Stuff Staff Ought to Know

1. You Are An Extension of the Pastor.

If the pastor started that church, and if not him some other pastor started it, he, of necessity, held every position. I mean more than likely he was the usher, the song leader, the teacher, etc. As time went on the God gave him a few people he delegated some of these positions to others. As soon as he could he appointed a song leader, then nursery workers, teachers, ushers, etc.

As an extension of the pastor you are responsible you are to carry out the duties of your office as much as humanly possible in exactly the same way he would were he still doing it himself. His goals are your goals. He may allow you to do certain things your own way but only after his approval is sought and granted.

2. Don't Be Money Hungry.

The difference between a truly God called man and a hireling is $$$$ money. I had a gut feeling about the man we hired when he used the word "negotiate" when discussing salary. But because he was so highly recommended I hired him anyway. Probably the worst decision I ever made as a pastor. When Jim St.Pierre came on as Youth Director salary was not even mentioned. When Mark Rasmussen began to work for Pastor Paul Chapelle at Lancaster Baptist when the subject of salary came up he refused even to discuss it trusting that the church would do what was right. If God wants you there you should be willing to go even if you have to get a part time job to get by on.

A legitimate question would be, "What do you require?"  Not what are you worth, or what would you like, but what do you require. A single man would require less than a married man, etc. If God wants you there and the church cannot pay you what you require, ask the pastor if he will allow you to get a part time job until such a time as the church can raise your salary to meet your needs, afterwards as God blesses the church financially you can expect regular raises beyond your needs.

When you make an issue out of money, especially if your needs are being met, it says alot about you. If you worry that others may be getting paid more than you, you are showing your self-centeredness and hireling tendacys. Frankly it is none of your business what others are being paid.

3. Be Your Pastor's Best Friend.

Never, but never, let the devil use you to be hurtful or detrimental to your pastor or to his office. Likely if it wasn't for him you wouldn't even be there. Don't be a source of worry or anxiety to your pastor either by a bad attitude or by unchristian conduct. Don't allow any negative remarks to be made about your pastor in your presence. Scripture says that a true friend loves at ALL times. As a friend you will love your pastor when he is right and also when he is wrong. When he is commending you and also when he is scolding you. As a true friend you will never, but never, complain or cry on the shoulder of any of the church members or other staff members about being "mistreated". No church member who is right with God would allow it in the first place. They call it "Treason".

4. Remember You Are Part of a Team.

You are part of a team and the pastor is the captain/coach. The team includes other staff members and to some extent anyone who has a position in the church including deacons, teachers, etc. This requires your cooperation. The team has a common goal. Carrying out the Great Commission as envisioned by the pastor. No "Lone Rangers" allowed. If you want to act on your own go start your own church. (And not with disgruntled church members either.) As a team member your attitude makes a difference. A sour attitude, if not dealt with, is grounds for dismissal. You are to cooperate with whatever decisions the captain makes for the good of the team. You look at it from your own little world, he sees the whole picture which includes everybody else on the team. He looks at it from the stand point of what is best for the whole team and how best to make the goal while you look at it from the stand point of what's best for you.

5. Honor The Chain of Command.

If it is not part of the responsibility of your office refer the matter to the right people. You have no business as a Music Director dealing with a Bus matter, that's the Bus Director's business and vice/versa. It is not up to you to "straighten people out", the pastor in his wisdom will deal with them.

6. Get To Know Your Pastor.

The Bible says to "know" them which have the rule over you. This goes beyond a surface knowledge. Get to know his management style, is he a macro manager or a micro manager. A macro manager may tell the Youth Director to have a Friday night activity each week. Period. And then leave it to the YD to work out the details, trusting that if anything of a questionable nature arises he will be consulted. While a micro manager will not only tell the YD to have a Friday night activity every week but will also tell him where to have it and what to do, how long it should last, etc. Your pastor may be a combination of the two, depending on how important the matter is and how much trust he can put in those in charge. Get to know his priorities; preaching/teaching, youth/adults, bus ministry/drive in, etc.  Get to know his personal tastes; in foods, clothes, hobbies, etc. As you get to know him act accordingly.

7. Take Advantage Of Every Resource To Get Better at Your Job.

Ask your pastor to recommend books and materials that will help you become the best staff man/woman you can be. If you are not a good follower you will never be a good leader. I recommend Wally Beebee's book, "The Second Man". I have them at 20% off regular price.

 

To Be Continued.

 

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