CHURCH CONSULTING

CHURCH CONSULTING

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HAVING PROBLEMS IN YOUR CHURCH?

Having problems in your church?
Our Firm deals with a vast majority of non-profit proceedings.

Mergers: In the last ten years, churches have been in decline—mergers have become necessary for congregations to avoid bankruptcy. Our Firm is well acquainted with the process of negotiation that is necessary to blend differing faiths together under one roof.

Constitution and Bylaws: The most important documents a church can have is a clear set of moral codes and guidelines that represent and protect the organization’s mission and vision. Our Firm can both provide such documentation or provide counsel that may help the board amend their existing Constitution and Bylaws.

Hiring and Firing: Bringing new people into a unified environment takes expertise and a high degree of discernment. Most pastors choose ambition over loyalty and find themselves having to deal with discord. Communicating with your staff and establishing a clear set of employee standards will protect the ministry. Moreover, if an employee needs to be released, having the best-written contract will help to avoid any adverse litigious action.

Staff Conflicts: In many ways, houses of worship function like a family. There are many ways to reduce conflict and manage staff in order to keep the pastor’s vision moving foreword without having to deal with friction or conflict. Communicating through staff meetings and personal meetings can help bridge the gap of misperception. Moreover, keeping several issues confidential, like salaries, bonuses, incentives, etc. can significantly decrease internal strife and competition. Our Firm will provide the wise steps necessary to make your work environment free of conflict.

Board Conflicts: Normally, each non-profit organization has a set of parameters determining the nomination, election, ratification, and term limits of each board member. Having the right people on the church’s board may be the most critical decision a pastor can make in protecting the church’s overall health. Board conflicts can usually be resolved; however, there are times when term limits can protect against an entitled or contentious board member that is set to cause division within the church—at this point, our Firm can help to both advise and mediate your conflict helping bring a resolution that can protect the well-being of your ministry. 

Membership Disputes: Ordinarily, the Constitution and Bylaws of a house of worship serve as an instrument to clearly define the behavior and expectation of membership. However, it’s common for a new member or a member who may feel their financial position should speak louder than a church’s membership requirements—this is where conflict can spread. Typically, if a member is disgruntled, he or she may seek to gather others to their cause. If they are successful, a church can experience a sudden exodus. Our Firm can help you to avoid the collateral damage that a disgruntled member can cause.

Denominational Investigations: Like any other institution, denominations can become political in nature. The following examples define how your denomination may treat you if internal conflict or allegations (either true or false) arise within your church.

1. Your state-appointed overseer will have a high interest in the pastor. If a stark allegation or conflict occurs, the overseer will seek to meet with the pastor immediately to conclude if there is any merit in what he’s been told before moving forward with an investigation. This is the scriptural model of how a denominational official should deal with conflict. Paul writes to Timothy and says, “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19, NASB). Often a disgruntled member or employee many bring a charge against a church or its pastor. A denomination whose leading official takes this position not only displays biblical integrity but foremost and clearly cares about the shepherd of the church—as he should.

2. Your state-appointed overseer will have a high interest in the congregation. For many reasons, officials can become tainted by church conflict and immediately take the side of the people and view the pastor as quickly dispensable—not showing care for the shepherd and siding with the sheep. 

3. Your state-appointed overseer will have a high interest in the assets of your ministry. Unfortunately, this has become all too common. You may be in a situation of a power-struggle whereby your state official cares the least about your pastor and the congregation—instead, he cares about the assets of your ministry intending to establish revenue and capital gain. 

Our Firm can help you sort out your solutions as they may apply the above scenarios. 
Internal Investigations: When a church or staff member is alleged of wrongdoing, the church has an obligation to address the matter(s) professionally. Choosing objective third-party professionals to conduct an internal investigation can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Our Firm can provide the wisdom necessary to take the appropriate steps and best resolve the conflict quickly.

Restrictive Covenants: Although widely used in secular employment, restrictive covenants don’t always guarantee full protection in court. However, our Firm can draft a restrictive covenant that is lengthy and fully developed by the scriptures. If a church has a restrictive covenant, it can significantly reduce any conflict of interest with its employees. The clauses found in our restrictive covenants prohibit any staff to abruptly leave and start a church with your people—except for a designated mile radius or the full agreement from either the board or congregation.

Policies and Procedures: Having a policy and procedure manual can safeguard your church in several ways. It will serve as a thorough guide to protect against small matters, such as tardiness, wedding costs, and facility rules. It can prevent embezzlement by administering strict procedures for counting and depositing money and check signing. When a church has a comprehensive policy and procedures manual, “the power of the policy” represents a neutral party, avoiding personal conflict with those who enforce it and upholding ethics and compliance.

Fund Raising: There are many critical components to raising money for ministry endeavors. If developed correctly, Capital Campaigns can evolve in phases and achieve set goals set out by a well-birthed vision. Our Firm has a great deal of experience in the development of fundraising.

Sabbaticals: Church Leader Magazine cites the Top 10 Reasons Pastors Quit. They state, “Pastors are put on a treadmill. They go from the ministry to a hospital visit to writing a sermon to meeting with congregation members. They just keep running until there’s no passion or energy left. They become exhausted and depleted.

Vacations and sabbaticals can provide perspective. Another key is empowering other leaders, so all the weight is not on the pastor’s shoulders.”

Ron is an ordained minister and is passionate about supporting pastors. He has served on a variety of Advisory Boards and makes himself available to consult with ministers of all faiths.

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References 


New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1995 by Lockman Foundation
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