Tag: Church

Church Worker: Your Value is You and Not What You Produce

Church Worker: Your Value is You and Not What You Produce

Church Worker: Your Value is You and Not What You Produce

 
I recently took a new employee at my church out to lunch. It was the end of his first week working as our Business Manager. He is a great guy and came to us from a position in the banking industry. During our lunch conversation, I asked him what he thought some differences were in the industry that he came from and working in a ministry.
 
He responded by saying that while he had been busy that week, there was less tangible stuff to produce – less reports, less matrix boxes to check off, and less bottom line numbers and results to look at. I smiled and let him know that he was well on the way to understanding one of the fundamental truths of church work: What you produce for the church has value, but your value to the church is you.
 
It can be tough to find and hire great church workers. The pay is often lower than public sector employment and the hours longer. A good church hire is finding someone with the skills needed to complete the tasks associated with the job. The best hire a church can make is someone who amplifies the desired culture. 
 
Churches need to look for workers who people naturally look up to and who have the character to lead in a ministry setting. Sometimes this sets up a dichotomy in the hiring process. There are legitimate business tasks that need to be accomplished. Yet, there is a ministry to lead. What if you can’t find someone who can do both? Keep looking. This is often easier said than done. It is tough leaving a job unfilled while you look for a more ideal candidate. I promise it is worth it in the end.
 
While churches often struggle with finding value in both what a worker produces and the value of the character of the person filling the role, the real struggle often happens in the mind of the worker. Not being clear about what is most important leads to worry, stress, and anxiety in those who work in the church. There is a constant tension between getting the list of tasks accomplished and sending time and effort in improving ourself and our character. If you are a church worker, read the following set of questions and statements to help clarify what your value is to the church.
 
Is there value in the spreadsheet the the church accountant produces? Sure.
Is there value in the clean floor that the custodian produces? Sure.
Is there value in the lesson taught by the Children’s minister? Sure.
Is there value in the servant event that your Youth minister arranged? Sure.
Is there value in the sermon you preached? Sure.
Is there value in what you produce? Sure.
 
Your value is in the example you set for others.
Your value is modeling the life of a disciple. 
Your value is in empowering others to feel valued.
Your value is being there when you are needed.
Your value is the unique perspective that you bring to the table.
Your value is found in just being you – it is likely the reason you were hired.
 
As a church worker, your greatest value to the church is your relationship with Jesus, His Church, and His people. Any task that interferes with that is of no value to the church.
 

Bryan Blackford works with ministry leaders to help their ministries grow. He walks ministries through a planning process and resources ministry leaders, so they are equipped to lead well. Bryan serves as an Executive Director at a large church, so he gets ministry and the everyday struggles of ministry leaders. Check out his resources at blackfordsolutions.org

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

Does Your Church Have a Healthy Social Media Presence?

Does Your Church Have a Healthy Social Media Presence?

Does Your Church Have a Healthy Social Media Presence?

Even if your church used social media prior to the pandemic, you likely are using it in new ways this year. The church quickly was thrown into the deep end of social media. Some small town pastors were on the cusp of figuring out their first live stream. Other churches may have been figuring out how to implement other areas of media, such as new social media and online giving. Maybe you already had all of this prior to the pandemic, but you likely have added something new in attempt to keep your congregation connected. 

One of those things you added or magnified was social media. I have heard and read many stories about pastors who were against social media (for a number of reasons) that embraced it one-hundred percent during the pandemic. Even if it was not new, you likely amplified your presence in some form of fashion. Whether we discuss our life or ministry, we should always take time to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of whatever we do.

Over half a year later, we must stop and ask: does my church have a healthy social media presence? Hopefully you have already been evaluating this, but after increased traffic and usage, this evaluation has never been more important. Here are five questions to ask to determine the healthiness of your social media presence:

1. IS THE BOTTOM LINE VIEWS OR ENGAGEMENT?

It feels like a shot of dopamine when your views are up. I am no medical doctor, but we thrive off of dopamine. Your dopamine levels will naturally increase when your brain expects a reward. It feels good to see a high number of views, therefore, dopamine levels are high. These views are good metrics, but are often surface level effects. A deeper dive will reveal more metrics that end up revealing differing results. Our focus should be on engagement. Engagement has long lasting impact on the believer or viewer. If I am engaged, I come back wanting more.

Our number one engagement is the Word of God. God’s Word engages our hearts through prayer, song, and through sound biblical teaching. Look at how God’s Word engages, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). Your social media presence must be engaging. Social media should have a clear pathway to push viewers and followers down a road of discipleship and growth. 

2. ARE MY FOLLOWERS A NUMBER OR A NAME?

Followers should not be a bad thing, but the dogma of the more the better should never flood our social media presence. Do not get me wrong, you should attempt to reach people on social media, which ultimately increases your following. Be sure to catch what was said, we are to be reaching people, not numbers. Each follower has a name. Their name is far more important than them being your one-thousandth subscriber! Our social media policies ought to have a plan to take followers into people with a name.

This gets tricky with live events. It is near impossible to get the names of all attending your live stream. However, with strategic planning, you can attempt to connect with these people through engagement questions throughout the stream. Do not settle for followers, aim for a name. Praise God that He knows our name! We should aim to know their name too!

3. DOES THIS NEW SOCIAL MEDIA FIT INTO YOUR MISSION AND VISION?

This is a question that should be asked of everything we do as a church. Things you have been doing for fifty years should annually be asked this question. For some, Snapchat and TikTok may fit, while for others, it does not. Do your research. Ask pertinent questions to experts or to others who are using various platforms. It is essential that you do not do something just because the church down the street is doing it. When it comes to preaching the Gospel, you better be doing that, but it may not be beneficial to jump head deep into the new craze. Viral fame is not worth the consequences of forgetting to make His name famous. 

4. ARE WE BEING SAFE WITH SOCIAL MEDIA?

Social media can be dangerous. This likely is something you have seen overtime these last few months. Social media can be addicting for both the viewer and the producer. You likely (if not, stop what you are doing right now and do it) have strict policies for those who help with children. We should err on the same side of caution with social media. Do not let just anyone have the reigns of your social media. Have policies and procedures that lay out precautions and social media usage.

This may be a stretch for some, but even consider having members of your social media team sign contracts that enable you to remove those not fit. With social media advancing at the rate it does, you can never be too cautious. 

5. DOES JEALOUSY DRIVE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA DECISIONS?

Jealousy should never be our driving force. The church seeing results down the street does not always delegate your church down the same path. Be lead by God and not by jealousy. With that said, you may implement the same things (and we should learn from others), but implement it in such a way that it drives your church’s mission and vision forward. Bathe social media usage in prayer as you would anything else. God is going to use social media to reach people. Let Him be your guide, not the church down the street. 

If you have yet to evaluate, now is the time to evaluate. Social media will likely have some value for you and your ministry. If it does not, do not use it. However, I imagine that you have realized the value social media can bring as you seek to connect people to Jesus. If you are going to use social media, do so with purpose and conviction. 

What are some guidelines you have in place for social media? How are you using social media to reach people? What does your church do now that you did not do prior to Covid-19?

Written by Justin Beville. Justin has been married to Amanda Beville for over six years and has one son named Luke and twin boys on the way! He received his Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with a minor in Student Ministry from the College at Southeastern. Justin went on to complete his Advanced MDiv. at Southeastern. He currently serves as the Pastor of Students and Outreach at Kingsland Baptist Church. Like this article? Read more from Justin here!

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

8 Things To Consider As You Manage Remote Employees

Make Every Effort

8 Things To Consider As You Manage Remote Employees

I pray your church is doing well and managing through this new normal of uncertainty.

I know it has not been easy learning to have virtual church services, adjusting budgets to fit new giving trends, and managing employees from afar.

As you continue to manage remote employees, try to be aware of how they are managing this new normal, and work to provide the support and resources they will need until they can return to the office.

8 Things To Consider As You Manage Remote Employees

1. Communication

Church leaders understand the importance of communication.

Now is the time to take communication up a notch and communicate, communicate, communicate.

Talk to employees and ask their preferred communication method.

For instance, some employees need the social aspect of communicating.

Offer an option to do a Google chat or Zoom call for those social styles that crave interaction.

Communicate via technology with those employees who prefer that format.

Set up times to chat on email or messenger.

Find the preferred method and then determine the appropriate frequency for interactions.

Let employees know how often you will be communicating and what you will be asking to talk about.

Try to remember; more is always better!

2. Mental Health

Many employees have been thrown into the drastic change of working from home, learning to homeschool children, and trying to juggle the new norm.

Be aware of the stress and challenge employees are experiencing and provide resources to help them manage.

For instance, sometimes, employees simply need to talk about their struggles.

Provide a resource for employees to discuss their challenges.

This resource can be an organized zoom call with a pastor, a trusted mental health professional, or a support group with other employees.

Regardless, employees benefit from sharing challenges and learning coping skills from others.

Remind them of God’s promises with Bible verses about stress and anxiety.

Support their mental health, and you support the employee.

3. Resources

Employees who don’t typically work from home are not equipped with a comfortable workspace.

Make sure employees have access to fast internet, a working computer, and any other necessary office equipment.

For instance, if your accounting staff is now required to work from home, make sure they have a working printer and scanner to help them process weekly contributions.

Also, make sure there is technical support if employees have technical issues with their WiFi, computer, or other office equipment.

Downtime from technical issues is a waste of time.

Manage this by providing that support.

4. Balance

Employees are juggling a lot.

Help them with balance by allowing flexibility in their schedule and reinforcing your commitment to work-life balance.

Particularly during this time when employees are carrying so many additional responsibilities.

For instance, if employees are now responsible for homeschooling their children, allow them to modify their work hours, so they have the option to work evenings or weekends.

5. Reassurance

These are uncertain times for everyone and no one really knows how life as we knew it will look when the dust finally settles.

Be aware that employees have these concerns.

Share with them the steps the church is taking to manage its operation during this pandemic so they don’t worry about being let go.

Reassure them by reminding them that God is in control and He will work all things out.

6. Listen To Employee Concerns

Life is different when you work from home so talk to employees and ask them how you can help.

Listen to any concerns they have and follow up by either addressing their concerns or explaining why the problem can’t be fixed.

For instance, if employees have an old laptop that keeps crashing, work quickly to either get the laptop fixed or send them a new one.

Remember, it is better to not ask the question than to ask the question and not follow up with a resolution.

7. Try Not To Micromanage

Try to remember that just because you can’t see employees working doesn’t mean they aren’t productive.

Give employees the benefit of the doubt about how they manage their time and focus on ensuring they meet job requirements.

Be more concerned with getting the job done than the actual time they are working.

For instance, if a team member is responsible for updating the website weekly, focus on making sure it is updated by a predetermined day of the week, rather than what they are doing every day to get that done.

8. Be Available

Great managers have open-door policies, and now is the time to practice that management model.

You will hopefully connect with employees daily.

However, you should also reassure employees that you are there to help.

Allow them the flexibility to reach out when they have an issue or a barrier to getting the job done – even if your phone meeting was a few hours ago.

As the new norm continues, take the time to talk to employees, support their personal and mental health needs, and you will find that your team is productive amidst this new work from home model.

This too shall pass! God bless you for all you do!

Article was borrowed from Smart Church Management. To find out more about Patricia, click here. 

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

9 Productivity Apps for Ministry Leaders

9 Productivity Apps for Ministry Leaders

9 Productivity Apps for Ministry Leaders

 
Do you know what it feels like to be “in the zone” with ministry work?  It feels great when you are cranking content out like crazy!  The magic happens when you are passionate about something and have both the energy and the organization to get things done.  
 

How often does that happen to you?

A personal mentor recently told me that I am one of the most productive and organized people that they know.  That may or may not be true, but I do tend to be organized and get things done before they need to get done.  I think my productivity is a result of a passion for my work and having found the right tools to help me with my work. 
 

Maybe some of the tools that I use can help you.

Task : Task Management
Tool:  OmniFocus
There are many apps and tools that help you manage your tasks.  Pick one that you like and commit to it.  My #1 suggestion is that it is syncable on all of your devices (computer, tablet, phone..)  I have been using OmniFocus for almost 5 years as find it powerful and effective. It follows David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology precisely.   It syncs with my laptop, phone, tablet, and watch! The learning curve to fully utilizing all of its features is steep – if you are a technology novice, you should probably investigate a simpler system.
 
Task: Posting on Social Media
Tool: Missinglettr
If you post professionally on social media, you already know that scheduling your posts ahead of time is a game changer.  Missinglettr takes your content (blog, sermons, whatever..) and creates a social media (Facebook, Twitter) drip campaign that you can use to schedule and reschedule posts throughout the year!  I’ve been using Missinglettr for almost a year now and love it!  It is a game changer for ministry leaders and communicators who post in social media.
 
Task: Managing My Calendar
Tool: Fantastical
Fantastical is a calendar system that syncs between all of your devices.   It can manage and aggregate all of your calendars (Google, Outlook..)I paid for it and used it over the calendar that came with my Apple devices because it is more intuitive and simpler when entering appointments.  I’m a visual person and it is better designed than the stock calendar on my devices.  I can’t recommend Fantastical enough.
 
Task: Writing
Tool:  Apple Notes
Until recently, I used the Ulysses app for all of my writing.  They changed their pricing model and to be honest, it ticked me off.  I went in search of an alternative and didn’t love anything that I found.  I ended up using Apple Notes and it is getting the job done.  It is super simple to use and easy to export text to almost any other app.  I’m still looking for a better, more elegant option here.
 
Task: Focusing on a Task
Tool: Focus
It’s a great looking countdown timer on my phone (and Apple Watch) that helps me focus on my work and reminds me to occasionally take a break.  Simple and it works!
 
Task: Email
Tool: Apple Mail
The standard Apple Mail App that comes with my Apple devices fits my needs.  I’ve investigated other options, but haven’t felt that their features justified the purchase price.  If you are overwhelmed by email and need help managing your inbox, I recommend InboxZero.
 
Task: Capturing Ideas
Tool: Just Press Record
There are times when I need to capture a quick idea and don’t have a pen and paper or typing something wouldn’t be appropriate.  Most often, this happens while I am driving.  I use Just Press record on my iPhone and Apple watch to record my ideas.  It records with a press of a button or voice commands.  Later, when I can take action on my idea, there it is waiting for me.  You can also translate your voice recording to text and export it to another app, email, or text message!
 
Task: Reading Online Content
Tool: Pocket
Ever find a good article online and want to save it?  Ever start reading an article and can’t finish it?  Install the pocket app and with the press of one button, save and organize all of your online reading for later.  You can also share articles with others easily with several share options.  I save several articles and use Pocket when traveling and do not have internet access to catch up on my reading.
 
Task: Social Media Management
Tool: Grum
Facebook has a built-in method for scheduling your future posts, Instagram doesn’t. Enter Grum. You can schedule your post ahead of time and interact/comment on them from your Grum Dashboard. This has been a huge time saver for me!
 

Bryan Blackford works with ministry leaders to help their ministries grow. He walks ministries through a planning process and resources ministry leaders, so they are equipped to lead well. Bryan serves as an Executive Director at a large church, so he gets ministry and the everyday struggles of ministry leaders. Check out his resources at blackfordsolutions.org

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

Make Every Effort

Make Every Effort

Make Every Effort

If you have never been a part of its atmosphere, you might not recognize its absence. If that is the case, I pray for your sanity.

If you have overlooked this teaching of the Bible, you could be causing devastating consequences.

It’s a little word containing only five letters. What is it? UNiTY!

With it in our presence, we can make wonderful progress towards good growth. Without it, such progress can come to a screeching halt.

That is why the Apostle Paul raises this call in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. In fact, the fourth chapter begins with an urging, a “beseeching” if you will. There is an intense word used here as he directly says that believers should walk worthy of the calling of God. With some beautiful adjectives, he describes what walking this way looks like. It has the appearance of humility and gentleness, with longsuffering (or patience) and bearing with one another in love.

Why is such a walk necessary? It is for the sake of UNiTY. This worthy walk that the Apostle is urging the Ephesian believers toward is an indication that they are “endeavoring to keep the UNiTY of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3).

 

Christian, you need to add this walk to your talk. This UNiTY is needed in your local church as well. Hearty shouts of “amens” and subtle wishes that someone else would really “get it” are not enough.

You must want it so intensely that you will go to the altar and then alter your walk. Act like the servant that you have been called to be.

  • That means you forgive those offenses and quit carrying that grudge, knowing that everyone else is just as imperfect as you are. 
  • It means that regardless of how spiritually gifted you are, you will walk in the humility that you are not better than others. 
  • That means that you will treat others as gently as you’d like to be treated, watching your tone of voice and body language to ensure love is being shown.

Such a walk shows Christ, the Head of the Church that you are eager to maintain the UNiTY that strengthens the bond of peace. Such a walk is simply cooperating with the Spirit.

Make every effort to keep the UNiTY. It’s worth the work (tweet this). And if you do it with the right motive, you will have the help of the Holy Spirit.

Why should you put forth such effort? Because God’s Word just told you to do it. And when we “dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1), the Holy Spirit comes upon His people as “precious ointment.”

Make no mistake, offenses and conflicts will come. They show up regardless of how spiritually minded you are. That’s when “make every effort” goes to work.


Pastors, teachers, deacons, elders, and staff members regardless of a title should consider themselves as personally responsible to make every effort toward unity. Set the pace and lead by example.

You will have to be on purpose about it. UNiTY is not the result of just going with the flow (click to tweet). Following the path of least resistance is what makes people and rivers crooked.

The local church does not simply drift to success. You must make every effort to acquire and maintain UNiTY.

What do you need to do differently this week to maintain UNiTY in your local church?

Written by William Strickland. Pastor of Harvest Christian Center in Cantonment, FL. Husband to Lisa and father to three kids. To read more of Williams’s work, take a look at his blog and be sure to follow him on social media. 

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

What’s the Word Wednesday

What's the Word Wednesday

What’s the Word Wednesday

 

“Your kindness might not move others – or even matter to them at all – but it’s still worth extending. It’s never a waste. The Lord himself receives it and treasures it as precious because it is a reflection of his own unilateral love for centers.”

– Jared C Wilson, Professor at Spurgeon College

One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times. People are coming together in the most unusual ways. Amid the fear that we see all over social media and the news, there has been a definite outpouring of community, love and support. Do something random – show kindness in unusual ways. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in awhile.

Donate to a charity. Arrange to have a video lunch with a co-worker. Offer support to your neighbors. It will help to try and see this as a different period of time in your life, and not necessarily a bad one. There are still lots of things that we can do for other people to inspire kindness in unforeseen times. 

What are ways you have shown kindness to others?

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

7 Essential Guidelines for Pastors Entering a New Pastorate

7 Essential Guidelines for Pastors Entering a New Pastorate

7 Essential Guidelines for Pastors Entering a New Pastorate

As sure as there is a right way to leave your pastorate, there is an excellent way for you to enter a new pastorate. Dare I tread into this highly opinionated subject? Somebody needs to go there. Right?

The proper way to enter a new pastorate begins with leaving your former pastorate correctly. Read about “the right way to leave” here. If you did not exit with the right motives, you are destined for a rough landing.

Deal with any unresolved issues before you move forward (read “How Not to Leave Your Pastorate” here). If you left the last church because you were running away from problems, they will catch up with you. You will find another set of similar issues in your near future. Difficulties in ministry cannot be avoided. Therefore, deal with them as they arise and learn all you can from them. This will help you and the congregation maintain spiritual health.

Assuming now that you left the last place with the proper motives and according to God’s timing, you are ready to move forward. You are spiritually healthy and prepared for the next assignment. Right?

What is your modus operandi? 

Is this your second, third, or fourth pastorate? Have you learned anything about proper transitions?

Every church is different. Every pastor is different. 

Some churches want no change, regardless of what they told you during the candidating process. Some new pastors wish to change everything as soon as they arrive. Both extremes should be avoided to the uttermost.

Here’s my reality. No one can provide a proven strategy, guaranteed to work with every pastor and church match-up (tweet this). Each process needs to be customized by how the Spirit of God is leading that particular transition.

Nevertheless, I can share some thoughts to serve as guidelines. Use these to develop your entering strategy and the rate at which you facilitate change.

  1. You are not the only player in this drama.

     There are lay leaders and staff members for which this transition is tricky too. Give them some Christ-like tender loving care.

  2. You will have an immediate request for a brief meeting from a handful of folks in your first few weeks.

     Be careful with this interaction. Some want to tell you that they campaigned for you to be their pastor. Some are not mature and seek to manipulate you. Some are power players that want to set you straight. Proceed with caution. Love the people and pray for them but do not cave into premature pressure for unclear agendas.

  3. You should not make any promises that would bind your future.

     For example, upon entering the pastorate, you could say, “I won’t be making any changes for six months.” That’s a vow you shouldn’t make. Change is a part of this transitional process. There is no need to smother what could be God’s will.

  4. You should know that both assumptions and presumptions can be dangerous.

     Some congregations assume their new pastor has taken the time to research their history and knows the obstacles that tripped former pastors. Some new pastors like to presume this adage; “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.” Both can lead to early troubles.

  5. Your beginning title is, pastor, but you are not really in charge.

     This means you are not the church’s chief decision-maker. Most congregations of less than one hundred will not trust you to be that person for a few years. In the eyes of the most influential in the congregation, you are the preacher and the family chaplain. That’s not ideal, but your role can evolve and improve with tenure.

  6. You need to build relationships with the key people of your congregation.

     Who makes up this group will vary depending on the congregational size. Board members and staff members are where you should begin. Listen, learn, and befriend them. You will find it much easier to lead your congregation and reach your community with a group of friends than with a group of adversaries.

  7. You should get to know the outgoing pastor, if possible.

     You might not become best friends, but it could be a beneficial relationship. Don’t assume your predecessor was a know-nothing hireling. There was likely some sound reasoning behind most of what you’re walking into. Don’t feel threatened by your predecessor’s insights.

On the way to getting established, I would advise you to ask questions. Ask lots of them.

Therefore, I must ask you, what have I left out of this list? What else would you add to these guidelines? Join the conversation, leave a comment, and let’s pray for pastors and churches in transition.

Written by William Strickland. Pastor of Harvest Christian Center in Cantonment, FL. Husband to Lisa and father to three kids. To read more of Williams’s work, take a look at his blog and be sure to follow him on social media. 

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

The #BlessYourPastor movement was started to provide free grant-funded materials to Christians, church boards and congregations to help them creatively show and share God’s love with their pastor and church staff. There is a great need for an outpouring of personal care and support, since most pastors and church staff faithfully serve and love their congregations while often facing real financial struggles. 

Research by the National Association of Evangelicals shows that many pastors are operating with limited financial resources to meet their families’ current and long-term needs. Fortunately, God is bigger than church paychecks and has many ways he can provide for his shepherds and workers through the generosity of God’s faithful people.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 calls Christians to show their deep appreciation to those who minister to them. Galatians 6:6 says people are to share all good things with the one who teaches them. So, the Bless Your Pastor movement invites church leaders and Christians to intentionally show and share God’s love for their pastors and staff members.

Here is a list of over 50 creative ideas for how you and others can Bless Your Pastor and staff.

Faithfully Pray

The best way to help your pastor and staff is to faithfully and regularly pray for blessings for them. Some ideas for specific blessings include praying for: • Intimacy with God • Marital love and unity • Spiritual protection • Divine guidance • Emotional and physical well-being • Parenting skills • Genuine friendships • Financial provisions • Daily wisdom • Personal encouragement • Helpful mentors • Effective ministry • Time management • Quality study and prayer times • Helpful training, courses and books • Leadership skills

Fondness

Let the pastor and staff know how God is specifically using them to bless, help and teach you to follow God. Remember their birthdays and anniversaries with a card, gift or social media post. Show appreciation for their strengths and give grace in their weaknesses.

Freedom

Give their spouses the freedom to be themselves and to find their own niches at the church. Let their children “be kids,” care about them, and pray for them.

Food, Fellowship & Fun

Prepare meals or baked goods for them (ask about favorite meals or certain foods to avoid). • Give them a gift card for groceries, restaurants, gas, fast food or coffee shops. • Give them food from your garden, orchard, hunting or fishing trips. • Invite them to your home or a restaurant for a meal. • Invite them or their family members to go fishing, sailing, camping, hunting, to the gym, concerts, plays or sporting events.

Offer to cover some or all of the costs. • Offer them sports, concert or event tickets. • If you have a vacation home, timeshare, recreational vehicle or camping gear, offer to let them use it. • Share frequent flyer miles that can be used for conferences, vacation, mission trips or holiday travel. • Offer them the use of your dependable vehicle, SUV or minivan for a holiday family trip or vacation.

Freely Share

Share your skills and time to help with any of the following items: • Babysitting • Auto maintenance and repair • Home repairs, maintenance and projects • Decorating, painting and wallpapering • Haircuts and beauty treatments • Medical, dental and chiropractic care • Lawn and garden upkeep • Legal, estate and financial services • Tutoring or lessons for children

If needed, communicate in advance if there are any out-of-pocket costs they will need to cover (e.g., parts for a car repair or materials for home repair).

Finances

Faithfully give to your church, so your pastor and church staff can be properly compensated. Beyond the church salary, the Lord may prompt certain individuals to provide personal funding to help with any of the following items: • Bless Your Pastor and Staff Appreciation Offering • Marriage conference or retreat costs • Christian camp fees • Back to school fees, clothing or supplies •

Children’s school tuition or contributions to 529 College Savings Plans • Mission trips • Lessons or tutoring • Family or couple’s vacation or getaway • Pastor’s conference, seminar or training • Seminary courses or sabbatical • Student loan debt • Retirement savings • Medical expenses

Pay It Forward

Most people have heard about “paying it forward.” Do you know you can also pay it forward by passing along possessions you no longer use or need? Possible items could include appliances, furniture, musical equipment, clothing, sports equipment or electronics. Ask if the items you may have available are actually needed and wanted by your pastor or staff families. Also, be sure they are in good condition and will not need costly repairs.

Note: Please be prepared to graciously allow your pastor or staff member to decline anything that you offer. Also note that most items mentioned here are not normally tax-deductible to the giver but are to be given out of gratefulness to God for what he has given to you.

For free PDF copies of this “50 Ways” list and a grant-funded 7-minute Bless Your Pastor training video and toolkit for church boards, visit BlessYourPastor.org.

Written by Brian Kluth. Brian is the national director of NAEfinancialhealth.org and spokesperson for the BlessYourPastor.org movement. Article was taking from Church Executive.

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What’s the Word Wednesday

What's the Word Wednesday

What’s the Word Wednesday

 

“Such difficult days and yet God is doing so much in it. It shouldn’t surprise us. We see it through the Scriptures. God is at work in this mess.”

– Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor at Village Church

These days are some of the most unusual days that we have ever lived through. The increase in the Covid numbers, the lack of interaction in our daily live… it can feel so overwhelming at times. It can even feel that God is absent. The good news is that He is not. He is walking this journey with us! Use this time to rest. Rather than lamenting over our current disruptions, use this opportunity to rest. Refocus on what’s important. Spend time with family. Take care of yourself and your mental health. Spend time with God. He is at work!

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

Ministry is tough work. It is demanding of our time, energy, and presence. The reality of stress and burnout is always there. One of my favorite lines that I have ever written is this: “Those who work in ministry walk a fine line between being motivated by our mission and being overwhelmed by it.”

Many smart people write and speak about the need for ministry leaders to find balance in their lives. Balance your ministry, family, and personal responsibilities, and you will succeed! I’ve read several books and articles and listened to many seminar speakers address this topic. They are well-intentioned and do point out the many dangers of living an unbalanced life. Here’s the deal – I think they are wrong. They get the problem right – stress and anxiety. However, their prescription of balance to solve what ails you is wrong – and could be harmful.

I am not fond of the word balance. Here’s why:

Four Reasons You Should Stop Striving for Balance



1. Balance is nearly impossible to achieve

Balance is like a unicorn. You can spend a lot of time and energy searching for it but never find it. Two weeks ago I looked at my calendar and realized that I had a ministry-related meeting or event 7 nights in a row (including the weekend). I knew that this would be stressful and I wouldn’t be spending much time with my family – I would be out of balance.

I looked to see if I could get out of some of the meetings. Nope. I was leading 6 of them! Ugh. It was a busy week. If you work in ministry, you know what I know – finding the zen-like state of balance and staying there is nearly impossible. There are busy seasons in ministry that demand more of you.

You can attempt to implement more balance in your life, but you are unlikely to achieve balance.

You will always be neglecting something. I cannot think of a time when all of my work, family, and personal responsibilities have been balanced. Balance is not realistic. It is not attainable.


2. Seeking balance causes stress.

Think of a tight rope walker at a circus. They are balanced as they carefully walk the rope. One step at a time, carefully placing one foot in front of the other. There is a reason they always look nervous and tense – one little slip-up, their balance is ruined, and they fall. Who wants to live their life like that? In order to achieve and stay in balance, you are always walking a tight rope.

One thing goes wrong, one unexpected event occurs, and your state of balance crashes. Those who focus on achieving balance live in a constant state of stress, worrying that something will go wrong to upset that balance. Balance promises less stress in your life, but by its’ nature, balance is stressful.



3. Your ministry will suffer.

You know that there are times when you will have to give more to your work, and you will feel unbalanced. If you are trying to attain balance, there will always be a low-grade tension aimed at your ministry for keeping your life out of balance. This tension will eventually turn into resentment. You will blame your ministry for your unbalanced life. Live like this for a while, and you will flame out. If balance is your goal, you won’t be leading your ministry from a strong foundation.



4. Your family will suffer.

Balance naturally pits one thing versus another. If you are walking a tight rope, it is the weight on your right side versus the weight on your left side. Trying to balance your weight and diet? It is calories in versus calories out. If you are a ministry leader trying to achieve balance it is often ministry versus family. Balance sets up an either/or scenario.

Either things are perfectly in balance, or you are favoring one at the expense of the other.

Either your family wins, or your ministry wins.

There are almost always more family and work demands than we have the energy for, so in reality, neither wins! Don’t intentionally pit your work against your family for the sake of balance. Neither will win. You will lose.

Balance is an awful goal. It is a worse strategy for ministry leaders because it ends up causing the problems it intends to solve.

Balance is not the solution.  RHYTHM is.  I’ll write about that another time.

 

Bryan Blackford works with ministry leaders to help their ministries grow. He walks with ministries through a planning process and resources ministry leaders, so they are equipped to lead well. Bryan serves as an Executive Director at a large church, so he gets ministry and the everyday struggles of ministry leaders. Check out his resources at blackfordsolutions.org

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog