But is that the right thing to do? Not at all. We must realize that not every deacon, elder or committee members are bad people. Many of them have very good intentions only that they are not properly channelled. We hope to strike a balance through this teaching.

A. Biblical basis: I Tim. 3:1-7; Num. 16:1-3.
Scripturally, elders are ministers - Heb. 11:2; Jam. 5:14; I Pet 5:1 But today, many churches choose elders on genetic reasons or unfounded premises. The Scripture supports deacons, deaconesses and committee. The minister alone cannot run the church effectively, he must have people, who are not full-time ministers, who will serve as advisers, supporters and burden-bearers. These people must be those who meet the scriptural criteria and are qualified to be formed into a committee ((I Tim. 3:1-7; 11Kings 12:7-15; II Chr. 34:8-13; Acts 6: 1-4).

B. Unwholesome practices in Today's Churches
It is an open secret that many of our practice in this area are not truly Scriptural. Here are some of them:

•  Elders are highly regarded as senior church members
•  They are placed above ministers in most cases
•  They are chosen whimsically based on money, position, education and political reasons.
•  In some cases, they posses the power of life and death.
•  They are ordained, anointed with oil and thereby made a life deacon, elder etc.
•  Everyone of them must be in the church executive committee
•  They are not told what to do, no terms of reference, no time - span
•  No training or specialized course for them.

C. Adverse effects of unwholesome practises
•  The people involved will be proud, cocky and unteachable.
•  They Lord it over minister
•  They tele-guide the minister and the church
•  They start rebellion and cause crisis and chaos
•  They misappropriate money and refuse to release same for church programmes.
•  They won't cooperate with honest and godly minister.
•  They engage in immoral practises and set bad examples.
•  They demand for percentages from the money of the church
•  They only come to church on Sundays and whenever it is convenient for them.
•  They influence the church against the minister.
•  They often form a block and trade as power broker in the church.

The power of these group of under-leaders in the church is underscored by the fact many of their actions have led to the decline, stagnation, crisis, breakaway and death of so many churches.

After the leader, the deacons, elders and committee of any church will determine the growth of the church or not. Those chosen to assist the leader will determine his success or failure to a great degree because they can make or mar.

Duties of Deacons, Elders and Committee:
•  They must be praying for the leader
•  They must be supporting the leader financially.
•  They must practically help the leader to succeed.
•  They must support the church building project.
•  They can help in church administration.
•  They must visit the sick, do naming ceremonies and lead house fellowships.
•  They should teach in Sunday school.
•  They must see to the welfare of the minister.
•  They must be a physical protection of the pastor and the Church.

Those chosen to assist the leader will determine his success or failure to a great degree because they can make or mar.

Being a Tough but Tender Leader
In view of the above scenarios, the leader must be tough but tender. To be a successful Pastor, one must have the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the head of a rhino:
We must either get tough or we will be destroyed. We must develop a mind set, a self-image and a skin that is not easily torn. A tough but tender leader must take the following steps.

•  Sell your vision to spiritual people only
•  Don't be over sensitive to criticism
•  Don't allow bitterness, envy or revenge in your heart
•  Face the issue of crisis, misunderstanding and complaints quickly.
•  Make reconciliation the primary objective.
•  Be focussed, broadminded and attentive.
•  Count the cost of change
•  Take the difficult decision.
•  Work to achieve loyalty, obedience and competence from those working with you.
•  Address issues not personalities. Don't join the 'blame business'
•  Appropriate discipline with tenderness, love but firmness.

The 21st century church leader must be tender and patient towards people.

But at the same time, he must also be tough and uncompromising in the will of God, for the kingdom and for those whom the Lord came to save. He must be both flesh and bone, together. If he is only flesh, people will eat him up and if only bone, people will throw him away.

F. Principles of harmony between pastors and Deacons ­
Pastors must work in harmony with deacons. Deacons and committee members must be submissive and teachable. This ideal situation will be possible When these principles are adhered to:

•  They must be people who are truly born again.
•  Don't rush to appoint or ordain deacons. They must have been proved beyond measures.
•  They must be people who are absolutely loyal.
•  They must show serious commitment to the vision.
•  They must be spiritually growing and matured people.
•  They must be ready to support and serve under the pastor.
•  They must pass through intensive training course.
•  They must support the Church financially and materially.
•  They must be appointed by the pastor.
•  They must be given term of reference and life span.
•  Their decisions are subject to pastors approval.
•  They should not meet in the pastor's absence, unless they want to discuss his welfare.