Calvary Chapel churches are well known for verse-by-verse expository Bible teaching. This is a major distinctive of ours - we place high value on the Word of God. Another distinctive is that each Calvary Chapel is autonomous and “pastor led”. On one hand, there is great value in what we affectionately refer to as the “Moses Model”. Pastors are free to be Spirit led without having to be subject to ruling officers or a church appointed committee, which is often the case in denominational settings.
The Moses model serves well for pastors who hold themselves accountable, but what about those that don’t? This is the question raised by critics of pastor-led churches, and their concern is valid. It should also be said that alternate forms of church government aren’t without flaws either because they all involve imperfect people. This includes pastors. As imperfect people, we need accountability like everybody else, perhaps even more so! Not only do we benefit, our congregations fare a whole lot better.
Accountability is what keeps the Moses model of leadership from becoming like an Egyptian pyramid, where everybody has someone to answer to except the person on the upper level. This would be better described as a Pharaoh model. The Moses model can only work if the fellow on top has people keeping him in check.
Some pastors under the Moses model look to the church board for accountability. This can work if the board meets regularly, but from what I’ve observed that’s not always the case. It also needs to be said that church boards are found nowhere in scripture. They are mandated by the state for all tax-exempt, non-profit corporations. Most states only require boards to meet annually. Furthermore, boards often consist of non-church members appointed by the pastor, usually peers. This is fine for legal purposes, but it’s not adequate for keeping pastors spiritually accountable. The board’s primary job is to ensure that the “corporation” is operating by its bylaws.
Moreover, board terms for officers are often limited to one year. This is done to protect the pastor (who also chairs the board). It’s completely up to him to nominate someone for reelection. He can always opt not to. This is all well and fine if the primary role of the board is to satisfy its state-mandated purpose of keeping things legally tidy. But as far as accountability is concerned, it’s hardly enough. The board only steps in if the pastor violates the bylaws by doing something illegal, immoral or unbiblical.
This was the standard passed down to me early on in ministry under the Moses model - So long as the pastor hasn’t done anything illegal, unethical or unbiblical, support him. To a large degree, this makes perfect sense. Oftentimes pastors make hard decisions that aren’t always popular. It’s not uncommon for some folks to feel their way is better. But they don’t have to deal with the fallout when decisions are left to them. Ultimately, the pastor does. So, it only seems right that he has the final say. It also makes sense that his leaders support him in such instances. But should pastors be supported in every instance, even if it means going against one’s conscience?
The “support the pastor no matter what” philosophy isn’t the best answer in every given situation. The reality is, there are multiple things a pastor can do to upset, hurt or divide a church that may not rank as an impeachable offense. And frankly, no one is above making bad calls on occasion. When such is the case, we need voices of reason, not a choir singing, “He hasn’t done anything illegal, unethical or unbiblical. Hoorah! Hoorah!” This type of support doesn’t help a church or its pastor. It only perpetuates a Pharaoh style of ministry and cripples the Moses model.
Moses was not perfect by any means, but he understood his calling to leadership. The model he offers is one we can truly learn from, especially those of us in ministry. Moses spent a great deal of time communing with God as if they were best of friends. He looked to God for help in leading His people. The prayer he prayed in his ‘Tabernacle of Meeting’ says it all:
“See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”
(Exodus 33:12-13)
This is where accountability begins. We must seek God and seek to know His way. For those in ministry, we must also recognize that the people God brings are not ours, they are His. The Lord uses others to remind us of that. Therefore, we need accountability partners who aren’t afraid to speak up. Might we also create a safe and friendly environment where staff leaders and elders are welcome to share concerns they might have. We must also reconsider decisions or behaviors that cause upset to the church. May we always welcome sound counsel from others. Let us permit well-meaning saints to chase out the inner Pharaoh that they might see Jesus.
