How to Start a Pastor-Church Relations Team

Written by David Meacham

My former pastor, Joe Taylor, of South Reno Baptist Church, went through the Doctor of Ministry program at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He decided to adapt the concept of lay consultation committee he learned at Golden Gate into a permanent pastor-church relations committee.

This is an ad hoc committee personally selected by the pastor. The committee is made up of five persons who agree to serve for a one-year term. They have a lunch meeting with the pastor once a week. Joe keeps this committee at a low profile in the church by rarely mentioning its existence. His guidelines for selecting committee members include the following:

• They should be encouragers.
• They should be open and honest in their communication with the pastor.
• They should demonstrate mature Christianity in their daily living and service at the church.
• They should be “prayer warriors” who understand the importance of intercessory prayer.

Joe uses a standard agenda for the meetings with the committee. Three words form the basic outline used for their discussions.

The first word is “encourage.”
Every pastor needs “godly praise” and encouragement. He needs to know how his preaching and ministry are having a positive effect on his church members. The committee can share the good things they are hearing from their fellow-church members. The pastor needs to receive affirmation that he is operating from his strengths in ministry.

The second agenda word is “intercede.”
In describing prayer support, Joe Taylor uses the familiar illustration of Aaron and Hur holding up the arms of Moses. Joe says he needs prayer support in his roles as pastor, husband, and father. Intercessory prayer can also be an important factor in spiritual warfare in dealing with the fiery darts of Satan aimed at the pastor, his family, and the church.

The final word is “protect.”
Sometimes the committee must confront the pastor with criticism and complaints. One way to do this is by using the “sandwich method” which involves giving a compliment, then criticism followed by another compliment. Humor is another good tool to use when dealing with criticism. It’s healthy for a pastor to be able to laugh at himself. The pastor must be able to receive compliments as well as criticism in a constructive way. The pastor’s “honeymoon” at his new church probably will not last forever. However, the pastor-church relations committee can help the pastor enjoy a fulfilling ministry and a happier relationship with his church family.

---

David F. Meacham is Director of the Leavell Center for Evangelism and Church Health at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA. He is the former Executive Director/Treasurer, Nevada Baptist Convention, Reno, Nevada.

Adapted by Craig Webb from a previously published article. Used by permission.

Free 1-page PDF Download: Appendix 29 - The Pastor-Church Relations Committee (from the Pastor Search Committee Handbook).

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article