The Good and Bad of Church Staff Having their Own Constituencies

Members will inevitably attach themselves to certain leaders in the church. In multiple-staff churches, this attachment is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, you should expect church members to get close to some of the staff, especially if they serve in their ministries. On the other hand, these constituencies can become problematic when used as leverage to influence the direction of the church.

• • A constituency occurs when a group of people view the church staff member as their pastor, more so than the lead pastor.

• • The lead pastor cannot do everything and serve everyone. Staff constituencies are inevitable as churches grow.

• • Do not become jealous if these constituencies exist in your church!

• • These constituencies are positive when staff are serving and loving the people of the church as God designed.

• • These constituencies are negative when a staff person uses them as leverage for personal gain.

• • Never fight a constituency alone.

• • In some cases, constituencies become dangerous and have been used to get rid of the lead pastor.

• • You can keep these constituencies healthy by listening well and through periodic check-ups.

Resources:

• California Baptist University

• Upward Sports

• Brown Church Development Group

• The Hope Initiative

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