Ridgell's Originals

I talked last time about the need to agree on core beliefs.  I believe these to be the things that are essential and cannot be compromised.  I am not attempting to outline core beliefs here.  I have written on that in the past.  But I do think every church should have a clear understanding of what their core beliefs are.  It is good for new Christians, visitors, and potential staff members to know.  Core beliefs:  those things which cannot be changed and still please God.

But there are many things that are very important to each of us -- even if they are not core.  Just to share a few examples, churches must decide what the role of women is in worship, they must decide of worship styles and expression, they must decide on the role of ministry staff, and they must decide on any number of doctrinal issues.  These may not be matters of salvation, or what I would say is core.  But they are important and most of them have basis in Scripture.

But everyone does not see these issues the same way.  So what do you do when the leadership cannot agree on these issues.

First, let me beg elders and preachers to study these issues periodically.  Do not be afraid to look at any "sacred cows".  An leadership that will not study and pray over hard topics is not going to lead a healthy church.  And please share/lead your church thru studies like this.

Then make decisions about what is appropriate for your church.  And understand that everyone does not have to agree with your decision.  But they do have to submit to it.  But what happens when the leadership cannot agree on these important issues -- especially what happens when the preacher and elders do not agree.

For the preacher, what do you do when the elders decide something on one of these issues that you do not agree with?  If your leadership has not studied it, ask if they will do so.  If they refuse, I would look for another church to serve.  Not because of the decision, but because they will not study it.

Assuming they have -- or they do -- and you still do not agree, then you have to decide how important it is to you.  Can you affirm the decision and explain it from the pulpit?  If not, then what should you do?  Do you refuse to submit to the elders?  Then the elders should fire you.  Not because you do not agree, but because you will not submit.  Or you can resign.  You should be clear with the elders that you respect them but you feel so strongly on the issue that you need to go somewhere else.

But here is what you cannot do.  Divide, destroy, split the church.  Some of these issues may be difficult to come to agreement on ... but I know one this is clear:  God hates division.

So do not stay and lobby against the elders.  Some would argue that they should stay and work to convince the elders and congregation to change so they agree with the way you see it.  That will take years and require a lot of effort that could be spent on reaching lost people.

How important are they to you?  Worth rebelling against the elders, worth spending years trying to lobby and politic for change, worth leaving for somewhere more compatible with your beliefs, or worth staying and doing ministry in spite of it, or worth leaving for another ministry position?  You will to make the hard decision.

And elders, it is OK if you and your preacher do not agree on everything.  Study, pray, decide.  Trust your preacher to submit.

These are hard and difficult decisions.  For elders, because you want the best for your flock to be able to focus on Jesus and reach others.  For preachers, because this is your job you are talking about and moving on is difficult.  But so is staying somewhere that does not see important things the way you do.

So when you can't agree on things that are important (tho not core):

Study, pray, decide, submit.

Do not be divisive.

Love God, be faithful, wish each other well, and we can all talk about it later in heaven.