One simple way to become more influential in your church is to read the manual…
Many churches and denominations have manuals or handbooks. If your church is a member of a larger denomination, then there are probably handbooks published on the denomination’s website.
The more you know about how the church processes are intended to work, and have worked in the years before you were involved, the more helpful you can be.
Most likely, many of your peers have not read the manuals or handbooks, if any are available. The older guard is more likely to be aware of their existence.
The same thing goes for your church’s bylaws. Members may not even be aware any exist. Have you asked around? Do you know?
Often, the answers to many of the questions church officers and members have may be found in those manuals and handbooks. If you know the answers to those questions, you will become a source of valuable information.
This will help you become more influential. The more helpful you are, the more people will be willing to listen to your advice.