Just prior to ascending back to heaven, Jesus gave a command that extends to believers throughout the ages that has come to be known as the Great Commission. Certainly pursuit of this mission should make the list of church staff expectations.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20)
Expect All Church Staff to Pursue God’s Mission
Notice that Jesus doesn’t limit the Great Commission to only people in outreach ministry. All staff, no matter the ministry in which they serve, have been given this mission.
Notice that Jesus doesn’t limit the Great Commission to only leaders or paid staff. All believers, regardless of responsibility, have been given this mission. Whether volunteer lay people or paid professional staff, all have been given this mission.
Notice that Jesus doesn’t limit the Great Commission to only adults. Believing children and teens have also been given this mission.
Notice that Jesus doesn’t limit the Great Commission to only people in upfront, people-oriented ministries. Even those serving in more behind-the-scenes, task-oriented ministries have been given this mission.
Notice that Jesus doesn’t limit the Great Commission to only people with outgoing or go-getter personalities. Even the more introverted or laid-back personalities have been given this mission.
Ways to Communicate Expectations to Pursue God’s Mission
- Emphasize that the Lord is the author or determiner of the primary mission you expect them to pursue. As the One with ALL authority, He has every right to set the agenda, not us as leaders.
- Equip and support people to fulfill God’s mission but also entrust them to the Ever-Present Lord to help them and empower them to do it.
- Extend freedom to tailor their approach to the mission to fit their area of ministry or personal bents within the parameters of not compromising the message or diminishing the importance of the mission.
You’ll find this content in the Steering the Church Toward Discipleship Leadership Guide along with some input under each of the ways to communicate this expectation to church staff, paid or volunteer.
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