Jesus said that church leaders have the same authority as children and slaves (those with the least authority in Roman society). He drove this truth home by washing the disciples’ feet. Jesus even promised, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” What does this tell us about a church leader’s management style, and about decision-making in church?
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A major component of Jesus’ leadership strategy was for church leaders to serve the church by taking the time to build congregational consensus. This is very doable in a smaller congregation, but nearly impossible in larger churches. The mind of Christ is more likely to be found when the leaders guide the whole congregation to wrestle corporately with major decisions. Church members are encouraged when they realize that everyone’s suggestions are respectfully weighed in accordance with Scripture. Unity is strengthened, and the church can more easily be guided by the Spirit. In this process, the role of the leadership includes helping to build consensus by teaching what Scripture says on an issue, having private conversations with church members about decisions, appealing to those who differ, and, after much persuasion, calling on any dissenting minority to yield to the leadership and the rest of the congregation. Adopting Jesus’ example can make the church’s decision-making process both unifying and edifying for the whole congregation.