When was the last time you went to a church business meeting? We hold our annual budget forum at Tallowood this Sunday to talk about the budget for the next fiscal year beginning October 1. For most of my lifetime, Baptist churches have chosen a congregational polity. All members, led by the Holy Spirit, have a say in what happens in the church. Other denominations are named for their polity. Presbyterians are led by presbyters (the Greek word for elders), while Episcopal churches are led by a Bishop (from the Greek word episkopos which means to oversee or watch over). In recent years, the more presbyterian model of “elder-led” churches has re-emerged in our denomination. Some say the elder-led model is closer to scripture. What do you think?
In Paul’s last message to the Ephesian elders, he used the words pastor and overseer interchangeably. In other words, the elders of the church acted as overseers and shepherds of the church. So pastors function as elders and do the work of watching over the people of God. Over time, in different places, more hierarchical models developed. Still, when the early church made decisions like choosing seven to solve the food distribution crisis, the church selects the leaders (Acts 6:1-7). In Acts we see a synergistic relationship between leaders and members. These leaders serve as under shepherds for Jesus who bought the church with his own blood. No pastor died for the church, so no pastor owns the church. The church must never devolve into a “family business” for the pastor and his family.
Why do churches need pastors and leaders, anyway? Like sheep we need to be fed, led, and protected. You may remember a cartoon from the sixties and seventies in which a sheep dog and a wolf opposed each other as they did their jobs respectively attacking and protecting the sheep. Savage wolves still harm the people of God. Often, they arise from within, distorting the truth and drawing people away from God to themselves. Paul calls upon leaders to be alert. He had been their overseer for three years, but now, in his absence, they would have to watch over and protect the sheep.
Together we decide how to go forward with our budget this year. One of the deacons at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, my first pastorate, spoke reverently about “the Lord’s money.” The Lord’s people decide how to use the Lord’s money. Through committees, we make recommendations. The pastors work together with the committees. But the people decide on the budget through a forum and church-wide vote. Be sure to use your vote. In the church and in our country, you have a role to play as you steward your vote. Your ministers will continue to watch over and shepherd the sheep. It is our sacred honor.
