Thrived is a relative term.. its not about quantity, is about quality.
I have been in a few churches were the membership skyrocketed all due to cult of personality... then the bottom fell out when it was revealed that the pastor was a child abuser... although they suppressed the knowledge for a couple years.
You assumed I meant numbers, you should not assume.
It thrived because the head elder had an attitude that he was equal to me and could direct budget, votes and it was his church.
He used intimidation tactics and all sorts of foolishness to keep control over God's church, God's people and God's Called Shepherd.
When control was removed, people grew and felt liked they belonged.
God helped us make disciples in that church that did 5 things:
Teach
preach
heal
deliver
demonstrate.
When quality of excellence in teaching, preaching and reaching is accomplished, quantity becomes the result.
You cannot let one incident insulate you into the deception that numbers do not matter and it is only quality. Jesus thought numbers were very important, he died, was buried and arose for everyone!
It is always the right balance of quality and quantity.
NO elder has equal authority with a pastor. The Pastor is called and answerable to God, not an elder or board.
A wise old mentor pastor of mine told me once....
A truly called pastor will let an elder think that he has equal or higher authority and will listen to him.....no truly called elder will ever think has has equal or higher authority over the pastor he serves....