BASIC CHURCH LEADERSHIP INSTINCT

Marginal leadership neuters church ambition and potential when it is declared that we go by the Bible; yet truly monitor most closely the collection plate. It is not unusual that church doctrine is not first determined by biblical authority; but rather by the big givers who may opt to leave if not pleased.

This is nothing new.

It is a breath of fresh air for congregations who have elders which rise above such basic instincts. That's what happened at Memorial Drive years ago. Members talked of leaving if certain things were or weren't done. Often the elders cowered and this put the entire work at risk because the bank account was deemed our success rather than Father's provision.

But something happened and one day we found that the squawkers weren't going to intimidate the leadership any longer. Smiles broke out across the congregation and we haven't quit smiling. Our elders bravery rescued us from constant defeatism.

People are important. Understanding each is crucial. When elders refuse to be held hostage in their leadership as they will no longer listen to voices of threat, new church life is born.

Faith in God vs. faith in money is every bit a major issue for a congregation as it is for an individual. This is an important issue.....extremely so.

The war is over money or grace. Our money power or God's power via grace. Which? The bank account is not the first consideration...ever. It is God; His power, His talent, His invisible skill.

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

The basic instinct of church leadership is solidly squared upon one of these premises. The question is which one reigns where you serve?