When Moses’ father-in-law Jethro saw what Moses was doing for the people, he said, “Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?” Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Jethro said to Moses, “What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out. For the task is too heavy; you cannot do it alone. Exodus 18:14-18
Jethro’s leadership advice was meant to benefit both Moses and the Israelites. Jethro’s advice looks to Moses’ personal care and for the wellbeing of Israel. Jethro explains the steps and the qualifications for leaders. What I like about this model of leadership is how organic it is, the source of wisdom is shared, the Spirit does not just come to one person but to a gifted and diverse community of faith. Still, there is a need for a structure, accountability for all and transparency to the community.
Our governance at Bethany is similar; Session, Board of Managers, Board of Trustees and various committees that serve those bodies, widening our discernment process. The Executive Board is there to share information and act when no one Board bears responsibility. The last say belongs to a Congregational meeting, but that is for the truly consequential decisions. At Bethany we have been blessed with gifted leaders, each sharing during their terms of office unique skills and passions with our church.
People with minimal or recent experience of The United Church Manual are often surprised how little the Minister factors into the decision-making in the church. I don’t even have a vote! There is an “informal” role for the Minister in decision-making, most committees and boards want to know what the Minister thinks about various challenges. The final decision is always made by lay people. And I believe that is as it should be. Churches do not belong to the staff or the Minister. There is no way one person can or should be an arbiter of what God is calling for we 250+ households to do. More voices also leads to shared responsibility, for successes and setbacks.
Some have asked about the governance of our church as it relates to the reopening of our building to in-person worship. Our diligent Working Group under the steady leadership of Linda Knechtel created a “Working Plan” for reopening that was received by Region 15 of the United Church of Canada and approved by our Executive Board. It has been our “guiding light” throughout this pandemic. The plan gives us the permission to move forward with in-person worship when the government deems it safe to do so, using the guidelines set out by the government. However, at any step of the way our Session and/or Executive Board could decide to delay such reopening even if the government says it is permissible to do so. In the last week both of those bodies have met and agreed with the recommendation of worship staff, ushers and the AV team, to reopen our church to in-person worship in September IF the government still says it is safe to do so. We will wait and see where we are then.
We are listening to you, listening for God’s voice, praying for guidance.