These are also characteristic of the leaders in these churches. As the attitude of the father sets the mood in the home, so the style of leadership can provide the infrastructure for church growth today. Apathy and status-quo are much more characteristic of declining churches than zeal and evangelism. Elders are frustrated by the decrease in volunteerism and the increase of diversity in the church. It seems that very few members will actively take the initiative in serving or maintaining unity.
Elders feel like most of their time is consumed by problems in the church.
To address these crises they tighten controls, which only increases the tensions. They are not sure very many are even following them. On the other hand, members are frustrated because they feel they have to get permission for whatever they do. A crisis management style of leadership will discourage involvement more than encourage it. In such an environ ment, evangelism and growth become distant if not impossible goals.