Study Explores Effectiveness of Church Councils

This study, published in Christianity Today, addresses the effectiveness of church governing boards. It has some interesting findings.

Here are the highlights of the findings, but there is much more to gain from studying the entire document.

  • Board members were chosen by someone other than the lead pastor.

  • Policies were in place—and the board had the ability—to ask an underperforming staff member to resign.

  • The board was able to challenge and correct a lead pastor when necessary.

  • An active strategic planning process was in place.

  • Time and energy were devoted to assessing risks and opportunities.

  • The board guided the staff with strategic—but not tactical—input.

The study also found that governing boards are more effective when they have more power.

The study would be helpful in training board members.