A leader should lead by consensus.
Consensus is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “agreement of the majority in sentiment or belief” and by the Oxford dictionary as “general agreement.”
For over 30 years, I observed my dad as a godly leader. He retired a few years ago, but one of the critical characteristics of his leadership was leading by consensus. When the church he planted experienced significant growth, he formed a board of elders to lead the church. About 30 leaders were on the board! Of course, where there are 30 minds, there are different opinions. Leading a group that is supposed to lead an organization is a challenge for any leader.
The Apostle Paul—an early missionary and author of many books in the New Testament—instructs the church to have elders leading the church. And from the early beginnings of the church, Paul always had men leading with him. I was part of the elder board at my father’s church for around five years, and one of the biggest lessons I learned was how to get into a room and discuss a decision for as long as needed to get to a consensus. Sometimes it would take hours or days of meetings. Thirty minds would bring many different opinions to an issue, but in the end, no matter how long it took, we would come to a consensus. In 40 years of his ministry, there were only three times that the board couldn’t reach an agreement. In those cases, the elders had to repent to the entire church.
Consensus is essential for a board of leaders. It reveals humility, willingness to listen to others, and openness to changing their minds. It also allows them to listen to God through what others are sharing. While on the board, I remember having different opinions a few times but looking at the other godly men leaning in a direction different from mine made me think I should listen and embrace the consensus. Leading by consensus produces the leadership Paul talked about in Scripture—humble self-controlled, respectable, gentle, and not quarrelsome. This is not a foolproof tool, but I guarantee it is one of the best tools to promote peace, especially in the churches, and I believe it applies in any organization.
Are you willing to participate in a group where consensus leads the way?
Eduardo Mendes
Founder and President
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