Politics vs. Structure

Most people absolutely HATE the idea of politics in the church, and for good reason. The seeking of power inside the body of believers is one of the most disgusting and repulsive activities that some people engage. However, structure is a necessary element of any group of people, and is often the predecessor to the power-grubbing process we call politics. Though the political agenda of some people is something to be guarded against, the structure of responsibility is necessary in order that all work not be done by one person as well as to ensure that all areas of ministry are adequately completed and attended to.

Even Moses and the Israelites were not above having a group of elders who divided the work in order that all may be ministered to. Exodus 18 indicates this type of systematic structure to deal with complaints and the judgments of arguments within the camp. For one person to attempt to coordinate the affairs and discrepancies of an entire people is ridiculous, therefore, partnerships with wise elders is necessary for the proper facilitation of these duties.

No matter what your denominational background may be or the structure that is set up in your church, it is necessary to know this structure and the people who work in it. It is also necessary to be an active member of this structure and to conduct yourself in a fashion that is above reproach.

Structure is not the enemy, nor is the passage of time when it is used to seek the wisdom of the scripture and the guidance of the spirit. The product of structured church work that must be avoided is stagnation and power. The Almighty is the only true judge, and is awesome and powerful. He, being without fault, will incite his people to good work as well as provide all power and energy necessary to accomplish this good work. Our groups of elders and pastors must work together to accomplish His work instead of our own. To know these people well, and work fervently with one another to accomplish the work of the Kingdom should be our goal as we find ourselves a part of the organizational structure of our church.

Know Your Church Leadership

Not only is it necessary to know the hierarchal structure that is expected at your church, which we will discuss in a future post, you must begin to interact with and get to know the individuals that help to lead your church. As a staff member or lay person, you will never be able to fulfill the role of the pastor’s office on your own, nor should you try. It is important that you begin to tighten the connective tissues between the leaders of your church. It is also impossible for you to create or strengthen the relationship between two other people, no matter how hard you try. You are only able to impact the relationships that you have with other people.

Invest in these people!

One of my foremost failures when dealing with the loss of a pastor has been the underdeveloped nature of my relationship with the other leaders of the church. It is difficult to begin to pick up reigns when other people are holding slack those tethers. When you as a leader have not introduced yourself as a person to whom the church can turn in times of trouble, when troubled times come, you may not be able to be viewed this way at all.

No matter what your relationship situation is when you lose a pastor, YOU must make it a priority to get to know these other families and leaders. Take them to dinner, invite them to your home, and don’t restrict your conversation to matters of the church. Invest in them as though there was no ulterior motive. Just as we discussed with the timeline, make sure you create relationships that will outlast the absence of the pastor.