Communicating Expectations to Church Staff

As suggested in the previous post, some expectations on church staff can be quite beneficial, particularly those that line up with the basics of life in Him. How leaders communicate those expectations should also line up with those basics. After all, one of God’s expectations on leaders is that they be examples (1 Pet. 5:2-3; 1 Cor. 11:1). . . . Continue reading Communicating Expectations to Church Staff

Church Staff: Expect Alignment with Church Purpose

When our church purpose lines up with what God most expects of us, then it’s reasonable and right to pass on that expectation to staff, whether paid or volunteer. For example, Jesus identified love for God and people as the greatest commandments (Matt. 22:36-40). He said, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (v. 40). Certainly, then, any expectations we might place on people who serve in the Church should line up under these commandments. . . . Continue reading Church Staff: Expect Alignment with Church Purpose

Church Staff: Expect Adherence to Body Life Principles

Personalities will clash and opinions will vary. We can’t force people to “like” or agree with each other but we can expect them to line up with God’s design for His people to function a certain way. It becomes about obeying Him, not doing what “we” think is right. We’re commanded to act and react toward one another in ways that build up and unify, not tear down and divide. . . . Continue reading Church Staff: Expect Adherence to Body Life Principles

Church Staff: Expect Christ-like Character & Integrity

The Book of Philippians is filled with expectations Paul had for that church, whom he considered partners in the Gospel (1:5), to function with Christ-like character and integrity. Whether paid or volunteer, our church staff need to exhibit the same. And so, we come to another staff expectation — the development of Christ-likeness. . . . Continue reading Church Staff: Expect Christ-like Character & Integrity

Church Staff: Expect Reliance on God’s Power

In recruiting and placing church staff into ministry, whether paid or volunteer positions, our objective should be that this is someone God will use to advance His work. We might find someone impassioned to serve in that capacity which will go a long way in motivation. We might recruit someone with previous experience or training which will certainly help them accomplish the tasks involved in that ministry. However, no matter what their qualifications might be, only as they pull on the power of the Almighty God will they be able to make an eternal difference. . . . Continue reading Church Staff: Expect Reliance on God’s Power

Church Staff: Expect a Partnership Mentality

The Gospel “is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). Without the Gospel — Jesus dying for our sin and being raised from the dead (1 Cor. 15:2-5) — there would be no Church. We have all been “brought near by the blood of Christ” and He reconciled us together “through the cross” (Eph. 2:13-16). Because of the Gospel, we have a partnership with fellow believers that forms the essence of who we are as a Church.

Consequently, all church staff, paid or volunteer, should be expected to . . . Continue reading Church Staff: Expect a Partnership Mentality

Encourage Church Staff to Grow in Grace

If we’re going to expect Christ-like character and integrity in staff and that they align with the basics of life in Him, then we need to encourage them to grow in grace. — But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Pet. 3:18)

To understand the real significance of this verse . . . Continue reading Encourage Church Staff to Grow in Grace

Encourage Church Staff to Walk by the Spirit

We can put biblical expectations on church staff like their need to align with the church purpose, adhere to body life principles, pursue God’s mission, exhibit Christ-like character and integrity, and maintain a partnership mentality. However, for them to do that, we also need to expect them to rely on God’s power. Hence, we need to encourage church staff to walk in the Spirit. . . . Continue reading Encourage Church Staff to Walk by the Spirit