Inefficiently Effective: The Practice of Plurality in Church Leadership

Written by Joe Keller | Executive Pastor

Plurality is a term that describes the intentional leadership structure modeled by the New Testament church that removes the decision-making, authority away from one head leader towards a team approach (Acts 11:3; 14:23; 15:2; 20:17). This team leadership design recognizes that it is Jesus Christ alone who is the head of the Church and all efforts to bring guidance to the local church is only administered under his authority (I Thes. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:7) and should be shared among a collective whole. The leadership team is comprised of elders who are qualified and appointed to serve in this unique and meaningful role (Titus 1:5-9; I Tim. 3:1-7; I Pet. 5:1-4). Therefore, the elder team at Grace Baptist Church is comprised of such men who provide oversight and direction to the shepherding efforts that make and multiply Christ-followers who magnify the glory of God.

Plurality Has Purpose

The commitment to give oversight to the shepherding efforts of the local church as a team has intentional design.

Diversity of Gifts (Rom. 12:4-6; I Cor. 12:1-31)

A plurality of leadership models the diversity of the people of God. There is a range of age, ethnicity, vocation, life and ministry experience that brings to the table a wide variety of perspective and insights. This display of giftedness enriches the decision-making process that can benefit from experience and expertise when giving oversight to the work of the church.

Depth of Counsel (Prov. 11:14; 15:22)

A plurality also benefits from the depth of counsel that collectively seeks to apply biblical wisdom to every ministry effort. The wisdom on display in an elder team room is the result of a group of men seeking to apply the word of God to every season and detail of life. This kind of counsel could not be derived from only one man. Only when there is a team united under biblical truth could they apply counsel and direction to the depth that is needed for all occasions.

Devoted in Heart (Acts 6:4; Eph 4:1-3)

A plurality is not combined by simply putting individuals in a room. There needs to be a unity of heart towards the same goal of stewarding the oversight of the mission of the church into the details of life in the local church. This devotion that is individually convicted and corporately expressed drives the team to collective action. The devotion is not to an organization or corporate ideal, but rather it is found singularly in the commitment to the word of God and prayer. It is the unity and devotion to Christ and faithful care of his people that binds a plurality together.

Plurality is Innefficient

Developing and advancing a team mindset is not mechanical, but rather it is organic. This process takes time and patience to navigate through a journey that develops the individual as well as the whole.

Building Trust (I Thess. 5:11; I Cor. 13:7)

The team works diligently to build trust among the members. To understand and recognize each individual and to respectfully partner alongside them is built on a mutual trust that each one is committed to the whole. This effort takes time and intentionality. This effort takes an interpersonal commitment to rely upon the word of God and prayer to shape a collective consciousness. This effort is a foundational pathway to true plurality. Trusting the perspective and input of one another is not only compelled by the interest in the ministry effort but in everyone as well. Trust is established when the men around the table truly believe and have experienced that the commitment, they share for the ministry is equally applied to each other individually.

Practicing Humility (Phil. 2:1-10; II Cor. 5:14-15)

For a team to function as a whole, there needs to be an active pursuit of humility. Personal agendas and hobbyhorses have no place when working together towards a collective shepherding effort. The goal is to seek biblical wisdom and care that promotes flourishing and unity in the church. This effective result cannot be accomplished by men who are seeking their own needs above others. The humility to address shortcomings in perspective, being open to reason, and a lifestyle of repentance gives freedom for the team to lean in on issues and each other as they strive for devotion of heart. This gives the context to seek the opportunity for God’s work to be on display and not to simply solve problems. Plurality promotes the process of shepherding together over validating personal opinions.

Pursuing Care (Col. 3:12-17; Heb. 3:13)

Plurality is highly relational. The commitment to leading together in shepherding oversight of the church means knowing and being known by those whom you are walking alongside. Understanding and to appreciating each other is accomplished through mutual interest and care. It is the person not the position that makes a good team member. The development of a team can only go as fast as the speed of mutual care and conversation. This gives the opportunity for each member of the team not only to contribute, but to grow. The process of shepherding together develops the individual as well as the whole. Both encouragement and admonishment are necessary to develop holistically as the team strives together to model Christlikeness. The elders are to model, as a team, how they want the congregation as a whole to experience and to advance. This means good and hard conversations are needed to ensure that the qualifications that appointed them to a seat at the table are being nourished and developed as together the team matures into the likeness of the Savior they represent to the church.

Plurality is Effective

Fulfilling the missional goal of the local church is more valuable than the half promises of efficiencies. The pursuit of plurality has some visible outcomes that validate the effort. 

Responsibility (I Pet. 5:1-4; I Cor. 4:2)

Plurality ensures that no one person dominates decision-making, and that the responsibility of shepherding oversight is shared among a group of biblically qualified and called men. This can lead to a more balanced approach to ministry, with different perspectives and gifts contributing to the process. This creates a shared burden is able to be steadfast and persevere through seasons of care that is beyond the oversight of just one individual. Together the team seeks to be faithful in stewarding the hearts of the people under their care entrusted by God himself.

Accountability (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17)

Plurality provides mutual accountability, ensuring that no individual has unchecked authority or power and that all are personally submissive to the revelation of God as applied to the people of God. This can prevent abuses of power and promote a servant leadership mindset that seeks to care for people in different stages and areas of life that would be prohibited by unruly personal preferences.

Continuity (II Tim. 2:2; Heb. 13:7;)

Plurality can also ensure continuity in leadership, as there are multiple leaders in place to carry on the work of the church if one leader is unable to continue to fulfill his responsibilities. The unity of mind and the essential qualifications of those who serve in this role allow for different individuals from one generation to the next to prohibit missional drift. The essential core of plurality is the unified heart that seeks to promote biblical truth that is timeless to the different challenges and opportunities that each season brings.

Relationships grow over time. Seeking biblical wisdom takes patience. Affirming giftedness different than your own is cumbersome. Crafting pathways of care for those in crisis takes effort. Collaboration towards a unified biblically informed voice and direction involves reflection and prayer. To the outside world, plurality seems like a waste of time. However, the result of a pursuit of plurality brings about a biblical wisdom that could not have been achieved by a single individual, and the vast influence needed to shepherd the people of God could not be directed by personalities alone. A church leadership committed to plurality is inefficient for sure, but in the end it is highly effective in what truly matters most — making and multiplying Christ-followers who magnify the glory of God. That mission is worth pursuing no matter how inefficient that journey might be.