5.1 Governance Structure of ACOP

[Chris]

I think some church leaders are reticent to make changes to the governance structure of the local church because people, by and large, are creatures of habit and tend to not cope well with change. A Pastor might see the need for change, but at the same time may not want to rock the boat. Some might suggest that if something has worked for decades, then why change it. I suppose one question to ask would be if it has worked WELL for decades, or more importantly, is it working well NOW?

[Nate]

Part of the reason that people are worried about changing structures is the potential backlash they may face. Whenever there is major change there are going to be people who don’t like it for one reason or another.

Another reason is that it takes a lot of work to change policy. It can be long, strenuous work that requires careful wording, lots of thought, and sometimes professional help from lawyers or other sources.

Leadership is always a tricky thing that we do have a responsibility to be careful with, but that doesn’t mean that we need to be made slaves to it!

[Allan]

We should always be moving forward as thing change. Message stays the same, systems and processes change as growth occurs

[Caleb]

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.