I think plurality is one of the main ways that God can provide a delightful experience in ministry,

or we're not bearing these burdens alone, and we're actually sharing the joy of being in ministry

and applying the gospel together in a way that thrills us

and grows us and then model something for the church.

Welcome to the Crossway podcast, a show where we sit down with authors each week for thoughtful

interviews about the

Bible, theology, church history, and the Christian life. I'm Matt Tully, and today I'm talking

with Dave Harvey. Dave is the president of the Great Commission Collective, a church planting ministry,

and he previously pastored for 33 years. He's the author of a number of books, including

the plurality principle, How to Build and Maintain a Thriving Church Leadership. pastor for 33 years. He's the author of a number of books, including the Plurality Principle,

How to Build and Maintain a Thriving Church Leadership Team

from Crossway.

Today, Dave and I discuss why plural leadership,

a team of elders, is so crucial for the health

of a local church.

He explains why he thinks the term plurality is often affirmed,

but then also often misunderstood and misapplied.

He highlights the need for transparency, accountability,

and group decision-making among a church's elder team.

And he explains what he means when he says

that the senior pastor should be considered

the first among equals.

...