Transitioning into a new role at another church is never an easy task. Key to the success of this process is aligning your expectations with the realities of what the new role requires. Understanding and duly managing these expectations, even before you take up the new role, can help prevent potential disappointments.
Ambiguities often lead to frustration, disappointment, and over time, they can even cause burnout. Here are five key areas you need to delve into while considering a new role at a church:
Job Responsibilities: Ensure the role you're expected to play is clearly defined. Check that the job description matches your conversation with the church leadership. Not everything is usually written down, so it's important to ask follow-up questions when needed.
Metrics for success: Find out how success will be measured in your role. The questions to ponder include: Are these metrics realistic? Do they align with your vision for the role?
Congregation Expectations: Discern what the congregation expects in terms of preaching, leadership, and community involvement. Any disparity in expectations here can lead to tensions down the road.
Workload and Schedule: Do the anticipated workload and schedule seem manageable? Learn if the church supports a work-life balance, and ask about on-call expectations.
Support and Resources: Consider if the church can provide you with the necessary staff support, budget, and tools to excel in your role.
Understand that it’s not just about meeting the church’s expectations; it's equally about the church meeting yours. Open and candid conversations about these matters set the stage for a smooth transition.
Maintain a high level of openness and authenticity in expressing what you need to succeed in your role. Set clear, realistic expectations as these are the cornerstones of a successful start in a new role. The time before accepting a role is the right time to iron out any mismatched expectations.
For more insights into aligning expectations with reality in a new church role, tune into today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. Let's transition smoothly together towards healthier church staff teams.