In many churches pastors and other ministry leaders sit in on church boards or ministry teams. While they don’t always serve as chairperson, sometimes they do. Regardless, their God-given roles should dictate how they act and react in these groups. We’ll first consider what leadership roles on boards and ministry teams should not be and why. Then we’ll see the difference it makes when leaders fulfill their God-given roles.
How Leaders Should Not Conduct Themselves
Even if the chairperson, leaders should not assume leadership roles on boards as a controller or micromanager (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Neither should they monopolize, acting like they know it all since they’re the leader.
Leaders who conduct themselves in these ways have negative effects on the board or ministry team.
They tend to stifle and discourage some members, moving introverts even more into their shell. The group loses out on each other’s contribution, sometimes missing out on ideas better than the leader’s plan.
They tend to frustrate, and maybe even enrage, some members, leading to bad attitudes and possible conflict. Extroverts who feel they have no voice may become more assertively vocal or quit.
Effects of God-given Leadership Roles on Boards and Ministry Teams
When leaders fulfill their God-given leadership roles on boards and ministry teams, the group tends to flourish, accomplishing much good as everybody does their part (Eph. 4:16).
As an example, leaders demonstrate how to be a team player and how to respect, listen to, and accept one another. That often motivates others to do the same.
When leaders assume the role of a guide, simply keeping the group on track rather than manipulating and controlling it, they’re more of a facilitator. That enables others to do their parts.
When fulfilling their role as a servant, leaders act with humility, stepping back and letting others participate rather than monopolizing discussion and acting like they know it all. That fosters Body life among the group.
As a shepherd, leaders care for members individually as well as a group, concerned about their whole being, not just their contribution on the board or ministry team. That encourages people, making them feel like they’re valued, wanted, and appreciated.
When aware of their role as a steward, leaders seek to make the most of available resources as well as people’s time. That sense of accountability tends to engender respect for leadership and make people want to be more cooperative.
Let’s fulfill these God-given roles and see how God uses it to advance His work.
All Posts about Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams:
- Purpose in Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams
- Healthy Church Boards Exercise Body Life
- Agendas Versus Relationships
- Contributing in Committees, Boards, Ministry Teams
- Differences of Opinion Don’t Have to Divide
- Division of Responsibilities
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Focus
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Accountability
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Purposeful
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Servant-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Team-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Upward-Focused
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Process-Oriented
- Effective Church Committees or Ministry Teams
- Understanding Needed about Team Members Contributing
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Possible Due to the Gospel
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Because of the Holy Spirit
- Pulling on Spiritual Gifts of Board, Committee, Team Members?
- Spiritual Gifts of a Board or Committee Chairperson
- Christ-like Boards & Committees a Result of Grace
- Coming Together Because of the Name of the Lord
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Keep His Word Central
- Overcoming Power for Church Boards and Committees
- Spiritual Alertness Needed in Boards and Ministry Teams
- Praying for Unity on Boards and Committees
- Leader Qualities that Promote Peace on Boards and Teams
- Leadership Roles on Boards and Ministry Teams