By Rose Hamrick, CFO
Steele Creek, North Carolina, U.S.
Throughout the year, you will hear the theme of Kingdom Culture. Godly counsel is an integral part of Kingdom Culture. The church’s practical application of living this out is through advisory councils, an essential part of a healthy church.
Importance and Value
The importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from those who are spiritually mature and rooted in God’s word is a significant theme throughout the Bible. The value of godly counsel is emphasized in various passages. Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 15:22 affirm the necessity of seeking counsel from multiple sources to ensure sound decision-making. Proverbs 19:20 and Proverbs 12:15 emphasize wisdom in seeking and accepting counsel. The commonality in these proverbs is that godly counsel is of great value to the one who seeks and receives it.
Characteristics
Godly counsel is recognized by key characteristics. First, godly counsel is aligned with Scripture. It will never contradict the word of God. (Psalm 119:105) Second, godly counsel begins with prayer for wisdom and discernment. (James 1:5) Third, godly counsel speaks the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
Encouragement
We are encouraged in Scripture to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding … ” (Proverbs 3:5-6). As we, the created, were never meant to live apart from the Creator, it is always in our best interest to seek and follow the good counsel and lead of the Holy Spirit. As our good Father always wants the best for his children, we are confident that our God will work all things out for our good as we seek him and his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Below is a summary of Advisory Council criteria, as fully described in the Church Administration Manual in Section 3.12.
Purpose of the Advisory Council:
Each chartered church must have an Advisory Council to support team-based leadership and accountability. The lead pastor is responsible for appointing and managing the council. Given their small size, chartered fellowship groups are exempt from this requirement.
Role and Responsibilities
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- The Advisory Council provides advice, perspective, and counsel to the lead pastor and other church leaders.
- Members should represent a broad cross-section of the church, excluding current leadership roles.
- The council does not manage daily operations or govern the church; these tasks belong to the lead pastor and staff.
Scope of Advisory Council
- Focus on:
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- The congregation’s vision, mission, and strategy.
- Community needs and outreach.
- Denominational guidelines and practices.
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- Regularly reviews:
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- Vision documents and strategic plans.
- Annual budget and financial reports.
- Significant changes to church activities and structure.
- Recommendations for ordaining leaders.
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- Meetings:
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- Typically held quarterly.
- Chaired by the lead pastor or a designated member.
- The lead pastor should usually be present but can allow meetings in their absence.
- The council should receive adequate information and training.
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- Qualifications for Members:
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- Must be active, wise, and able to work well with others.
- Regular attendance and financial generosity are expected.
- Open to any church member sixteen or older, excluding active pastoral elders.
- Diversity is encouraged, including gender, age, race, and spiritual gifts.
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- Appointment Process:
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- Members may be nominated by the congregation or directly by the lead pastor.
- A participatory process is utilized, involving ballots and votes.
- The lead pastor has final selection authority.
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- Term of Office:
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- No fixed term length.
- Staggered terms recommended with a suggested maximum of three years.
- Members may resign or be removed by the lead pastor, with replacements chosen through a similar selection process.
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- Disagreements and Grievance Process: Significant disagreements between the lead pastor and the council can trigger the grievance process outlined in chapter 7 of the manual.
