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"In my denomination the pastor is the decision maker."

Baptist's pure democracy is both a blessing and a curse. On one side, that democracy decentralizes power and helps to eliminate those who would "lord it over the flock". At the same time, that democracy can lead to some very strange things (As a prespected former pastor of mine once said, "The majority is never right!").

With that said, however, I recognize that the recent resurgence of conservatism within the SBC only occurred as a result of that democratic structure. If the previous "heirarchy" had held the type of power that your pastor does, then things would have never been changed.

I too see it as a blessing and a curse. In our particular church my pastor and board have decided that NO decision will be made by him acting alone..or a simple majority on the board.They need 100% agreement. This frees the pastor from being the "fall guy" and it allows the Holy Spirit to stop those not hearing well. For instance the pastor wanted to air condition the church.He could have just done it,but because of the agreement it had to come to the board. One man said no..that ended it..interesting that later in the year the REASON why it should never have been done was clear..God had other plans for that money.

Everything in our church is board driven.Including ministry accountibility.

I am comfortable with that .