Reading: Applying Chapter 7

APPLYING CHAPTER 7 

1. In your setting, how much authority goes with the position of pastor? 

a. List the areas where the pastor has final decision-making authority. 

b. List the areas where the pastor’s decisions must be approved by another person or group. 

c. List the areas where a group or individual leader makes decisions but the pastor has oversight authority to change those decisions if necessary. 

d. List the areas where a group or leader may make decisions the pastor cannot change. 

e. Do you agree that these divisions of authority can be supported from the Bible? 

f. If you disagree, how strongly? What will you do about it, if anything? 

2. Name one change you would like to see in how your church does something. (For the purpose of this exercise, if there is no such real change, make up an imaginary one.) For each of the seven steps listed under “Making Changes,” write how you would apply that to this change. 

3. If you are part of a leadership team: 

a. Is everyone clear and agreed about who is responsible for what, and how decisions are made? 

b. Should anything be made more clear? 

4. Who can hold you accountable: 

a. For decisions you make about the church? 

b. For your theological opinions? 

c. For your personal life and morality?