Yesterday, we talked about the need for open and honest input on church planning and creative teams. So, let’s say that your team has generated many ideas. What now? How is a final choice made?
Although I believe that discussion in the process needs to be open and honest, I do NOT necessarily believe that voting is the best plan. There are differing levels of responsibility, experience, etc… within teams. Sometimes a single leader needs to be the decision maker for the same set of reasons that a captain of a ship decides where that ship is headed. Vote if it makes sense, but sometimes it doesn’t, and the leader must choose.
However, let me be blunt… Leader, if you always choose your own ideas, you’re a liar. You’ve created the team under the false pretense that you’re interested in their input and that their opinions matter…but they don’t. They are just there so that your idea can “win” – and you can simultaneously delude yourself into thinking that you are a team player. Face it – pretending that you’re listening is far worse than unilaterally making decisions.
This may sound harsh, but “fake meetings” are a serious narcissism issue that poison many church teams. Leaders, be honest with yourselves (and God) about your real intentions. Take some time – now – and honestly self-evaluate. Better yet, ask for the opinion of someone that can actually hold you accountable (an elder, etc…).
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