Robert's Rules and the Church: A Historical and Biblical Examination

A familiar refrain echoes in the small church boardrooms and denominational gatherings across America: "I move that..." followed by "I second." This parliamentary procedure, known as Robert's Rules of Order, has become so entrenched in church governance that many leaders assume it carries biblical authority. However, this system—designed for secular parliamentary settings—may be inhibiting the very spiritual vitality many churches seek to cultivate. This article examines how Robert's Rules entered church life, why it may be ill-suited for church revitalization, and what Scripture suggests about Christian decision-making.

The Historical Adoption

Origins Outside the Church

Henry Martyn Robert, an Army engineer with no theological training, published his "Pocket Manual of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies" in 1876. His motivation was purely secular: after embarrassment from poorly running a church meeting, he determined to create standardized parliamentary procedures for civic organizations. The system was modeled after the United States House of Representatives' procedures—not biblical patterns of church governance.

Entry Into Church Life

Robert's Rules entered church governance through several converging factors:

1. Timing and Cultural Context: The late 19th century saw American Protestantism embracing organizational efficiency and democratic processes mirroring broader societal values. Churches were increasingly viewed as institutions requiring formal management.
2. Denominational Growth: Major Protestant denominations were establishing regional and national governing bodies, necessitating standardized meeting procedures for larger assemblies.
3. Seminary Education: As theological education formalized, administrative training, including parliamentary procedure, became part of pastoral preparation.
4. Legal Requirements: Churches' legal incorporation required demonstrable governance procedures. Robert's Rules provided a recognized standard.
5. Business Model Influence: The 20th century saw churches increasingly adopting corporate management models, with Robert's Rules fitting neatly into board-style leadership.

What began as a practical tool gradually gained nearly canonical status in many denominations. Today, many church constitutions explicitly require following Robert's Rules, giving a secular procedural manual effectively binding authority in spiritual communities.

Biblical Examination

Scripture provides several models of decision-making that differ significantly from parliamentary procedure:

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)

When the early church faced a significant theological dispute, they didn't employ parliamentary procedure but rather:

• Engaged in "much debate" (v.7) without formal motions
• Listened to testimonies and experiences (vv.7-12)
• Considered scriptural wisdom (vv.15-18)
• Reached consensus through discernment (v.28): "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..."

This approach prioritized unity, spiritual guidance, and consensus rather than majority rule.

Paul's Instructions on Church Order

Paul's guidance for church gatherings in 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 emphasizes orderly participation but focuses on spiritual edification: "Let all things be done for building up" (v.26). The order Paul describes is about respectful communication to ensure all can contribute meaningfully, not procedural formality.

Leadership in the Early Church

Acts 6:1-7 shows the apostles engaging the whole community in solving problems: "The proposal pleased the whole community" (v.5, NRSV). This collaborative approach differs markedly from the representative democracy model of Robert's Rules.

The Body Metaphor

Paul's description of the church as a body (1 Corinthians 12) suggests an organic, interconnected decision-making process where all parts are valued: "The members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (v.22). This contrasts with parliamentary procedure's emphasis on majority rule, which can marginalize minority voices.

Why Robert's Rules May Hinder Church Revitalization

1. Procedure Over People

Jesus consistently prioritized people over procedure, challenging religious leaders who elevated rules above compassion (Matthew 12:1-14). Robert's Rules' emphasis on procedural correctness can shift focus from relationships to regulations.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

2. Power Dynamics

Scripture encourages servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45), yet Robert's Rules can create an environment where those familiar with procedural intricacies hold disproportionate influence.

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43)

3. Speed and Adaptability

Church revitalization often requires responsive leadership that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. The formality of Robert's Rules can hinder rapid adaptation to emerging needs.

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)

4. Winning vs. Consensus

Parliamentary procedure's voting mechanisms create winners and losers, potentially fostering division. Scripture instead emphasizes unity and mutual submission.

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)

5. Cultural Relevance

Paul became "all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) to effectively communicate the gospel. The formality of Robert's Rules can create barriers for younger generations and diverse populations unfamiliar with parliamentary procedure.

Alternative Approaches

Churches seeking revitalization might consider:

1. Discernment-Based Models: Practices that intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and listening.
2. Consensus-Building: Approaches that work toward unity rather than simple majority rule.
3. Dialogue-Centered Processes: Methods emphasizing authentic conversation and relationship over procedure.
4. Modified Systems: Adapted procedures maintaining order while reducing formality and complexity.

Last thoughts...

Robert's Rules of Order, while providing structure and preventing chaos, was never designed with the spiritual community in mind. As churches seek revitalization, examining whether this secular parliamentary system aligns with biblical principles of community, discernment, and Spirit-led leadership becomes essential.

The early church thrived without Robert's Rules for nearly two millennia. Perhaps today's churches would benefit from governance approaches more intentionally rooted in Scripture and the unique calling of the Body of Christ. As Jesus reminded the religious leaders of his day: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). Similarly, church governance should serve the church's mission, not become an end in itself.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)