A blog written by Dr. Chuck Lawless, Dean of Doctoral Studies and Professor of Evangelism & Missions at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina, recently caught this writer’s eye.
On January 20, 2020, Dr. Lawless published a blog about “family-run churches.” Yes, he intended for the term to be interpreted in a less-than-optimal manner for purposes of this writing!
The article addresses scenarios of church life that many of us may have personally observed. I don’t believe that Dr. Lawless is being mean or snarky, and neither is this writer, but the fact is that some churches are just not “healthy” because of the complete control by one single family, to include extended family members.
It’s tempting, but without rewriting the entire article(!), Dr. Lawless, among other things, points out that in some, especially smaller churches, more than 50% of the members belong to one, controlling family; operate under the control of a single matriarch or patriarch from that family; and a family member is involved in or leads every single ministry or committee in the church.
However, here’s the one that really hit me: Dr. Lawless pointed out a scenario where more than one “family member” tells the pastor that “we were here when you came, and we’ll be here when you leave!” I agree with Dr. Lawless…their words are probably accurate, but they’re nevertheless an (inappropriate) expression of power.
Dr. Lawless’ entire blog may be read HERE.
Praise Jesus forevermore!
Chuck Lawless is Dean of Doctoral Studies and Vice-President of Spiritual Formation & Ministry Centers, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he also serves as Professor of Evangelism and Missions. He is Team Leader for Theological Education Strategists for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
He was awarded a MDiv and a PhD in Evangelism/Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, where he also served as a professor and Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. He is an author of many Christian books. He and his wife, Pam, live in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and have been married for more than 30 years.
