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The Five Models of Church Governance (and How They Cope Under Pressure)

by Andrew Judd, , --, March 31, 2022

Description

This article educates congregations on the different models of church governance and how they function under stress. Andrew Judd believes that a thorough understanding of governance is essential for fostering accountability and effective leadership in churches. With practical insights, Judd shares strategies for addressing challenges and ensuring effective decision-making processes. By exploring these governance structures, this resource helps faith leaders evaluate their own governance models and adapt them for resilience.

Features

  • Examples of governance models
  • A list of strength and weaknesses for each model
  • Key questions for reflection and discussion
  • Links to additional resources for further exploration

Recommended Audience

Any congregational leader.

Cost

Free

Practical Applications

  • Organize a roundtable discussion with congregational leaders to brainstorm effective governance practices, guided by insights from the article.
  • Apply the key questions in the article as a framework for a governance assessment session, allowing for structured reflection on your current practices.
  • Create a strategic action plan that prioritizes areas for governance improvement, utilizing insights from the article as a foundation.

About the Contributor

Contributor
Matt Burke

Senior Director of Resource Consulting and Grants

Matt Burke is the senior director of resource consulting and grants for the Center for Congregations. Prior to this role, he also served as the director of the northeast Center for Congregations in Fort Wayne and the Center’s Education Director statewide. Matt has a background in classroom, digital and experiential education and most recently served as the associate director of Learning Science at Kaplan Test Prep. He is passionate about using education to develop deeper faith in congregational participants.

Matt earned a B.A. in Religion from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a Masters of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and his two sons, Silas and Levi. Matt also loves storytelling in films, books and music and finding the intersections of faith and popular culture.

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