Hiring Lessons for Churches from Chick-fil-A

Beloved for mastering the art of hospitality, Chick-fil-A's hiring process and mindset offer valuable insights for churches looking to strengthen their own teams. Imagine if we incorporated this same approach to hiring and training staff in our churches. Three significant shifts might occur, making our Sunday morning teams stronger, sharper, and aligned more closely with our spiritual goals.

Hire for Heart, Not Just Skill

Chick-fil-A underscores the importance of character. They hire for personable qualities––people who genuinely care about others. When hiring staff, churches should likewise look beyond skills. For instance, when recruiting a worship leader or a greeter, consider the empathy and humility they bring to the role along with their abilities. The real question during interviews could be, "tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to make somebody feel welcome and special."

Ongoing Training is Crucial

Chick-fil-A continually trains its employees, enhancing their service tone, posture, and customer responses. Churches too must consider ongoing training for volunteers and staff members. The expected excellence cannot stay ignited by a one-time training session. Include regular check-ins, hold Sunday morning huddles, celebrate wins during staff meetings, and consistently recast your 'why'. It's important to note that people don't naturally drift towards excellence, they need leaders to guide the way.

Every Role Matters, Especially the Invisible Ones

In Chick-fil-A, a parking lot attendant could be the first impression someone gets. Similarly, your church's parking team or door greeter could potentially shape a visitor's experience. The first impression could decide whether a guest returns or not, usually before the service or the sermon begins. Even behind-the-scenes roles significantly impact a guest's experience. In this context, consider if your next worship leader could also be someone deeply skilled in hospitality.

Remember, the best staff and volunteers aren't just discovered - they're selected, shaped, and celebrated. These lessons from Chick-fil-A can give churches a fresh perspective on hiring and managing staff for better hospitality and, ultimately, more profound worship experiences.

Dig deeper into this topic by listening to today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode here.