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.
Expect Adherence to God’s Design, Commands & Principles for the Body
Look at the commands in 1 Peter 4:8-10 where we’re told to,
1) Above all, love
God lists expectations of how love does and does not act or react in 1 Corinthians 13. If love sits at the top of God’s “to do” list, then these traits need to be a priority in how we function, or don’t function, as a staff with one another and those we serve.
2) Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Although the Greek word for hospitality literally means a love (philos – friendship sort of love) of strangers (xenos), here we’re told to extend hospitality to one another … those we know, fellow members of the Body. Think of the significance of this command. Sometimes we treat outsiders better than we do one another. Sometimes we treat the people we serve better than fellow staff. Or, sometimes we “do” what we should do for and with one another but we grumble about it. God addresses our attitudes in serving, so shouldn’t we?
3) Serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace to them as you use your spiritual gifts.
Ministry must get beyond personal fulfillment and accomplishing “my” agenda. When we use our spiritual gifts, we administer God’s grace in its various forms. The question isn’t what I can get out of it but what I can give. As faithful stewards we answer first and foremost to God for that which He’s entrusted to us. Staff expectations therefore revolve around accountability to God and His desires for serving one another as commanded in His Word.
You’ll find this content in the Steering the Church Toward Body Life Leadership Guide which also includes a list of some ways to communicate these expectations to adhere to Body Life principles.
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Staffing:
- Church Staff Expectations
- Communicating Expectations to Church Staff
- Church Staff: Expect Alignment with Church Purpose
- Church Staff: Expect Adherence to Body Life Principles
- Church Staff: Expect Pursuit of God’s Mission
- Church Staff: Expect Christ-like Character & Integrity
- Church Staff: Expect Reliance on God’s Power
- Church Staff: Expect a Partnership Mentality
- Encourage Church Staff to Grow in Grace
- Encourage Church Staff to Walk by the Spirit
- Encourage Church Staff to Use Their Spiritual Gifts
- Spiritual Gifts Best Suited for Staffing Ministry
- Encourage Church Staff to Pray Without Ceasing
- Encourage Church Staff to Regularly Feast on God’s Word
- Lead Staff by Shepherding
- Encourage Church Staff to Be Strong in the Lord
- Encourage Staff to Do Everything in His Name
- Encourage Staff to Set Their Hearts & Minds on Things Above