I can usually spot a dysfunctional church staff from a mile off. Certain little indicators tell the story.
Conversely, other telltale signs generally telegraph a healthy staff, one that operates smoothly, accomplishes a lot, exudes a sense of team, has fun, and enjoys a powerful ministry.
Here’s how to spot a healthy, effective, loving staff.
- Weekly staff meetings. The entire staff—whether it’s two or 200—gathers weekly for 30 or 60 minutes to connect. The agenda provides time for informational updates, brief training tips, affirmation for one another, sharing of personal updates and needs, and time for authentic prayer.
- Weekly work check-ins. Each staff member has a brief, regularly scheduled time to check in with his or her supervisor to go over the past week’s and the upcoming week’s objectives.
- Shared stories. The staff tells and celebrates the good things God is accomplishing through the various ministries of the church. Every week, all the time.
- First names. The staff members refer to one another by first names. No tightly-knit team refers to one another as Mr., Miss, Pastor, Reverend, or (God forbid) Doctor. Collegiality is more important than forced “respect.”
- Direct communication. Staff members with concerns go directly to those who can do something about them. No whining with other staff or members.
- Open parking. No special parking places (or other symbols of puffed-up privilege) for “VIP” staff.
- Laughter. The frequent sound of wholesome laughter permeates a staff that enjoys one another—and the joy of serving God together.
A healthy staff precedes a healthy ministry. And conversely, an unhealthy staff cannot produce a healthy, effective ministry.
So, how many telltale signs does your church exhibit?
Maybe consider adding Worship and Prayer together to the list
A staff that is all business…… OK :0(
A staff that is genuine and truly cares for each other Yea BUDDY
I think my church excels in these area’s. I feel blessed to be a member of such a loving and God centered Church.
The atmosphere in my church office is very friendly. We always use first names, there are no assigned parking spaces (although most of us park in the same spaces each day) and we are often sharing stories and laughing. I think we are the healthiest staff group that this church has seen in awhile. Although we don’t have assigned times to speak with the senior pastor he has an open door policy and we all feel comfortable speaking with him.
Yet we only have monthly staff meetings and four (out of 13) staff members can never attend. I have heard that it frustrates those members and yet my pastor doesn’t seem interested in scheduling meetings when everyone can attend. He says it would be too difficult to work out. Also, some of the staff members have a difficult time with direct communication. One person on staff is usually venting about something they don’t like and it’s not unusual for me to receive an email or a text from this person and they are gossiping or griping about another staff person. This makes me incredibly uncomfortable and I usually don’t reply or I try to diffuse the situation. I’m not sure if I should address it because this staff person is leaving for a new position in another church in two months. But I don’t want them to continue this in their new church office.
Anyone have advice on how to talk to the senior pastor about these two situations (staff meetings and gossip in the office) ???