaders, etc…) must become servants. Biblical leadership comes forth from the position of servanthood not high-handed power.
Saddly, I struggle with this everyday. Unfortunately, I don’t think I am alone in that struggle. God help us to be servants just as the Christ Jesus we claim to follow was!
Rex
Ithaca Church of Christ
Ithaca, NY
Matt – Very true — The first shall be last — if you want “control”- surrender to Jesus – live for Him – give to others and let God take care of the rest.
God Bless
Charlie
(one of those “struggling to give up control” elders)
p.s. Thanks for coming by and visiting a fellow Canadian
In almost fifty years of preaching my observation is very few elders have a correct view of the role of elders. Most have the concept that “they run the church” and any who would dare contradict or question their decision will soon be marked as a trouble maker and if you are a preacher, start packing. Thank God, there have been, at least in my ministry, enough elders who did have have the proper concept that I didn’t give up and quit. As my daddy used to say, “Give a man a little authority and you will find out what kind of a man he really is.”