Four Key Questions for Church Leaders

One of the most difficult things as a church leader is knowing the right questions to ask. I believe when we discover these four key questions, we will find it easier to make the right decisions for the future of the church.

#1: What is best for the church?
The number one question that church leaders must always ask is: What is best for the church? In fact, church leaders need to teach the members of the church to ask the same question.

Sadly, the fellowship of the church is often high jacked by the carnal consumerism of its members. This happens because too many of us have stopped asking this most important question: What is best for the church? The church is about Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, discipleship of believers, reaching of those without Christ, and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. The church is not about me and my personal needs. Nor is it about you and your personal needs.

At the next business conference in your church, point your people to this question: What is best for the church? At the next committee meeting where debate occurs, push pause. Call everyone to ask the question: What is best for the church? When there are many different opinions about the future of the church and what should be done, ask the people to answer the question: What is best for the church? If you are a pastor approached by a staff member or church leader about church matters, challenge them to ask this important question: What is best for the church?        

When we prioritize what is best for the Church of Jesus Christ, decision-making in the church will begin to make sense and operate in a more biblical order.

#2: What is best for the Office of the Pastor?
The second question we need to ask when faced with decision-making in the church is: What is best for the Office of the Pastor? There is a very concerted, constant effort by the enemy, Satan himself, to bring destruction to the Office of the Pastor, even bringing the termination of God-called pastors in service to their church. This is sad and wrong.

The American culture is constantly questioning their leaders. Sadly, it happens not only in politics, education, business, and athletics, but even in the church. From news talk shows and debates to blogs and social media, there is a growing, blatant attack on the leaders in our nation and world. Scripture does not applaud this conduct, but condemns it.

When churches or ministries are confused about the future, there must be enough spirituality present among people to ask these two questions, in this order:
 What is best for the church?
 What is best for the Office of the Pastor?

You see, if the Office of the Pastor becomes jeopardized in a local church, the entire church will be negatively affected. I have never seen a church that dishonors the Office of the Pastor go on to prosper over any length of time. In fact, I have seen those churches become shipwrecked. I appeal to you, always have your church at heart and then always lift up the Office of the Pastor. When you do, your church will become a recipient of God’s blessing and power.

#3: What is best for my ministry?
Many well-intentioned church members and staff members are most concerned about the ministries they are involved in personally or may even lead. If they are not careful, this will skew their decision-making and can even sour their attitudes.

Always start with asking: What is best for the church? Then follow that with: What is best for the Office of the Pastor? Then and only then, is it right to ask the question: What is best for my ministry?

From your perspective, it may make sense for the ministry you are involved in to receive greater support financially, have a different meeting space, or new equipment. However, this may not be best for the church. Remember, the pastor has to look at every ministry of the church, not just yours. Therefore, in reality, he may have to determine your request is not best for the church as a whole at this time. For the sake of what is best for the church, receive the decision. Trust the Lord. Leave it in His hands.

#4: What is best for me?
How many times do you say about church matters, “Well, this is what I think we need to do”? Or perhaps, “This is what will minister to me the most”? While this may be your feeling, it just may not be the will of God or the best thing for the church.

The greatest churches in the world are not the churches that cater to the needs of its people.
The greatest churches in the world are those committed to being a Jesus church above all else. One of the wonderful by-products of this is that the needs of people are met. Christ-likeness, not consumerism, moves decision-making.

Keep these questions in order
Keep these questions in your heart. Keep them before yourself and the members of your church. Refuse to let them get out of order for yourself, others, or your church.
What order do they go in? What is proper?

What is best for the church?
What is best for the Office of the Pastor?
What is best for my ministry?
What is best for me?

I hope you will have a great week in your church.