
Ep. 316: When elders disagree with each other
From Trench Talk by Practical Shepherding
February 24, 2026 · 30 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the dynamics of disagreement among church elders and the importance of unity in decision-making.
(02:36) Biblical Framework for Unity and Disagreement (05:00) Different Kinds of Elders & Influence vs. Authority (08:12) Helping Quieter / Younger Elders Speak Up (10:14 Categories of Decisions: Must Agree vs. May Differ (11:39) Decisions that Require Unanimous Agreement (13:38) Membership and Church Documents (14:49) Pulpit Access and Preaching Priority (17:41) When Majority Rule Is Appropriate (19:35) Practical Areas of Disagreement (Money, Mission, Benevolence) (21:50) Conscience, Yielding, and the “Dr. No” Elder (23:39) The Centrality of Trust and Relationship (25:05) Being Heard vs. Being Agreed With (27:05) The Joy of Healthy Plurality (28:30) Final word & Prayer
Topics covered
- unity
- disagreement
- elders
- church governance
- decision making
- trust
- plurality
Keywords
- biblical framework
- authority
- membership
- pulpit access
- majority rule
- practical disagreement
More episodes of Trench Talk
- Ep. 326: Cultivating Vulnerability Among Elders · June 9, 2026 · 32 min
- Ep. 325: Pastors Staying too Long · June 2, 2026 · 35 min
- Ep. 324: Remembering our Ministry Mentors · May 19, 2026 · 39 min
- Ep. 323: When a Church Doesn’t Revitalize · May 12, 2026 · 46 min
- Ep. 322: Pastors Leading Through National Holidays · April 21, 2026 · 33 min
- Ep. 321: When it’s Hard To Love Certain People · April 14, 2026 · 37 min
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