I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of people
who love their church and have a “by any means necessary” mentality towards
ministry.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of Mars Hill, working with
other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER
hear from someone on staff.
#1 – “That’s Not My Job.”
When a staff member is asked to do something and they reply, “That’s not my
job,” then you can be assured that he/she does not have a heart that is fully
devoted to the ministry.
The staff we have here at Mars Hill walk around with fire in their eyes…and
when asked to do something they just make it happen. Now…I have seen this abused & do not think
ANYONE should allow themselves to be ran over; however, when asked to do
something that might not serve the person BUT WILL SERVE THE CHURCH…the answer
should always be yes.
#2 – “That Can’t Be Done.”
I have noticed something about staff members that say something cannot be
done…USUALLY the ones who say that are the ones who are going to be asked to do
the particular project they are freaking out about…and it will require tons of
work…SO, they just say it can’t be done.
I have a confession to make…I don’t like hearing “it can’t be done.”
Here’s the kind of attitude I like:
Someone who’s realistic with me and says, “Now we CAN do that…but it will
require such and such and we don’t have that–and if we want it then it is going
to cost this…so what do you want to do?” I LOVE THIS ATTITUDE!
Trust me, when a staff member continually says that something cannot be done they either have a lazy work ethic
OR a very small view of who God is…neither are beneficial for your team.
#3 – “All I Need Is More
Staff & Money To Make This Happen.”
When people begin to use resources as an excuse for a stagnant or failing
ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have most likely became
spoiled, thus forgetting the art of being innovative.
#4 – “Recognize Me!”
Beware of the staff member who is always telling you how much work they did,
how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
HOLD
ON
…as
a leader it is our job to make sure that staff members are not sacrificed on
the alter of ministry. We should pay them well and make sure they have adequate
time off.
BUT…when someone is always demanding attention for the work they’ve done
then you can be sure that either pride or insecurity is coming out…and neither
are good!
#5 – “My ministry needs BLANK
to…and if we don’t get it then…”
When a staff member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church
as a whole…trust me, you have a HUGE problem.
A good staff member does have passion and vision for their particular area
of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the church as a
whole and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is best for the
church.
The church will either operate as a loosely organized group of sub
ministries…OR ONE BODY with many parts…and if a staff member cannot be a part
of the body then they most likely do not have a kingdom mindset.
Ahh – I love some of these. Actually, I like hearing these statements from people because it allows me to help focus and better lead those individuals.
I think it’s important that the church operates as one body, but ya know, many churches don’t. In many cases – it’s not always staff members’ fault either. I think constant communication, involvement, and extensions of leadership are crucially important for staff members to succeed, catch vision, and operate their part of the ‘one body.’ Problem is – that’s a perfect world scenario. It’s almost like trying to teach a hungry man to fish by telling him to watch you. Pretty soon, his hunger overcomes and eventually he dies of something that was curable.
All in all though, good points.
-DTW