Yesterday one of my fellow elders who served for over 32 years in our assembly stepped back from the elders group. He will be missed to say the least.

While we haven’t always agreed on every decision since I joined the elders over 6 years ago, we have never had angry or bitter words against each other (or in the elder’s group). I wouldn’t have wanted our leadership without him.

Here are 5 reasons a group of leaders is so important to the growth of a local church.

1. Teamwork guards against extreme views

The danger of a one-man leadership model is that it can lend to an extreme view if that leader goes down a dangerous path. With multiple leaders involved this is less likely.

In my own eldership group we have had various views on different subjects but when we work together the final result is a balanced approach.

2. Teamwork uses multiple gifts

No person can do everything. I sure know the weight of my weaknesses. If I was to lead alone it would be disastrous because the Holy Spirit hasn’t gifted me in every area of ministry.

Multiple gifts, talents and skills can be brought into leading the church when there is a group of men. Even then, we still need the whole church functioning in order to meet all the needs of the church.

3. Teamwork keeps the church on track

Burn out is real. It is happening every day in churches. My wife and I recently took a couple of months off of ministry to refresh. I didn’t realize how close to burn out I had come.

The beauty is that while I was taking a break, my fellow elders were there to keep things going in full motion. Having a group of elders ensures that tasks can stay on course.

4. Teamwork brings creativity

I have enjoyed the input and initiative of my fellow elders. When we have come to the table with ideas and options we end up with a better solution than if only one of us had made the decision.

By pooling our resources, wisdom and direction from the Lord we can work through issues more effectively than one person ever could.

5. Teamwork builds trust

There have been times when the elders have gone before the church with a decision that was difficult for some to hear. The value of a group of elders is that when all of us agree it adds credibility.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “… But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

There are many more advantages to a group of elders over one man leading a church. What are some other ways you have found to be true in this area?

Crawford Paul

Crawford is an elder at Rolling Meadows Bible Chapel in Ontario and has a passion for the assemblies. He and his wife Beth serve in various ways within the assembly to build up and encourage the believers. He is president of Legacy Ministries Canada, an organization focused on helping individual Christians, local churches and Christian organizations with financial, legal and governance matters. Check it out at legacycanada.org

Taken from AssemblyHub.com