::7 Things to Do When Elders Disagree::

Disagreements don't have to divide elders. A well-handled disagreement among elders can strengthen character and lead to wise, carefully thought-out decisions that honor the Lord. Here are seven things to do when your elder team finds itself in a disagreement.

1. Maintain godly character above all.

If you feel the need to speak strongly and unbendingly about an issue, discern your own heart—there are times to speak strongly and times to compromise (though never on doctrine). The biblical character qualifications for elders come into play precisely when we disagree: are you being prudent, not pugnacious, gentle, peaceable, not rebellious or self-willed, sensible, just, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word?

2. Pray.

Disunity and disharmony are at stake. The church is advancing into enemy territory, and he does not take defeat lying down. He is trying to shut the advance of the gospel into the world, his domain, and we need to engage in spiritual warfare: prayer. "A Christian camp I was associated with . . . was going through serious, heated discussions," Chuck Gianotti said. "Anger, division loomed. One young brother spoke up, 'Has anyone thought of praying together about this issue?' The whole room went silent. No one had thought of praying together, humbly before the Lord."

3. Be patient.

In contrast to a CEO-style of leadership, plurality involves shared responsibility and authority. The team of elders must move together. This takes time—some decisions cannot be made quickly—so be patient. But be careful not to turn the process into "rule by committee," which bogs down the group and prevents decisions from being made. Done well, plurality-based decision making enables elders to grow as a team, and God is glorified through wise decisions.

4. Make a policy

you can use the sample on the BER website as your model (https://www.biblicaleldership.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Decision.pdf). Most decisions pass on the basis of a consensus—a general agreement like the one described in Acts 15, when James, summarized what he sensed was the mind of the majority. Consensus may or may not involve a vote, but it always seeks the input and consent of all participants. Consensus is reached when one person senses a general agreement and proposes a decision that everyone is willing to accept. Then in some previously agreed-upon fashion, the statement is made that the decision is carried, and all elders agree to support it.

5. Wait.

When one elder (or a minority) has a strong objection, agree to table the decision for one month out of respect for the dissenting view. Pray together and separately for the next month to discern the Lord's will. He may be speaking through the dissenting elder, or the dissenting elder may need to get on board with what God is speaking through the majority. If the matter remains unresolved a month later, can the dissenting elder concede the decision and support the majority even though he personally disagrees, and commit not to work against the decision or against the other elders? If not, shelve the issue for three months.

6. Proceed with caution.

Decisions about serious doctrinal issues or core values should require at least a two-thirds majority—the more serious the change or decision, the greater number of elders must agree. If after several months there is still a dissenting minority, resignation may be necessary, but the dissenting elder must consider how important the issue is to him when his only options are to concede or remove himself. Resignation should never be done lightly or over some minor issue.

7. Let the majority rule.

While unanimity is ideal, it can inadvertently become a form of minority rule. If every elder has an absolute veto power, one elder could become the drag on the whole. Such a church will never accomplish much for God’s kingdom. We believe majority rule, with all elders pledging ahead of time to support the majority leading in all decisions, is the best way to accomplish God’s will.

Chuck Gianotti discusses these principles in detail in his Decision Making series on BiblicalEldership.com => https://www.biblicaleldership.com/effectiveness/elder-team/decision-making/