What has been your biggest problem?
For some reason I get asked this question a lot from planters through e-mail, so I thought I would answer it here. First let me say, we have had VERY few problems from our people since starting RSC. Matter of fact, we have almost had no problems. I think this is because we are focused on unchurched people and they don’t know they are supposed to create problems.
I think the one thing we have been questioned on the most and even have had people decide RSC was not the place for them is over the issue of leadership. RSC is a staff-led church. I make no mistakes about that and that will not change. I do have a group of men in our church we call an advisory team and we meet once a month. They are simply a group of men in our church I met with once a month and keep them updated on staff, finances, big decisions, and I get their advice on different issues. I like to say they are guard rails, not guard dogs. I am not even sure the people in our church know who they are and there is no reason for them to know.
I find it amazing how quickly church planters give the power of thier vision away to a “board.” It is so important especially in the early days to be able to make decisions in a split second. There have been times where if I had to call a board meeting and get permission then we would have missed out.
Our staff are actually the people doing the work so I feel they are the best qualified to make the calls in their area of ministry. We know the people and the pulse of the church. People will very quickly try and get you to turn into their vision of what a church should be so it is important to keep the decision process in your hands.
Is there some danger in being staff led? Sure there is. If you get ego-driven people who won’t listen to advice, then there could be danger. There is also danger in being board led, elder led, or deacon led. I would rather take my chances on the people actually doing the work.
That said, I think a good leader will heed the advice of this mentors and leaders and make a decision not based on ego but on what is best for the church. Remember, God gave you as the planter the vision. I know other people say they have the vision but the bottom line is if RSC closes down, I am the one with my name on everything and I am the one taking the risk. The same is true for you in your plant.
I know there are a lot of different views on this and a lot of different examples of churches doing it in different ways. No matter what the method or what you call it, here is something I am confident about: No matter their structure, if they are a growing, healthy church, then the pastor and staff are free to lead it.