I’m looking for counsel from those who have experience in church reform, polity, and difficult leadership transitions. I currently serve as one of two elders in a small church of about 50 (24 are members). The church has historically come from a Pentecostal background, but over the last several years there has been a move toward Reformed theology. We have adopted the 1689 London Baptist Confession, and there has been some encouraging doctrinal growth among the people. I have been part of the church for five years and have come to deeply love the members and desire to see the church established on a healthier biblical foundation.
The pastor has served there for roughly 25 years and was formally trained in the Pentecostal tradition. He was in transition to a Reformed understanding of when we started attending. Along with a part-time secretary, he is the only paid staff member. Under the existing constitution, he holds full authority in the church. There has been no meaningful congregational voting structure, and in practice the elders are not consulted on most decisions. Though there are two elders, shared oversight has largely not been functioning. As conversations have begun about rewriting the constitution and bylaws, I had hoped this would be an opportunity to bring the church into a more biblical model of plurality of elders, accountability, and appropriate congregational involvement.
Instead, there has been resistance to changes that would distribute authority among the elders and members. It appears there is reluctance to move away from a pastor-centered structure, and outside individuals are being consulted while the elder board is not meaningfully included in most issues. And unfortunately the other elder is long term and hasn’t/doesn’t seem concerned. My concern is not merely procedural, but whether pride, control, and long-established habits are hindering genuine reform.
I do not want to be reactionary or divisive. My desire is not to leave, but to help resolve this wisely and faithfully if possible. I care for these people and would like to labor patiently for real change rather than walk away too quickly. At the same time, I also do not want to enable an unhealthy leadership structure or remain silent where biblical accountability is needed.
How would seasoned brothers advise proceeding in a case like this? How do you balance patience with firmness in a church where reformation has stagnated? At what point should an elder press the issue publicly before the membership, seek outside mediation, or conclude that change is being intentionally resisted? Any counsel, Scripture, or resources would be appreciated.