Last night we had a meeting of our Legal Trustees. I was dead tired before the meeting, but honestly felt refreshed by the end of it. How many pastors can say that about a leadership meeting?
I love meeting with these guys because they’ve fully grasped the vision of of Palm Valley Church. They see their role as supporting me and the staff as we lead the church. Now get this; this does not mean that they are “yes men” who simply rubber stamp our decisions.
These guys are spiritually mature, and they bring a ton of leadership experience and giftedness to the table. They ask me the tough questions, they ensure that we’re being the best stewards possible of every dollar given, and they help me look forward to prepare for what God might be doing next.
Pastors: 2 warnings regarding choosing your leadership/deacon/trustee/elder (whatever you call it) team…
First, don’t be afraid to have a team around you, and that will even ask you the tough questions. Many church planters I talk to are afraid of this step in a churches growth. I need support. I need help. I need prayer. I need accountability. So do you. Don’t cheat your church of this because you’re afraid of giving up control, being turned on, etc… However you (yes, the pastor should set the structure biblically) structure your leadership, get help.
Second, be very careful about who’s on this team. Make sure they’re people who love the Lord, love you, and have shown faithfulness to the church through tough times. Don’t put anybody in leadership until they’re been through some rough stuff with you. Why? Anybody can hang with you when the time’s are good, character is revealed in the hard times. Be very slow to add people to this team. Make sure they’re committed to the long haul, and make sure they’re willing to do and say the tough things.
In closing, I’m thankful for the men God has brought around me to support my leadership of Palm Valley Church. Nobody will ever know the tough decisions they’ve made, and the issues they’ve handled. Thanks guys for walking the walk with me!
