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Not maintaining personal integrity: A church elder or leader needs to know and grow in the biblical characteristics found in 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1 and in the model of the Apostle Paul found in Acts 20:17-38. The church leader must be "above reproach" in life and ministry. And this includes leading while maintaining a healthy and growing biblical marriage and family (see 1 Timothy 3:2-5).
Not speaking up at leadership team meetings: An Elder needs to actively contribute to leadership team meetings and relationships. Introversion, being new to the team, being younger in the faith, deferring to the pastor or chairman, and not feeling like you have anything to say are all poor excuses for not speaking up when you serve on a leadership team.
Not praying enough: As a church leader, you can never pray enough before, during, and in-between meetings, but you can make the mistake of praying too little. Church leaders need to become experts at "praying without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Not protecting the pastor(s): Pastors need protection from undue criticism and complaint, or from ignoring or downplaying healthy criticism. And, that's a job for other church leaders. An elder is in a good position to watch the pastor's back and protect him or her from undue criticisms or attacks.
Not being involved in a church small group: Unless the Elder or leadership team is treated as a small group with an appropriate amount of prayer, Bible study, fellowship and encouragement, then all church leaders need to be involved in or lead a small group. Church leaders who are not part of a small group are not good examples for the congregation, and they lack the opportunities to pastor, lead and receive from God working in others' lives.
Not preparing for leadership team meetings: Meetings of church leaders improve and are more productive if participants review the agenda, review and complete any assignments from the last meeting, pray for wisdom and ask clarification questions. Elders also need to prepare any agenda items that aren't already on the list for the meeting and run them past the team leader if possible.
Not working as a team member: Team members have roles and expectations. If you are a member of a team, clarify and review your role(s) before the meeting. And, let your work be guided by the mission of the church and of the team.
Not being a model for faithful church membership and attendance: If you are an Elder or church leader, do not make the mistake of missing out on attending worship services, small group meetings, prayer meetings, special events, and assigned board or committee meetings (see Hebrews 10:24-25).
Not practicing biblical stewardship: Church leaders set the standard for biblical stewardship of time and talents. They know and teach that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (see Matthew 6:19-21).
Not reading and studying the Bible and growing in the knowledge of God: The Bible in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:9 says that an elder must be "able to teach (the Word of God)" and "give instruction in sound doctrine." How can you teach it without knowing it, and how can you know the Word of God without spending time in it and studying it?
What other mistakes have you seen church elders or leaders make?
[Photo by Builee Com on Unsplash]