‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. – Matthew 18:15-17
What does that earthly accountability look like for the pastor? It depends on the system of church government your church follows. If you are in a system where the congregation chose or hired the pastor, they are accountable to the congregation or its leadership body. If there is a bishop or presbytery or similar person or group in authority, they are also accountable to them.
– The Pastor’s Authority and Accountability by David Wentz | Christian Practice
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I wanted to take a few moments to make sure that you were all aware of the rather-newly-formed Pastoral Relations Team. This is a vital team of servant leaders who are charged with being the formal liaison between pastor and congregants, especially if there is conflict, tension, or a charge of wrong behavior on the part of the pastor.
Of course, it is always my hope that any of you would always feel free and encouraged to speak with me yourself about any concern that you might have, including critiques and suggestions about the way I function as your pastor. But I know that it is often difficult for congregants to speak concerns and criticisms directly to a pastor, especially if that pastor has not responded well to such conversations in the past. It is important that you all know that there is a formal group charged with holding such conversations in confidence if need be (and they will be clear with you about confidentiality or transparency) and seeing that I am aware of and respond to any wrongs or errors, whether intentional or not.
In addition to this team, and the Elders and Administrative Council of our local church, you may also count on your Regional Minister and the CCSW Committee on Ministry to listen and to hold me responsible to our Code of Clergy Conduct, which I will also share here. We pastors are fallible, and even the best-intentioned of us have our blind-spots and our vulnerabilities. Please know that I will always welcome your input and criticisms; and if I ever don’t welcome them, you are encouraged to speak with your servant leaders on the Pastoral Relation s team.
Team members are currently Board Chair Ginger Meeks, Vice-Chair Brad Bounds, Elder Chair Linda Gaylord, and Trustee Chair Preston James.
Peace,
Pastor Layne