3. The leaders chosen to call on the pastor will want to consider the following:

a. Each must have demonstrated faithfulness and loyalty to the Lord's church. If they haven't, nothing they say will carry weight with the pastor. I like to tell congregations that, "There is a way for you to oppose a program the pastor and deacons are bringing before the church and carry the day." That gets their attention. That way is for you, the individual member, to build a reputation as firmly in the pastor's corner, faithful to the Lord, always responsible, and forever positive. Then, when something comes up which you cannot accept and you stand to speak out, you should have their undivided attention.

b. Spend much time in prayer and even fasting, seeking the Father's hand to be with you in this and His will to be done. See Nehemiah 1 for how he waited on the Lord before approaching his king.

c. In meeting with the pastor, one member of the team is the spokesperson, but the others must speak out and take a stand. If they remain silent, a pastor intent on getting his way might assume the stronger member has intimidated the others. He needs to know where everyone stands.

d. If the pastor accepts the criticism and offers to make some changes, I suggest that the leadership team hear him out, then inform him that they would like to confer with one another and get back to him the next day. They should go ahead and make the appointment.

e. When the team meets in private, each one voices his/her concerns to see if a consensus is possible. If even one member of the team backs off, the others should also. Without unity among the lay leadership, the wheels can come off this train in a hurry. (Therefore, the leader would simply tell the pastor, "Our group cannot agree on what to do next. I would suggest, pastor, you proceed with the changes you mentioned last night during our visit").

f. If and when the pastor begins to do better, encourage him in private. Listen to other members to see if they are noticing the difference and if this is being well received. Let me say before ending this that nothing is more important than seeking God's will in prayer and obeying Him, no matter how unorthodox it seems or what counsel you receive to do otherwise. Every church situation is unique and therefore one size does not fit all. No one loves the church more than the Lord Himself.  Always bear in mind that according to Matthew 16:18, this is Jesus's church and He is in charge.  He is both Owner and Operator. The single most important prayer you will always want to offer to Him is, "Lord, what will you have us to do?"

Then, go do it.  He has never been wrong yet.

Dr. Joe McKeever writes from the vantage point of more than 60 years as a disciple of Jesus, more than 50 years preaching His gospel and more than 40 years of cartooning for every imaginable Christian publication.

For the original article, visit joemckeever.com.

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