For over half a century I have been directly involved in trying to help local churches handle the fallout when lead ministers and their eldership boards fail to work together, despite their best intentions and a good heart attitude. So often the break downs could have been prevented if both the lead ministers and elders were crystal clear on their roles and had realistic expectations of each other in the outworking of their respec tive responsibilities. It would have been incredibly helpful if they had built into their leadership/governance procedures some protective mechanisms, especially the means for calling in spiritual counsellors and advisors for help. The aim of How To Protect Your Church is to draw us closer to Jesus, protect the church, and be preventative, as remedial action is often too late when relationships among leaders and governing boards break down.
