How our Pastor Helps our Staff

Written by Shane Wilbanks

Shane Wilbanks is a newcomer to the staff of Harps Crossing Baptist Church. He has been the student minister for over 6 years. While that may not seem like a short time, consider the tenure of the rest of the pastoral staff: His pastor, Dennis Watson, has ministered at the church for over 21 years. He's the only pastor the church has ever had and it's the only church Dennis Watson has ever served. The minister of education has served their congregation for over 18 years, the associate pastor for over 15 years, and the minster of music for over 13 years.

Leading from Your Strengths

Shane sees the pastoral leadership from Dennis Watson as a key for this long tenure. Pastor, you will benefit from his perspective:

I have been part of the staff at for over six years. I believe the long tenure of our staff to be one of the best I have ever seen or heard of.

Our Pastors Calling: We have a pastor that not only is called to pastoral ministry but also knows he has been called to this church and community. He has modeled tenure before his church, community, and staff and has motivated us to follow his example. He mentors me and the staff on the knowledge and skills it takes to have longevity in today's ministry.

These four actions contribute to effective ministry:

1. Ministry and Discipleship as a Process
   He teaches us that ministry and discipleship is a process. He communicates to us that both ministry and discipleship take time.
2. Commitment
   He models the heart of a pastor committed to the church.
3. Anchoring to the Rock
   He has anchored his ministry to the rock of Jesus through many storms in our church, and he remains our pastor!
4. Visioning with Purpose
   He leads our staff to have a vision with purpose. Vision with purpose provides direction to an envisioned destination. With that vision and destination comes passion to journey in that direction.

I believe our pastor's leadership abilities have multiplied a heart for longevity among his staff. Our staff understands that it takes time to journey with Jesus through a God-given vision. We also know that it takes passion to do whatever it takes to arrive closer to that vision's destination.

I believe our staff benefits from the following seven measures:

• Weekly staff meetings
• Weekly lunch fellowships
• One, Three, and Five-year goals of vision
• Cultivating open and honest staff relationships
• Annual staff evaluations
• Staff retreats and family events
• Monthly team meetings with all church employees

Shane Wilbanks is the student minister at Harps Crossing Baptist Church, Fayetteville, Georgia.