When people of faith heed Gods call, watch out! Christian leaders like to take faithful action immediately. Not many things are as amazingly awesome to see as the soaring spirit of a Christian who is determined to do the Lords will. This may describe you, so we know that you probably want to move fast. And we understand that among the first things you want to do is starting a church and beginning a community outreach, then finding approved disciples to help lead. And that means that you probably want to work at the speed of light, which God can certainly accommodate. Before that happens, take a few minutes to think through some valuable issues. Have you really weighed what it takes to assure a vigorous and sound congregation for a long time? Any time you take to thoughtfully consider how a congregation may be reinforced and made exceptional, is always time well-spent. Here are two of the most important concerns that must be included in your initial risk management plan.

Commit to declarations about both kinds of authority, which involve the practices by which a Christian community is governed and decisions are made. Many leaders are confused by the notion of authority. Its not authority itself that bothers them, but the application. A few are convinced decision-making should just be understood. Others say that if church authority is directed by the scriptures, disciples should simply grasp it and get with the program. There are those who dont really care too much and will simply shoot from the hip day after day. Consequently, despite their relevance to help start church ministries, structures of authority are forgotten. This is about much more than how to plan authority in a church. There are many ways to accomplish that and bodies of Believers are free to do as they deem best. The heart of the matter is that deciding not to decide leaves the church vulnerable to intervention by secular courts. In the event of a dispute, courts can force a concept of church authority that was never intended by pastors. And that is rarely acceptable because secular courts are not equipped to choose what is appropriate for a church, even when pastors have failed to choose for themselves.

Also, remember the importance of a constitution, which is worthy of consideration in its significance to a church. While the by lawswhich are frequently included in the same documentaddress mostly board and business conventions, the constitution should tackle the essential uniquely church-related matters. Examples of what these include are: a passage on why the church exists and elements of doctrine; ordinances and formal rites; admission to pastoral ministry guidelines; rules governing membership; legal and religious authority; ministry employment practices; and other such concerns. Strive for balance, as neither the constitution nor a sample church by law record can contain everything that could possibly occur in a ministry. After a while, it may become hard to implement. Even worse, by trying to be exhaustive in the ecclesiastical matters you include, you may end up being exclusive. In other words, a determined litigant will complain that if you included everything imaginable into the record, what you did not include you intended to exclude. This can be impossible to rebut.

Above all things, implement these two strategies and youll be quite far along on the way to an effective culture of righteous oversight and stewardship that will serve your Christian community well for generations. Youll pinpoint additional concerns to resolve in time. But, you cant afford to overlook the Big Two when just starting a ministry. Also try to learn more about how to start a church or ministry from expert sources and professionals who work primarily with Christian churches. And may the Lord bless all your efforts done in faith!