Jesus speaks of his followers as "sheep." In that sense, I think we
sheep care for each other. As Pastor and Head of staff, I try to make
sure everyone is cared for in the flock, including the church staff.
The congregation can help take care of the staff with these simple
principles of care and feeding.
1. Encouragement. It matters when someone notices the
"behind the scenes" work the staff does. Your comments of appreciation
have a great impact on those who work for you.
2. Listen. This is a very professional staff, and they have
insight and good ideas. Take their ideas seriously. It is OK to
disagree, but be thoughtful and considerate in the process.
3. Communication. They want to help the rest of the flock with
their "faith walk," but the staff needs plenty of advance notice of coming
events. Let them know. Let them know if you are going into the
hospital. Let them know if you need something. Let them know of
plans you have for church events. Don’t be afraid of repeatedly
bringing something to their attention -- its far better than not knowing!
4. Food and water. The Bible says, "Don’t muzzle the ox when its
treading the grain." Paying the staff fairly for their hard work and
expertise is our way of showing God’s fairness and justice, as well as
showing our appreciation.
5. Accountability. The Personnel Committee has established a
system of annual goals and objectives for each staff member, along with an
accountable system of supervisors. Every staff person has their work
reviewed twice a year by their supervisor, under the oversight of the
Personnel Committee. Supporting this system and trusting the Personnel
Committee helps promote those Presbyterian values of order and fairness.
6. Laughter. For all of our good intentions and planning, church
life sometimes ends up looking more like the Keystone Cops. When you
are dealing with nearly 1,400 people and their often differing expectations,
sometimes the best laid plans turn to chaos. The best thing is to have
a good sense of humor and remember to laugh together. God will save us
from the chaos. Sometimes the most faithful move is to laugh together
as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
7. Sabbath/Day-of-Rest. The secretaries and the business manager
don’t work on Sundays, but they do worship with us. If you can hold
off until Monday with business issues, it helps them to worship. The
clergy and musicians work a lot of "strange hours" -- Friday and Saturday
nights, Sunday mornings and evenings. If you contact them at church
rather than at home, it makes their times of rest more peaceful.
Thanks to the staff for helping the whole church celebrate an outstanding
100th anniversary year. And thanks to the church
for your help in caring for this wonderful staff!
Andrew L. McDonald
Pastor/Head of Staff
