How does leadership work?

How do you run a church like seetal chile is? How much democracy is needed? How much power does the church leadership have to act? What does the Bible say about these questions?

This much should be anticipated: The Bible says very little about the decision-making processes in a church. When I read the Pastoral Epistles (Timothy and Titus) and Acts 20, I find that elders were appointed by the laying on of hands and given a lot of authority. Therefore, it was important that such leaders had grown in character and proven themselves in life. This ensured that they made decisions not out of self-interest but out of listening to God's voice for the good of the church.

In the 21st century, we live in a country with a democracy that is second to none. This has a great influence on our state of mind. We want to have our say and do not like to submit when others have decided. Last year, we often had to react very quickly to changing situations and made decisions (e.g. livestream) that we were convinced were right. As a result of such actions, we hear from time to time: They do what they want anyway. Personally, such statements make me think and worry. If we want to be positive and constructive with each other, there is a challenge for all of us:

For the leadership: We must not under any circumstances do what is we want, but what God wants! Our focus must not be on self-interest, but on what is best for the development of the community. Whenever possible, we involve the community in our decision-making processes and communicate early and clearly.

For the congregation: Put your trust in us and submit what is good to us! If for some reason you cannot, come to us so that we can learn and rectify the situation. Do not keep your reservations or frustration in your heart and do not seek allies.

We are "Church of God, which he acquired through his own blood"(Acts 20:28). What dignity, what honour! It draws us into the responsibility to act in a Jesus-like way.