There is something about leadership in general that can create a bit of paranoia. The wrong information in the wrong hands could create more problems than we already have. So leaders have closed door meetings of a chosen few, releasing information on a need-to-know basis. This can be true even in ministry, where servant leaders are supposed to focus more on the best interests of those they are serving than their own.
When leaders create a veil of secrecy, they unknowingly do more harm than any potential secret they are protecting possibly could. Those on the outside of the chosen few begin feeling like they are seen as less valuable than those in the circle. Rumors begin because no real information is forthcoming. Trust is shattered because the apparent lack of trust from the leaders creates an even greater lack of trust in the leaders. Power struggles begin – at first because people don’t feel heard and understood when excluded. Eventually others try to take power to become included and heard. Leaders are viewed as controlling and uncaring.
So what about those leadership “secrets” that are theoretically being protected? Only those of a counseling nature need to be kept confidential. Potential ministry plans should be vetted by those most impacted anyway. Concerns should be heard and not squashed or filtered through a third party. Ideas should be encouraged and not dismissed without a hearing because they don’t fit the secret plan of leadership. Volunteer issues should be dealt with directly and not in a gossip session disguised as a meeting agenda item. Constituents of the ministry should feel heard and understood.
Studies have found that when people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to listen and heed advice. When people feel a part of the process of planning something, they take ownership and volunteerism can increase. When people feel free to come to you with their concerns and ideas, your ministry will improve. Most importantly, the trust between everyone is strengthened and it can feel like a family instead of a family feud.
It can take work to make your ministry more transparent, but it is worth it. The Church was never meant to have secret power clubs within it and most Christians instinctively know that. Give your ministry the transparency it needs.