In this episode of the Thriving Church Leadership podcast, host Joe Johnson interviews Brian Walker, president of the Grace Gospel Fellowship, to discuss the relationship between pastors and church boards. The conversation explores various board structures, their impact on pastor-board relationships, and strategies for building trust and effective communication.

Board Structures and Their Impact

There are many different models of board structures. However, there are two extremes that are commonly seen. They are:

Disengaged Council Model

In the disengaged council model, we commonly see issues like the following:

• A group of individuals who don’t consider themselves board members
• Confusing terminology, leading to less engagement
• Minimal involvement in elder or deacon-level ministry

Fully Engaged Elder Board Model

This model usually looks something like this:

• The entire board consists of elders
• No separate deacon ministry
• Volunteer positions handle stewardship, finances, and facility care
• Focus on spiritual leadership and pastoral care

Between these extremes, there are many variations, each arising from the church’s unique context, history, and current situation.

Pastor-Board Relationship Dynamics

The relationship between pastors and board members is heavily influenced by two things: The leadership style of the pastor, and the decision-making structure.

There’s a decision-making tool that can be helpful to boards in understanding where the focus of decision making lies. While some churches have the pastor as the sole decision-maker, others have boards as the primary decision-making entry.

Still others promote shared decision-making between pastor and board.

Each model presents its own challenges.

According to Bryan Walker, a balanced approach tends to be the best method. It can be helpful for churches to write flexibility into their bylaws to accommodate different leadership styles and allow for adjustments as needed.

Building Trust and Communication

Effective communication and trust-building are crucial for a healthy pastor-board relationship.

Trust should be earned, not assumed. It takes time and consistent actions to really build trust.

For many boards, it’s helpful to adapt to the pastor’s experience level. A lot of younger or less experienced pastors benefit greatly from boards providing guidance and oversight.

Another important part of building trust is regular communication. This can include open discussions about strengths, weaknesses, and expectations, as well as clear processes for decision-making and approval.

Board members have much spiritual wisdom and discernment, and it’s important that pastors recognize and appreciate this wisdom.

The “Can Vs. Should” Question

For board members, the focus shouldn’t simply be on what they “can” do, but rather what they “should” do. While it takes time, achieving unanimity in important decisions builds trust with the pastor.

And for pastors, interpreting board actions charitably is part of the gracious interactions that causes boards and pastors to work well together in harmony.

Practical Steps for Improvement

So how can pastor-board relationships improve? Here are a few very practical steps and considerations that can help pastors and boards work together graciously for the good of the church.

1. Review and Update Bylaws: Ensure they support the nature of your ministry and allow for flexibility.
2. Establish Clear Communication Channels: Regular meetings, open forums, and feedback mechanisms.
3. Implement a Mentoring System: Experienced board members can guide newer pastors in decision-making processes.
4. Conduct Regular Evaluations: Assess the effectiveness of current structures and make adjustments as needed.
5. Provide Leadership Training: Offer opportunities for both pastors and board members to develop their leadership skills.
6. Foster a Culture of Mutual Respect: Encourage appreciation for the diverse skills and perspectives each party brings to the table.
7. Practice Transparency: Share information openly to build trust and understanding.
8. Emphasize Spiritual Growth: Prioritize spiritual wisdom and discernment in all decision-making processes.

In all church leadership roles, it’s important to balance confidence and humility. It’s also important for pastors to realize that board members are a great source of wisdom, essential for both pastors’ and boards’ communal growth.

Implementing Practical Strategies to Bridge the Gap

By implementing these strategies, churches can work towards bridging the gap between pastors and boards, creating a more cohesive and effective leadership structure. This collaborative approach allows for the full utilization of each party’s strengths, ultimately benefiting the entire congregation and furthering the church’s mission.

The relationship between pastors and church boards is complex and multifaceted. By understanding different board structures, focusing on clear communication, building trust, and implementing practical steps for improvement, churches can create a more harmonious and effective leadership dynamic. This, in turn, will enable them to better serve their congregations and fulfill their spiritual mission.

Need help?

Grace Gospel Fellowship would love to partner with your church leadership as you grow together. We offer many different resources to help you thrive in your calling to shepherd the church. Reach out to us at info@ggfusa.org to get started!