There is a pattern that is fairly regular in a church when a new pastor comes. This pattern is very rarely talked about but could be crucial in helping both pastors and congregrations navigate the natural tensions that arise over the first 5 years on ministry.

Leadership struggles are common in all churches. If you were to ask who is supposed to lead the church, you will get a lot of different answers. There are 3 main models for leadership in a church. Here is how they often lead to struggles. Is there a better model for how leadership should work in the local church?

How should church leadership be set up? The church often borrows from the business world or government. This often leads to power struggles and division in the church. Jesus showed us a better way while he was here on earth.

Why do we call the preacher pastor? Why do we call some people pastors but not others? Why do we seem to have so many fights over who can be a pastor and who can’t? We need a clear definition that helps us see the difference between the role and the gift. Additionally, maybe we need to use a different word to help clear un any misunderstandings.

Many of the fights and disagreements that happen in a church because people are acting more like owners than stewards. It becomes a question of who get’s their way instead of asking, “if this really belongs to Jesus, what does he want us to do?”