In many modern Christian churches, a “lead pastor” or “head minister” is a central and often indispensable position. This model, while having its advantages, also comes with significant pitfalls. It places enormous pressure on one individual, frequently leading to burnout and a skewed dynamic within the congregation.

I wonder, then, why so many even in the churches of Christ (where are group is quick to condemn the denominational world for having “lead pastors”), are so beholden to the deeply rooted tradition of having a singular preacher or minister who is placed on a pedestal, revered above all others in the congregation and with responsibilities galore unjustly heaped upon them.

Double Springs (my home congregation) has adopted a system where we no longer have “a guy” in the pulpit, but instead several men work together to edify, encourage, and educate the congregation from the pulpit on Sundays. Some people enjoy this new pattern while more traditional members are more skeptical.

One comment I heard was along the lines of, “Well, who am I supposed to call when someone is sick or in the hospital if there’s no set preacher?” Dear reader, you tell me… who is it more appropriate to call in those situations; the preacher or the elders? If you would answer honestly, I believe we would say you should call the elders.

Do you see the dilemma? We put so much pressure and expectation on the guy who preaches on Sunday to be so much more than just the guy who preaches on Sunday. We want our churches to hire guys to be Christians for us, so we don’t have to be.

Have we made the preacher role the equivalent of a “lead pastor” without realizing it? (News flash: I think we have.)

Instead, let me suggest that we should instead embrace the Biblical model of mutual ministry, where every member is an active participant in the body of Christ.

(For clarity’s sake, I will use the term “Preacher” to refer to this concept of a lead pastor/head/pulpit minister.)

The Pressure on the Preacher

The concept of a Preacher can create an unsustainable burden on one individual. Preachers are expected to be exemplary in preaching, of course, but also in counseling, administration, and even community engagement. This immense pressure can lead to burnout, mental health concerns, and a sense of isolation. When one person is seen as the primary spiritual leader, the health of the entire congregation can become overly dependent on their well-being and capabilities.

This model can also inadvertently set the Preacher on a pedestal, creating an unhealthy dynamic where the congregation views them as a spiritual superstar rather than a fellow brother or sister in Christ. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when the Preacher inevitably shows their human limitations.

Congregants, often unknowingly, can contribute to the Preacher’s stress. Many expect the Preacher to be available at all times, to provide profound insights every Sunday, and to have the perfect solution to every problem. This creates an environment where the Preacher is constantly under scrutiny and pressure to perform.

The Biblical model, however, emphasizes a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). Each church member is called to serve and minister to one another, not just to sit back and receive. When congregants place the total weight of spiritual responsibility on their Preachers, they miss out on the richness of mutual ministry and the growth that comes from actively participating in the life of the church.

Embracing Mutual Ministry

The New Testament paints a picture of a church where every member is an active minister. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes that Christ “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Therefore, the role of church leaders (not just Preachers) is to equip the congregation to minister to one another.

This mutual ministry model recognizes that every believer has been given gifts by the Holy Spirit to be used for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). When every member is engaged in ministry, the church becomes a vibrant, dynamic body where everyone contributes to the spiritual health and growth of the community.

Practical Steps Toward Mutual Ministry

1. Encourage Spiritual Gifts: Help congregants identify and use their spiritual gifts. This can be done through teaching, workshops, and providing service opportunities.
2. Shared Leadership: Our churches should continue following the Biblical pattern of having a plurality of elders and deacons to lead the congregation rather than relying on a single individual. This reduces the burden on one person and allows for diverse perspectives and talents to guide the church.
3. Foster Discipleship: Encourage one-on-one discipleship and small group ministries where members can grow together, share burdens, and support one another.
4. Promote Active Participation: Create opportunities for members to participate in various aspects of church life, from worship services to outreach programs. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the congregation.
5. Teach Mutual Care: Emphasize the biblical mandate to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and cultivate a culture where members naturally care for and minister to each other.

Conclusion

While the role of a Preacher can provide stability and vision, it also comes with significant pitfalls. By recognizing the pressures historically placed on Preachers and embracing the biblical model of mutual ministry, we can create a healthier, more dynamic church community. Each congregation member is called to be an active minister, contributing to the growth and well-being of the body of Christ. Let us move away from a consumer mentality and towards a vibrant, participatory church where every believer plays a vital role in the ministry of Jesus Christ.