Rethinking Church Staff Hiring: Building Teams for Valleys, Not Just Peaks
Hiring for church staff often centers around high points in the year such as Easter, Christmas, or the launch of a new ministry. However, we must acknowledge that the heart of ministry dwells in the valleys. Therefore, our focus should be shaping our church team to navigate these periods of normalcy, rather than just the peaks of celebration. Thus, let's discuss building a healthy church staff culture for everyday ministry, deeply rooted in compassion, not just performance.
The Easter Illusion in Church Staffing
Let's delve into the "Easter illusion" --- churches often unintentionally gear hiring toward big moments. Undeniably, teams should pull off these events with expertise, but what transpires when the spotlight dims? When the congregation disperses, the demanding and gritty work of ministry unfolds day-to-day.
Though we may feel equipped for the mountaintop, the valleys pose a different challenge. Ministry happens in the shadows— in hospital waiting rooms, counseling sessions, and the long, persistent middle of discipleship. Thus, we must hire individuals who excel on stage and equally radiate empathy in a living room or hospital room.
What Valleys Demand from Church Staff
With valleys embodying ordinary life for our congregation, we need a church staff built for these circumstances. This means hiring for presence instead of performance. Here are key characteristics to consider:
- Emotional intelligence: This is crucial for roles, particularly for Children's Directors.
- Spirit-led discernment: Admin staff who can pray over the weekly email list, for example.
- Sensitivity: Youth Pastors should discern when to cease teaching and just be present with a troubled teen.
Put simply, we need shepherds, not just performers.
There's a Cost to Staff Misalignment
Choosing staff suited for the "mountaintop" moments over the ordinary "valley" days incurs a hidden cost. This may surface as disengagement, burnout, or perhaps shallow discipleship. When we realize that our team was built more for applause than for presence, it's often too late.
The Bottom Line
The most impactful ministry happens not on the mountaintop, but in the shadows and the mess. Remember to staff accordingly.
Hire for the unseen— for the raw, real, day to day valleys experienced by your congregation. And for more on this topic, you won't want to miss today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode.
