As an ordained minister for 34 years, I have several observations about the leadership role of the pastor.
The biblical model in my opinion is elder rule. The idea that one man has ultimate authority comes from the Roman Catholics. I have served in two churches with this model and found it to be more efficient and effective.
We used Alexander Strauch’s book “Biblical Eldership.” The New Testament terms bishop, overseer, elder, pastor are pretty much interchangeable. Strauch believes that elder rule should include two or more elders who are the spiritual visionaries and rule with equal authority.
The direction of the church is determined by the elders in conjunction with the Scriptures and bylaws of the church constitution. Bilateral decisions are not allowed. The congregation votes on officers and budgets. The day-to-day operations of the church are handled by deacons and staff.
Elders serve as long as they remain a part of the fellowship or are disqualified by breaking with biblical mandates. Having served in both elder rule and the traditional pastor deacon models, I prefer elder rule – although currently I work on staff in a traditional Southern Baptist Church.
In my opinion, the days of a pastor ruling with an iron hand have gone the way of the dinosaur. I think that is a good thing!
What do you think? Click here to send a letter to the editor addressing this or another subject.