4 Vital Actions for a Dynamic Staff

Written by Keith Turner

God has blessed us with both numerical and spiritual growth and at the same time allowed our staff to grow together in harmony. People ask, “What has contributed to the growth of the church, the harmonious relationships, and longevity of staff?”

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I see 4 key elements:

1. Scheduled Time for Team Building

• Daily - Each morning the ministerial and support staff gather for a time to share prayer requests, praises, and stories. It is an informal time to relate what is going on in our lives and update prayer needs.
• Weekly - Every Tuesday the ministerial staff gathers to share what is going on in their particular area of ministry. This is a good time to keep everyone informed. Over the years we have struggled and worked through some difficult issues. Following the staff meeting, the ministers eat lunch at a local restaurant.
• Monthly - Once a month the ministerial and support staff reviews the church calendar and shares issues of interest or concern. Concerns addressed in a timely manner alleviate frustration.
• Yearly - Each year the ministers leave for a few days to pray, plan, and play together. God has often used these retreats to help shape the vision and direction of the church. It is also a time to rest and relax.

2. Regular Celebrations

• In December the ministers and their wives get together for an annual Christmas party. We eat out and return to the pastor’s home for dessert. Ministers and support staff also enjoy a Christmas luncheon at a local restaurant.
• We take time to recognize team members on their birthdays. We gather for a light breakfast and a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Recognizing team members and sharing a meal help to build camaraderie.

3. Planned Growth and Development

• Staff meetings include special studies on leadership, marriage and family, time management, and gift assessments. The studies have helped the staff grow, be challenged in their faith, sharpen their skills, and be more effective in ministry.
• During staff meetings everyone is allowed to put an idea on the table. We release our ideas and are open for others to share their opinions. We have come to value the input of other staff members.

4. Mutual Support and Encouragement

• Affirmation. Whether it is face-to-face, before a small group, or with the entire church body, the pastor takes every opportunity to affirm individual staff members. This builds trust among the team and provides a positive influence for the staff to affirm others.
• Mutual Support. We support one another’s ministries. In church work it is easy to compartmentalize and forget that we are working together to fulfill the mission of the church. It is important for us to affirm one another’s ministry and find ways to support one another. It is great to listen to my minister of music promoting Sunday School or the student minister encouraging the students to participate in youth choir.
• Accountability. Structures are in place to help hold us accountable. For instance, the morning devotion is a time when we gather as a team. If we are going to be absent, we are expected to let the appropriate individual(s) know. If we sense that a member of the team is struggling, we ask how he or she is doing.

I believe that the consistent application of church growth principles and longevity of the staff has allowed the church to focus on the main mission of reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The staff and members are committed to work together toward this common goal. By God’s grace this has resulted in significant numerical and spiritual growth. 

Keith Turner is the minister of education at Harps Crossing Baptist Church, Fayetteville, Georgia.