What to Do If You Think Your Board Is Against You

There are many fantastic things about being a pastor, but it can also be quite hard, especially when you think your church board is against you. If you and your board don't get along, it could hurt your ministry, your leadership, and your peace of mind. This could be because of misunderstandings, fights over how to manage things, or deeper personal issues.

If you're asking yourself, "I think my board is turning on me—what can I do?" this tutorial is for you. We'll speak about some of the most common reasons for problems between board members and pastors, the legal protections that are available to pastors, how to heal relationships, and how to keep your employment while still following your calling.

What You Should Know About Why Boards Turn Against Pastors

There are a lot of reasons why boards and pastors might not get along:

• When people aren't open enough or when expectations aren't clear, communication breaks down.
• Theological or visionary differences are when people have different opinions about the church's mission, how to be a pastor, or where it should go.
• When two people lead or get along with others in different ways, they have personality conflicts.
• Issues with power and governance: people don't know where they stand or who makes decisions.
• Money or moral issues: disagreements about compensation, budgets, or how to act.

To fix an issue, the first thing you need to do is figure out what caused it.

Laws That Protect Ministers

1. Employment contracts: A contract that is well-written will tell you what your rights, duties, and protections are, including when and how you can be fired.
2. The church's rules and regulations: There should be regulations in the bylaws that say what the board can do and what the pastor's job is.
3. Rules against retribution and whistleblowing: These stop pastors from being treated unfairly when they speak out against misconduct or breaking the law.
4. Exception for ministers: Federal law often stops pastors from suing for job discrimination based on religion, but the board doesn't have all the power.

How to Get Around a Board That Turns

1. Be clear when you talk to each other: Ask the leaders of the board to meet with you so you may talk about your concerns openly and try to understand each other.
2. Ask a mediator or counselor for aid: A neutral third party, such as a church consultant or mediator, can assist individuals in talking to each other in a good way.
3. Write down everything: To stay safe legally and in your company, keep detailed notes of meetings, talks, and happenings.
4. Get in touch with a lawyer: Getting legal guidance early on will help you know what your rights and alternatives are, which can keep you from making mistakes.
5. Think on the folks that are there for you: Ask reliable mentors, denominational leaders, or other pastors for help and guidance.

When Things Grow Worse

You might be entitled to sue the board for breach of contract or wrongful termination if they do something to you that isn't fair or doesn't follow the regulations. In these situations, Church Law and Strategy can help by giving you legal advice that is tailored to your work as a pastor.

How to End Conflict Between the Board and the Pastor

• Regular Communication: The pastor and the board should be able to talk to each other in a straightforward and honest way.
• Clear Governance: Make sure that contracts and bylaws spell out everyone's roles and responsibilities.
• Leadership Training: Show board members and pastors how to handle differences.
• Respect for Each Other: Create an environment where people can trust each other and work together.

How Church Law and Strategy Can Help

Regan is in charge of Church Law and Strategy, which helps pastors and congregations that are having problems with their boards get competent legal assistance and coaching. Our subscription packages, like The PASTOR SUPPORT PLAN, provide you priority access, audits, and custom solutions to keep your ministry and leadership safe.

A Summary Checklist: What Should I Do If My Board Is Against Me?

• Find out what the primary factors are behind the disagreement.
• Be honest with each other and ask for support.
• Be careful as you write down what happened.
• Read your bylaws and contract again.
• Ask a lawyer who has worked with churches before for help.
• Get a group of people who can aid you.
• Training and governance should be focused on preventing problems.

In the End

It's not easy to iron out conflicts on the board, but it can be done. With clear communication, legal protections, and help, pastors can get through challenges, win back people's trust, and keep doing their essential work.

Church Law and Strategy intends to help pastors protect their calling and leadership by giving them good legal counsel and practical answers.

Links Inside

• Learn more about the legal technique for paying pastors.
• Find more about the services of a lawyer who specializes in church governance.
• Find out about legal audit reports and church compliance.

Links to Other Websites

• Christianity Today article on Managing Board-Pastor Conflict
• Nonprofit Quarterly on Board and Executive Relationship
• ECFA resource on Board Governance Best Practices

This blog post is just meant to give you information; it is not legal advice. This information does not make you a client of Church Law and Strategy or any of its employees. Please talk to a lawyer who knows your church or organization well for specific legal advice.