Church Staff Dynamics

I have never enjoyed working with a group of guys more than I enjoy working with our team.  This week was especially invigorating and intense.  I loved what we were able to do.  I was blown away by the intensity and creativity.  You can see some of it here.

They are really excellent people who give it all, show up early, lead like they're owners, follow-through, have an intense love for God and people, and display pliable hearts.  In addition to that, going into the office is a lot of fun.  I look forward to it every single day.  The team is really strong and shows a ton of potential.

On the flip side, when teams break down, it shows everywhere.  Once you get to that point, its hard to recover without human casualties.  Some things I've learned from serving on a large staff, being the only person on staff, and from leading a staff (both professionally and in ministry) are:

• Never discuss internal team challenges outside the circle of the team.  It breaks down team and undermines trust.  If you break this rule, you create defensiveness and undermine transparency on the team.
• Be direct.  Churches are famous for beating around the bush.  Get to the point and leave no room for guess work.  Honest assessments are necessary, even when it reflects negatively on the team, an individual, or on yourself.
• Give it your best.  God's business is the best business in the world.  Lay it all on the line every day.  Work like its up to you.  Pray like its up to Him.  Waiting on the Lord does not mean doing nothing.
• Protect your family.  Don't be a griper about unresolved, unaddressed issues at home.  It builds unnecessary resentment between uninvolved parties.  Be man or woman enough to have conflict quickly, privately, and respectfully.  Unresolved unaddressed conflict builds steam with time.  When it blows up, it gets really ugly.
• Be the instigator of generosity. Bring coffee and treats and share with the team.  Creating a culture of generosity kills destructive attitudes (1 Peter 4:8) and undermines negative energy.
• Pray for the team and make the load lighter (James 5:16).  Working in ministry, you see everything behind the scenes.  Its great when your team is a family and your family prays for you and has your back.
• Have fun.  Work like crazy and every now and then, take breaks together.
• Drop dead weight. When someone disengages and quits doing their part as unto the Lord, address the situation.  Give the person a chance to change.  If they can't, be quick to help them find a place where they can give it their best, even if that means that place is on another team somewhere else.

I'm sure there are some other pearls of wisdom to be had.  But, this is what I have.  If you have thoughts, share them.

Comments

[Nancy Lemmond]

Travis, we love you and have your back! As well as our Pastor, you are a dear friend, and in our hearts and prayers always. I agree with all your words of wisdom, as given by our Lord. Keep up the vision of winning souls for our Lord and Savior. Yes, our team is the very best, no argument from me at all. We are a family. And human, lol. It is well worth all the costs, to serve our Lord, and others. Miss you all!!

[victor]

What else would you expect---great people yield great results!!!

[Ela Ortega]

Agree with you Nancy. Not only do we work hard but we love GOD with our hearts and soul.
Travis like I have said many a times before you are our leader, teacher and a great friend. We work hard because that is what you do. You challange us to be better people to show the rest that we are Christ like to be and walk as he would. To love the unloved, to pray for everyone in need.

[Jeff Green]

Great post... I've linked to it myself.

I've just discovered your blog and I'm enjoying keeping up.