Do you have a head elder?

Do you have a head elder?

From Gleaning Mustard Seeds with Jerrie Barber by Jerrie Barber

April 20, 2026 · 10 min · Season 2 · Episode 95

About this episode

This episode discusses the dynamics of eldership in churches, focusing on the concept of a 'head elder' and its implications for shared leadership.

Send me a Text Message or ask a question. — Jerrie Every eldership says it believes in shared leadership—until one man’s voice consistently ends the discussion. In this episode, Do You Have a Head Elder?, I name a dynamic most churches recognize but rarely confront: the leader of the leaders. Sometimes he’s kind and life-giving. Other times he’s controlling, wounded, or quietly corrosive—and the group helps him stay that way. If you’ve ever left a meeting knowing decisions w...

People in this episode

Host: Jerrie Barber

Topics covered

  • eldership
  • shared leadership
  • church dynamics
  • leadership styles
  • decision making

Keywords

  • eldership
  • leadership
  • church
  • shared leadership
  • decision making
  • dynamics
  • control

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