What is Unanimity?

Unanimity means oneness.  But what really is "oneness," and why is it so important?  In speaking to brothers who reject the principle of decision making by unanimity, I have often heard the same time-worn "reasons" why it doesn't work.  These will be addressed below.  The reader should keep in mind a truth that applies to many areas of Christian thinking, namely, that Biblical words are frequently discredited by unbiblical definitions.

One of the greatest challenges facing a NT church is to maintain harmony among the brothers throughout the decision making process.  This is a comparatively small problem in churches where decisions are made by a single person, or in churches that follow a democratic form of government in which each "member" gets one vote.  In a true plurality of leadership, people of diverse cultural backgrounds, traditions and preferences bring all sorts of viewpoints and perspectives to the table.  How can such an admittedly wonderful diversity come to a united decision in any matter? 

It ought to encourage us that this is exactly what happened in the early church!  Read Acts 15 and note what widely different views were held on a matter of utmost importance, the basis of God's salvation.  Not only so, but we read of disputes between those of different persuasions; disputes that could not resolve the problem.  Yet Acts 15:25 in the original reads: "It seemed good to us, becoming of one mind......"   What was this "one mind" and how was it achieved?  In the interest of brevity, it will suffice to state the principles upon which the whole idea of decision making by unanimity rests.

Of supreme importance is the conviction that the church ought to be subject to Christ "in everything" (Eph. 5:24).  In the context, this injunction is given to the wife in a marriage relationship because it is first true of the Christ - church relationship of which the former is a picture.  In the same way, decision making in the human body is a function reserved for the head; it is never left to the members.  As Head of the church, the Lord is exercising His will for the good of His people.  And like any intelligent being, He has only one mind or will in any matter.  Therefore, in the church, it is not so much what I think or what you think or even what the so called "majority" thinks, but what does the Head think?  And we may be sure that for any matter we bring to the Lord, He has - not just a will - but the best possible answer for us.  Every brother must have as his heart's desire to know the mind of the Lord. 

Secondly, there is a working process which must be followed.  Once again, a careful study of Acts 15 will be instructive.  There must be fact gathering, attention to history (that which has led us to the present point), personal testimony, concern for the good of the people, recognition of the work of God among us, the voice of wisdom and experience, good leadership and so much more.  We do our homework, not to generate more votes for our position, but in order that the Holy Spirit may build within each person a growing conviction that the mind of the Lord is being discerned, whether one or many understood it from the beginning.

At this point it will help to anticipate two common objections.  "This sounds like a time consuming process."  Yes, that's right.  It must be conceded that if speed is God's primary objective, this is not the method to follow.  How much time does it require for a one-man leadership to come to oneness?  No, God has something more important in view than a quick decision.  He uses the decision making process to teach us about Himself, and how we are to show love and forbearance to one another.  Coming to oneness of mind is challenging work, and there are always some who are not willing to pay the price.  But what a comfort to realize that God is more interested in the growth and maturity of his people than in the speedy accomplishment of their projects! 

Another objection: "By this means, one obstinate or misguided brother can prevent the entire church from moving forward simply by stating he is not of one accord."  Without question this is the most common objection to decision making by unanimity, and requires some careful thinking to correct.

If all that is meant by "oneness" is that two or more people have identical positions on any issue, then it appears we may be reaching toward an unrealistic goal.  However, if unanimity means that a diverse group of people, each more interested in discovering the mind of the Lord and the good of the flock, are willing to

- to be continued -