Ep. 316: When elders disagree with each other

When biblically qualified elders strongly disagree, how can they move forward without splitting a church? In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio unpack a realistic, hope-filled framework for handling conflict among pastors and leaders. They walk through which decisions must be unanimous, when majority rule is appropriate, how to help younger or quieter elders speak up, and why trust and friendship are often the “missing piece” in tense seasons. If you’re a pastor, elder, deacon, or lay leader wrestling with hard decisions and differing convictions, this conversation offers both biblical clarity and deeply practical help.

(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