How to Get Your Elders to Say “Yes” – Part 2

ELDERS Pt 2.001I am sharing 7 steps to get your elders to say “Yes” to your proposal.  In the previous post we shared the first three steps.

Step 1: Keep the overall good and goals of the church as priority.

Step 2: Don’t wear out your welcome.

Step 3: Prepare thoroughly and have it in writing.

Now in this post we will share the final four.

Step 4:  Anticipate Objections

In your preparation for the proposal consider all of the possible objections.  Can this ministry be divisive?  Is there any portion of the proposal that may be unscriptural?  Elders are concerned with peace and unity of the church.  Elders are great at figuring how why a program will not work and potential problems.  They are going to consider how the proposal will impact the overall church.  Is there any segments that the proposal will neglect or offend?  Is the proposal doable?  Is it financially wise? How much will it cost, and how will the money be used?

Your attitude displayed as you consider these objections, and others you did not anticipate may very well determine if you get a “yes.”  Don’t be forceful or dogmatic.  Certainly do not speak in a condescending manner or with a lack of respect.  Adopt a learning and cooperative posture as each objection is raised.  One hint on anticipating objections; consider the history of the church and how your proposal may relate to past situations in the church.

Step 5:  Make the Pitch Concisely and Clearly

Dr. Earl Edwards tells the story of when he was raising funds for mission work in Italy.  A group of elders had a significant amount of money to allocate and were looking at various works.  They invited various missionaries to come and present their proposals.  They asked that they keep their initial proposals to 10 minutes.  The person before him went much longer than 10 minutes.  The meeting was getting late and the elders were getting tired.  Dr. Edwards went in and laid out his plan concisely and clearly with written materials in 10 minutes.  He got the “yes.”  Elders don’t have to know all that you know!  They don’t have to know how to run the ministry, mission effort, or educational program.  They just need to know the overall plan and how it fits into the budget and the work of the church.  Be concise and allow time for discussion.

Step 6:  Trust your Elders to know the Flock.

When you are making a proposal for a cause you feel important to the Lord’s work it is easy to get emotionally tied to the proposal.  But we must always remember that the elders know the flock and are given a high charge by God to oversee the church.  We may not understand their objections.  We may not like the modifications they ask us to make.  We may think they were stingy with money or overly concerned about a minority clique of the church.  But we must remember they are the elders.  They are watching over the souls of the church.  They will give an account for their stewardship.  It is our duty to trust them.  They know more than the preacher, deacon, or ministry leader.  They may not be able to share all of their reasons, but trust them.  When you trust them, in the long run, you will be able to get more “yes” answers and the church will benefit!

Step 7:  Be United as a Team

In far too many churches their is competition born out of pride between elders and preachers or elders and deacons.  Elders can feel threatened by preachers, and preachers often are disrespectful and subversive to elders.  These attitudes harm the church.  If you want your proposals to get a “yes” you need to have an attitude of a team player.  Don’t make demands, but make requests.  Don’t just tell the way it is going to be, but solicit advice and help for doing it right!  Present the proposal, but allow them to help you make it better.  Work on the project together to craft it into a powerful ministry or tool for the Lord’s kingdom.  If you receive a “no” or “let’s wait a bit” then leave the room determined to support the elders.  Don’t leave and begin bad mouthing them to others.  See yourself as a part of the team desiring the church to go forward.  So no matter what happens own the outcome and be mature and Christ-centered.

What other thoughts and suggestions would you have for presenting proposals to church elders?  I would love to hear from some church elders on this one as well.

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