In the New Testament, it was common for churches to have multiple elders leading together. Our strong belief, supported by evidence, is that an elder-led model of church governance aligns most closely with the biblical pattern.
Having multiple elders leading a congregation is not only biblical but also practical. Their shared leadership brings a wealth of perspectives, wisdom, and accountability. According to the Bible, elders are primarily responsible for leading and overseeing the church. It is not about one person taking charge, but a team working together.
While many churches have had a single pastor in the past century, the norm in the New Testament seems to be a plurality of elders. Numerous biblical references, such as Acts 14:23, 15:22-23, 20:17, 1 Peter 5:1, and James 5:14, instruct the appointment of multiple elders in each local church.
At MPFBC we have operated under a Management Team model for many years. However, I want to honestly share a few reasons why transitioning to an elder-led model is a better approach for us in the future.
· The New Testament consistently portrays the leadership of the church as a group of elders.
· It provides a balance of individual strengths and weaknesses.
· It ensures accountability for staff, leadership, and the church as a whole.
· It provides long term and consistent leadership for the church.
· It provides biblically qualified men to lead the church.
· It promotes service and leadership development within the church.
While one person may be called as the lead pastor, they are considered “first among equals” as a member of the Elder Board. This means they may have more responsibilities, but they do not possess more authority than their fellow elders. The pastor in this position submits to and affirms the leadership of their fellow elders in the church, recognizing their equal value and authority.
Elders, affirmed by the congregation, may have careers outside the church but willingly make sacrifices to take on these responsibilities. They pray for the church and its members, engage in discussions about pastoral and ministry issues, and make decisions about the church’s direction.
As the culture continues to change in the coming years, the collective wisdom of a team of elders will greatly benefit our church as we strive to connect people to God’s story. We believe that an elder-led model of church governance is not only biblically sound but also provides a strong foundation for the growth and health of our church community. So, while the transition may require some adjustment, we are confident that it will lead us to a more effective and faithful expression of God’s kingdom on earth. Our goal is to honor God and serve His people through this model of church governance, and we are excited to see how He will continue to work in and through our leadership team. Let us continue to pray for unity, wisdom, and grace as we move forward together in this exciting new chapter for MPFBC.
Keith Savage 