The biblical design for a church includes elders not only to minister to the body, but also to give good counsel to the pastor/minister. What happens when the senior pastor rejects the wisdom of the elders and sets forth church policy in opposition to that wisdom? What happens when the senior minister installs his son as the next in line to be senior pastor without consent of the elders or calling by the congregation? Is this not a red flag for those of us in the pews?
“The elders have prayed, met and discussed on several occasions your question and proposal for transition into the role of Senior Pastor.
The elders affirm your preaching, knowledge of the congregation, knowledge of church growth factors, evangelistic zeal, and your pastor’s heart. As an associate pastor in our congregation your contributions have been an important part of our continued growth and we affirm your contributions in these areas. All of the elders agree that we would like for you to continue as our Associate Pastor.
We all also agree that we are uncomfortable with a long transition plan . . .” (Taylor, Joy S., A View from the Pews — The Inside Story of a Broken Church, 2022, Lily of the Valley Publishing, Santa Claus IN, p. 18.)
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