Dear Sir,
The emphasis on leadership in the last edition is much needed, especially John Benton’s ‘Comment’. Dare one ask what the training colleges are doing to prepare pastors for the ‘people management’ aspect of leading a church? Has an emphasis on preaching caused this important practical issue to be neglected? Much could perhaps be learned through some role-playing exercises where trainees are put in the roles of badly-treated members. What about weekend courses for elders? An underlying problem is that poor management practices used in business can be carried across into churches because the elders concerned know nothing better. Is there a role for a code of practice between elders and members where expectations on both sides are explained clearly?
In addition to the problems of pride and fearing to admit to making a mistake, some elders believe they have a right to dictate to the members and that members are obliged to support what the elders decide provided that it does not go directly against Scripture. The potential for harm can be compounded by the view that members may not discuss church matters amongst themselves (dangerous gossip) but only with the elders and that all church matters are confidential. This is a recipe for major problems, cover-ups, and suppression of discussion in a climate of fear, as we know has occurred, thankfully not at the church that we attend.
