Leading Together: A Pastor and Layperson’s Reflections on Shared Congregational Work
By Rev. Jason D. Thompson, Ph. D. and Ms. Jahna Nicks
Congregational life often resembles a sitcom, complete with quirky characters, unexpected plot twists, and the occasional theological cliffhanger. At the heart of this divinely inspired “dramedy” lies the delicate dance between pastoral authority and congregational participation – a relationship that can be both harmonious and harrowing. As a pastor and a lay member serving different congregations, our unique perspectives naturally led us into a conversation about areas of similarity and differing viewpoints on authority and decision-making in congregational work. While our reflections are certainly applicable to local congregations, we also believe they are timely and undoubtedly relevant as our denomination prepares for another General Conference.
Pastors are frequently portrayed as either sage advisors or bumbling fools, depending on the episode of “this week in church antics.” Pastoral authority comes from their theological training, ordination, and the trust their congregation has placed in them (Willimon, 2002). This authority grants them a unique perspective on faith and morality, enabling them to offer counsel and direction. They are expected to deliver inspiring sermons and counsel and occasionally work miracles.
However, this authority does not entitle them to absolute rule. In many denominations, such as African Methodism, Congregational polity should resemble a democracy more than a dictatorship, with decisions often made through a blend of prayer, debate, and diplomacy. We pose a crucial query in this piece based on Jesus’ intention to form groups of leaders who would use collaborative leadership to advance the kingdom: How can clergy and lay foster this same spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility in our ministry contexts?
This shared governance model, as outlined in the Book of Acts and other New Testament texts, emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit guiding the church community as a whole. Pastors are not meant to be solitary decision-makers but facilitators of discernment and consensus-building. This theological foundation provides a framework for understanding the importance of pastoral leadership and congregational participation.
“In my experience,” Pastor Jason reflects, “the most effective ministry happens when pastors and congregants work together as partners, each contributing their unique gifts and perspectives. This doesn’t mean that there won’t be disagreements or challenges, but it does mean that we are committed to working through those challenges together, with mutual respect and shared commitment to the mission of the church.”
Ms. Nicks, speaking from her perspective as a lay leader, adds, “As congregants, we have a responsibility to not only share our ideas and concerns but also to support and encourage our pastors actively. At the same time, we need to recognize the unique burdens that clergy and lay carry and offer our prayers, encouragement, and grace in support of our collective partnership.”
This shared governance model, while biblically sound, is not without its challenges. It can lead to moments of both brilliance and bewilderment. On the one hand, it allows for diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective wisdom of a range of members within the local church. On the other hand, it can also devolve into a theological version of the syndicated television show “Survivor,” with alliances formed, egos bruised, and the occasional insider knowledge weaponized.
Undoubtedly, pastors and other clergy leaders must navigate the treacherous waters of committee meetings, church politics, and the occasional passive-aggressive comment. “But these challenges are not unique to the church,” notes Pastor Jason. “They are simply a reflection of the human condition. The key is to remember that we are all on the same team, working towards a common goal.”
Ms. Nicks asserts, “And that goal is not just to build a successful church, but to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. When we lose sight of that, we lose our way.”
The congregational journey is fraught with challenges and imperfections, but these experiences ultimately provide opportunities for growth and transformation. By embracing the messiness of shared leadership and remaining grounded in our theological foundation, we can create communities that are effective and faithful to the gospel’s mission, which we hold as a tenet of our faith tradition.
The following questions are meant to help clergy and laypeople think about authority and decision-making in their shared congregational work:
Reversal Thinking Question:
- If congregations had absolute authority over all decisions, with no pastoral leadership, what potential benefits and drawbacks could arise for the church’s mission and community life?
- If pastors were solely responsible for all decisions, with no congregational input, what potential benefits and drawbacks could arise for the church’s mission and community life?
Cause and Effect Exploration Question:
- What actions can both pastors and congregants take to foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility within the church? How might these actions lead to positive outcomes for both the individuals involved and the broader community we serve?
Personal Context Application Question:
- Reflecting on your own church experience, how does the dynamic between pastoral authority and congregational participation play out in your specific context? What steps can you personally take, whether as a pastor or a congregant, to promote a healthier and more collaborative dynamic?
Willimon, W. H. (2002). Pastor: The theology and practice of ordained ministry. Abingdon Press.
The Rev. Jason D. Thompson, Ph. D., is pastor of Sacramento’s Historic St. Andrews AME Church, the oldest black congregation on the Pacific Coast.
Ms. Jahna Nicks is Steward Pro-tem at Brookins AME Church in Oakland, California.
