18 Sep 4 Things You Have to Stop Doing to Your Church Staff
We’ve worked with some incredible churches, carrying the Gospel with excellence and ministering to their church staff with authentic love. On the other hand, we’ve also seen organizations that miss the mark more than just occasionally when it comes to taking care of people. Whether the organization had a fluke mishap or is cultivating a crumbling culture, too many people have left ministry burned.
Today we want to outline the four biggest mistakes you can make that only hurt your most important mission field and first line of ministry: your staff.
1. Stop burning them out.
Most organizations don’t offer enough vacation. Americans especially don’t value rest like the rest of the world, but ministries can and should be leading the pack in the fight for work-life balance, keeping employees recharged and healthy (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually!).
Ensure your organization offers generous vacation time, sick leave, and sabbatical opportunities for all ministry employees–not just pastors. Plus, make sure each staff member takes two full days a week off, preferably in a row. Continue to care for their physical needs by providing a fair wage, generous benefits, and retirement matching to help alleviate the mental load as the pay bills now and as they age.
2. Stop stunting them professionally.
Very few ministries prioritize their staff’s professional development, but, like any other job, ministry requires training and continuing education to keep employees sharp and innovative. Create opportunities for them to learn from outside sources by attending conferences, workshops or simply meeting with an older mentor in the same field.
Also, develop them from within your organization: write clear job descriptions for each staff member and sit down for formal performance reviews at least twice a year so they know where the bar is set and how to reach it. Speak the truth in love about their performance and, while grace is good and necessary, don’t enable complacency and laziness. Challenge your staff with healthy growth and they will rise to the occasion.
3. Stop neglecting them spiritually.
Just because someone works in ministry does not mean they are growing in their faith. Lead by example and carve out intentional time to pray and worship together as a staff. Help each member find enjoyable spiritual growth practices and a mentor. Hold them accountable to both and touch base one-on-one at least once a month giving relationship priority over business.
4. Stop turning them against each other.
Care for your staff individually as well as a whole. Even the healthiest and strongest leaders will not stay in an environment of dysfunction for very long. Creating a team-player culture prevents staff members from siloing themselves into segregated departments. While each department may have its own staff members, schedule, and problems, all departments affect each other and the health of the ministry as a whole.
Create a strong and trusting team through practicing transparency and good communication. Teach and practice Matthew 18 conflict resolution, but don’t be afraid to have hard conversations and endings if an individual threatens the health of the team.
You could not more directly pour into your mission than pouring life and energy into your staff members. They are your first line of ministry and your greatest responsibility. Care for them and watch them thrive, grow, and reap a harvest like you wouldn’t believe.
Original content by HR Ministry Solutions. This information is provided with the understanding that Payroll Partners is not rendering legal, human resources, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from a lawyer, HR consultant or other professional.