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5.1 Governance Structure of ACOP
Structures and governance should always be our servants. In the context of the local church, the structure of the church should enable it to accomplish the mission of the church.
Many organizations and churches are hesitant to change their governance structure, even when it is not serving them well. Please discuss some of the reasons why churches leaders are reticent to make changes to the governance structure of a local church.
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12 Replies
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Hesitation of change could stem from the desire to trust the wisdom of the past. We want to learn from those before us, and perhaps there is a really good reason it is the way it is. I’ve been taught that whenever we want to change an organization, we should take the time to learn the story of WHY behind those original decisions. Then, we can keep the wisdom however we move forward.
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@Jenn this comment reminds me of a quote from G. K. Chesterton: “If a fence exists, there is likely a reason for it. It may be an illogical or inconsequential reason, but it is a reason nonetheless.”
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Old structures can be comfortable and feel safe. Fear of making a change and risking results that are damaging to the organization or church can also be immobilizing. Governance structural change is also hard work, requiring; prayer, planning, research and a commitment to unity. I can imagine that this could feel daunting.
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@smythc1 the challenge is real! It can be very hard to rock the boat when you are in leadership, and often ministry leaders want to maintain the status quo, as it is much easier than changing parts of the engine while the machine is operating.
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Most established churches have fear of change because they got caught up with “it was serving us well before” and many do not want to have the hassle of tailor fitting the structure in the contemporary context. It’s tedious and it takes time. Many don’t have the patience and time to make the necessary changes, so they stick to the status quo even though it doesn’t serve them well.
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I think there are many reasons church leaders are reticent to change governance structure, some reasonable and some maybe irrational, but reasons none the less. one primary reason could be the fear to upset others who are comfortable with how the body works for them. congregation members may feel that if something changes, it could change the way they are comfortable. Another reason could be the fear of not knowing how new structures or systems will work. Maybe this new idea has never been done before and its unpredictable. Or maybe it has been done, it was a total flop, and that’s why it isn’t being done today. In some cases maybe being reticent could be better described as a wisdom to aid in the decision making process, taking time to make sure a decision is best for the congregation and will work. Concern for the future is valid; however, other times it could be purely out of fear and that is completely irrational.
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