11 Things I Learned as a Church Staff Member

If your church has staff members, I encourage you to read this post and pray for them. 

Twice in my ministry career, I’ve had opportunity to serve brief stints as a church staff member. Both roles were intentionally brief by design (1-2 years during transition periods in my ministry), but still I learned some things I’ve often since seen duplicated among other staff members:

1. The leader who preaches most Sundays is the primary influencer. Both pastors with whom I worked gave me opportunities to preach, but I quickly learned how important the primary preacher is. His weekly standing before the people gives him a leadership platform no one else has.
2. Leaders default into silos. Each of us has his or her own responsibility, often built upon training and passions. Job descriptions pigeonhole us into our ministry, our areas, our offices. Apart from intentional plans, teams don’t naturally develop.
3. The best staff members complement each other – while sometimes leading to honest disagreement. Staff who share the same spiritual gifts and passions may seldom argue, but they also miss the creative tension that God puts in a 1 Corinthians 12 church. Honest disagreement is not only expected, but also sometimes necessary for a church to succeed. 
4. When I had served as senior pastor, I had no idea what it was like to be a staff member. I served as a senior pastor for more than a decade prior to these stints as staff members. Pastors who’ve never served as a staff member would be wise to recognize that you really can’t understand another person’s role without first walking in his shoes.
5. Communication matters, but it’s hard. For example, I wasn’t the pastor, but I still didn’t like being surprised by announcements on Sunday morning. That didn’t happen often . . . but, when I learned details only when other church members did, I found it hard to feel part of a leadership “team.” 
6. Staff praying together is non-negotiable. I don't know how I can say this more clearly: no staff team can expect blessings apart from praying together. And, there’s a decided difference between praying perfunctory prayers at the beginning of a staff meeting and really praying together.
7. It’s fun to serve with leaders who make work fun. Ministry can be exhausting and draining, especially when you have no place to turn for support. The best leaders I know push for excellence without taking themselves too seriously. Sometimes, a hearty laugh with a leader can help you move over the next mountain.
8. It’s easier to be quiet than ask for a raise. Both churches with whom I served as a staff member were gracious in providing me support. That’s good, because I doubt I would have asked for more dollars or benefits. The wise senior leader will intentionally and proactively learn about his staff’s needs. 
9. Staff members need and appreciate affirmation. It made my day when a church member thanked me for my service. That day was even better when the church’s senior leader did the same. 
10. Godly leaders with a vision are easy to follow. Both, I believe, are important. Godliness without a vision can result in spirituality with no direction. A vision without godliness can lead to superficial growth lacking the blessing of God.  Give me a godly leader with a clear vision, though, and I’ll follow.
11. Some people don’t make good staff members. I didn’t. I didn’t know how to rest in the second or third chair as a staff member. What seemed so inviting at first – serving in the church without bearing final responsibility – only re-fueled my desire to be a senior leader.

What would you add to this list?