I most often work with lead pastors when I consult with churches, but I do spend time with staff members, too. I also have church staff members among my students at Southeastern Seminary. As I work with staff, here are some concerns staff have expressed to me over the years:
- Lacking time with senior leadership. Staff often struggle when they have no more time with the senior leader than the typical layperson does. They often long for more one-on-one time.
- Lacking clear role expectations. Staff aren’t always sure what’s expected of them, even if they have a job description. They’re sometimes held accountable for more than what’s in that description.
- Having few friends, especially among other staff. Staff families seldom spend time together. Staff themselves are sometimes at odds with each other, especially in struggling churches.
- Living in a ministry silo. Others make decisions that affect their ministry without discussion or dialogue. Calendaring events becomes competition rather than cooperation. The silo gets lonely.
- Ministering with few funds. Some churches find salary money by decreasing ministry funds. Thus, they hire personnel but provide little money for them to do the work they are called to do.
- Perceiving they have no voice. Some staff believe no one in authority listens to their ideas or concerns. They eventually just keep their thoughts to themselves.
- Wrestling with their own calling. That’s particularly the case when a staff member has begun to feel a burden to preach more often.
- Having no “safe” place to be honest. I often hear these concerns of staff members simply because staff believe they have no other place to go with their burdens.
- Receiving poor salary and/or benefits. Some staff are struggling with paying their bills. They want to serve with joy, but the burden of taking care of their family is heavy.
- Desiring affirmation. Most staff appreciate a “pat on the back” occasionally. Even little gestures like a public “thank you,” a lunch invitation, a drop-by visit, or a small bonus can go a long way toward building a strong team.
- Competing for volunteers. Because most churches do not have a strategy to enlist and train workers, staff often compete for the same workers.
- Seeing and hearing too much. Too many staff members wrestle internally because they have listened to leader and staff language, overheard jokes, and watched actions that are less than Christian.
As you read this list, I encourage you to pray for your church’s staff members. If you’re a lead pastor, take some time to bless your staff today.
