Congregational Control is the Devil's Idea!

The elder lead model is certainly becoming more and more popular these days. It's hard to ignore the success of churches that use this model of leadership! I have to speak from the American Baptist prospective because that's where I've had the most experience. The typical Baptist model is a three part battle between: pastors, deacons, and congregations. Congregation control is usually the model that most will find. This of course, means that the "movers and shakers" in any given congregation have the control. I had a prof. in college that called them "Big Mamas" and "Mr. Money Bags." The sad thing about this is that those Big Mamas don't shoulder the responsibility for the church at all. They lead the mob, but for some reason are not viewed as a leader with responsibilities. Before leaving a church in Florida I had a conversation with a long time member (I was feeling brave because I was leaving). I was trying to convince him that the Pastor should have the lead in church not the congregation. He told me that: "The people need a vote!" It felt like I was talking to Ronald Reagen!
I have never been on staff or attended a congregatoin controlled church that I thought was healthy.
While I was on staff at that church in Florida the Pastor had an idea to start a fund raising campaign in order to pay off a building debt. We came up with a name and started talking it up. An additional desire was to show the people what a blessing it is to give, and thus motivate people to be better givers. All for the betterment of the church and Kingdom!
Well, you guessed it, "Mr. Money Bags" and his posse mounted an attack that lead to a big "Town meeting" that in turn led to throwing out the fund raising campaign. Crazy!

Even though most of the people in the congregation wanted to follow the Pastor they didn't have a voice-they were afraid! So many pastors in congregational controlled churches want to lead but can't! Sadly, they stand by this form of church government like it's the best thing for everyone! Congregation controlled churches are dead churches! I wouldn't step foot in one, even if it meant leaving the ministry!