Click here to read a conversation introducing this section
Paul Mentor: Tim, as we begin, let me ask you a basic question: “Why do you want to implement biblical (BE) eldership in your church?”

Tim Member: Well, because it is biblical. I thought we already talked about that.

Paul: I know, but we want to explore your motives—maybe ones below the surface. These can affect your efforts in trying to implement BE in your church.

Tim: Well, I just want to do what the Scripture says. A friend of mine says their church has implemented BE and things seem to be going better there than at my church. Is that what you mean, I’m motivated because I know of someone else that has biblical eldership working well?

Paul: Well, yes, that is what I am getting at. The temptation can be to just imitate what someone else has done. But, there can be other motives that affect things.

Tim: Well, I’m ready to explore anything that can help me make this happen.


First Thoughts

Your motives will color your efforts in convincing others, especially the pastor and the board members, about the importance of BE.

Motivations vary considerably, and may include:

  • A genuine conviction from the Spirit of God
  • A desire to resolve power struggles
  • A superficial interest in imitating another church
  • Conflict with the pastor or with the board
  • Feeling slighted for not being included in a leadership role
  • The perception that the pastor and/or the board are ineffective or lacking in some way
  • The presence of a “Diotrephes” (that is, a domineering individual)
  • Lack of confidence for the leadership

All of these things affect how you approach the church with the goal of leadership change.

Honestly Evaluate Your Motivation

It is critical that your motivation is based on a clear and convincing understanding of BE  (see “What is Biblical Eldership?).” BE is not just an optional or even a preferable kind of leadership in the church. As the term indicates, it is biblically based and reflects God’s teaching for leadership in the local church. Regardless of whether it proves to be strategically better than other forms of church government (and we think it is), this is the pattern taught by the Word of God. Obedience to him is foundational to everything else in this transition.

The Member’s Motivation Worksheet will help you work through the interplay of motivations you are likely experiencing. Download it and consider it deeply and prayerfully. Ask your spouse or a close friend for feedback on your answers. Ask God to reveal “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). If there are any conflict issues or tensions involving others in leadership roles, address them before moving on in the process. We cannot stress this enough.

If there are any conflict issues or tensions involving anyone in a leadership role, address these before moving on in the process. We cannot stress this enough.

Modify Your Motivation

If your motivation needs modification, we suggest the following:

  1. Be committed to unity from the outset. Change of this magnitude can inadvertently cause disunity and division if not handled properly or without pure motivation.
  2. Confess any sin uncovered: pride, over-sensitivity, fear, people-pleaser attitudes, envy, etc.
  3. Ask the Lord to help you, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind …” (Rom. 12:2) as you take, “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5b). Clear focus on the glory of the Lord and the love of his people must be the core of your motivation.
  4. Ask for wisdom in dealing with any conflict (open or subtle) with the current leadership. This must be addressed in a biblical manner, or your efforts will be interpreted as a power grab in the struggle of leadership. We recommend these excellent resources for working through conflict:

What’s Next?

Once you have completed the motivation worksheet, it’s time to move ahead to the “Member’s Preparation” step (or click on the menu). This will help you get spiritually ready for the task in front of you.