You Get What You Inspect, Not What You Expect
Often, because of a Pastor’s Shepherd’s heart, he or she allows things to transpire that probably should not be tolerated. We sometimes give access to those whom have not earned it; we accept excuses for inappropriate behavior; we place people into positions for which they are not qualified; etc. and then wonder why our Church is in the shape she is.
Pastors carry a dual role. They are Shepherds and must watch for the souls of their members (Heb. 13), but they are also Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Most do not have a problem with the Shepherd responsibility, but some struggle with the CEO job description because they do not want the responsibility or they Pastor a board/congregational ruled Church. Regardless of the reasoning, if the Pastor wants his House of Worship to be in order with God’s dictates, he or she must assume responsibility for day-to-day Church operations.
Be Careful with Blatant Delegation
One day I was assessing a struggling Pastor’s dilemma. He was an anointed speaker and an overall great guy. However, while reviewing his operation I discovered that he had people in positions of which they should not have been, and did not require accountability from them. When I pressed him on the issue, he provided several excuses. He said that he trusted them to do what he asked because they were Church members, and since they were Christians they knew the importance of representing God in completion of their duties. Another excuse was that when he did check on their progress, they became offended as if he did not trust them to complete the task properly.
It did not take long to discover the problem with his Church. He had accepted his role as a Shepherd, but neglected his role as CEO. There are a couple of problems with his reasoning. First, just because someone is a Christian does not mean they are capable or in some cases trustworthy. The second problem with his argument is him not wanting to offend someone by checking on the status of what he had requested of them.
I have discovered that those who oppose inspection of what they have been assigned usually have a self-esteem problem or they have something to hide.
Some Use Their Office as A Stepping Stone for Their Own Agenda
I had a friend whose Church was constantly experiencing Church splits. The Pastor was a great lady, but she did not properly vet those to whom she gave responsibility. Pastors would be wise to remember that just because someone can do something well does not mean they should be allowed to do it. The Apostle Paul instructed us that we are to know those that labor among us (1 Thess. 5:12). This Pastor was too easily swayed by enticing words.
Those whom she trusted and placed in positions were using the access they were granted to promote their own agenda. She wanted “to get everyone” involved in ministry. Her visitor and new members Pastor was using that platform to gather a congregation for himself. The Minister of Music used his platform to form his own band and studio at Church expense. In 1Timothy 5:22 Paul instructed Timothy to lay hands on, (approve for ministry) no one suddenly (rapidly, quickly, or after a brief acquaintance).
It takes at least nine months to a year to properly vet someone for a Church position. The Pastor and Leaders need to cautiously observe every action from the individual in the Church setting and obtain proper references from others of whom he or she has served in ministry. Shy away from “fast burners”—those who become members and quickly seek any leadership position.
The Pastor should not place in any position those who are engaged in any potential conflict of interest with a position they seek. Not every member will have the Church or Pastor’s vision at heart—they will instead have their own agenda.
How We Can Help
Chitwood & Chitwood has been the Leader in the Church Management industry for more than 78 years. We know what others do not. Our expertise can help ease the burden of day-to-day Church operations
Contact us today at www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076 to attend a Church Management Seminar nearest you. You will be glad you did.
