Explaining the Rules
I was reading Paul Williams' article, Could Someone Please Explain the Rules? in this week's edition of The Christian Standard in which he asks the question: Is there a proper protocol for hiring a staff member from another church?
As the new preacher at a growing church I'm very interested in the answer to this question. We're already starting the process of hiring more staff, but--with a Kingdom vision--I want us to do it in a way that is God-honoring.
Paul wrote:
There would appear to be no clear rules of engagement when hiring staff. However, if we could reach some kind of accord, it would certainly smooth many a ruffled feather.
So, what's the answer to Paul's question? What are the rules we should follow when hiring staff from another church?
I'd love to hear what you all think.
posted by Arron Chambers @ 3:59 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Hmmmm...interesting question and article. I had always thought church staff generally didn't move from one church to another in the same town. I don't know why...other than it would be awkward. I like the suggestion of calling the prospects boss...and at least giving him the chance to be heard.
I received this from an Elder I know--AC
The way we handled it in the industry world was that if we needed someone, had someone in mind, and contacted that person, if that person showed an interest we figured he was probably "checked out" where he was at. The same way if someone contacted our people and if they were actually interested in going, we figured they were done at our place of employment and encouraged them to go.
I read that article and some blogs that have recently commented on the "ethics" of obtaining and retaining staff. What's funny about the whole rules thing is the assumption that church staff members are "stolen" from somewhere else. When I hear someone say that word, not too far away are comments about loyalty to the church and the Senior Minister/Pastor. What's ironic is sometimes the very ones who demand loyalty are also the ones who have no problem abruptly deciding to not renew a contract because the staff member isn't a good fit. Furthermore, "stealing" presupposes some or degree or level of ownership. What if a leader says to the one calling to ask permision to speak to the desired staff member, "No, you can't speak to him/her". By what authority does the leader say that? If there exist statements in a contract that both parties have agreed to and signed, that's one thing. However, to speak like George Steinbrenner seems a bit extreme. Before anyone begins to write rules about hiring staff members, maybe some could try to explain why leaders are discussing church staff as if they are a commodity on Wall St. Before too long there'll be interviews in the Standard quoting a Worship Leader who just moved to another church saying, "It's a business."
I tend to believe that in the church family there are unspoken rules to recruiting an already employed individual. I would compare it to a company, where department A wants to recruit an employee from department B. It would be common sense, and most likely HR policy, for department A to reach out to department B. Not just out of respect but to ensure the company, specifically the department losing the employee, will not suffer if the employee is transferred/removed to quickly. The Church or those attempting to recruit from another Church should act as a single “company” (God's Church) and reach out to the other Church when interested in recruiting. Not as a, can I speak with your employee but more as a, I’m interested in talking with one of your employees and out of respect I wanted to let you know. If an offer is extended the Church leaders should discuss a release date to ensure God’s Church does not suffer. When an employed individual does the seeking, there should be nothing to hold them back from leaving, especially if it is God’s will- who are we to get in the way of someone looking to leave their current position to follow God’s will. Maybe to much thought into this :)
Cleaning Lady says: This is an interesting question. True believes and Christians follow Jesus. When an invitation is extended to an individual engaged in serving at a church from another church, that individual needs to listen to what God has to say. If God is telling his/her heart to serve elsewhere that individual needs to follow his/her heart. A servant of God is loyal to Jesus Christ not to any one congregation, group of Elders or any certain congregation. Serving Christ and following where He leads is loyalty, true servant hood and God will bless the individual...remember Jonah?? The lessons are in the Bible. If the individual answers an ad in a newspaper he/she still needs to follow where God leads. As for being qualified...you don't want a child molester serving in childrens ministry. Love to those who Love Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening. Cleaning Lady
I read that same article last week and was actually a bit bothered by it. It sounds way too much to me like job seeking in the secular world.
It seems to me that if you are in the ministry that you definitely are operating under the assumption that God has a call upon your life. If you are constantly pursuing God's call on your life and seeking God's will aren't you going to be employed where God wants you? Aren't you going to feel the Spirit's prompting when it is time to leave?
This article left out prayer and seeking God as, in my opinion, the two most important factors in looking to hire someone or looking for a job. These job-seekers belong to God, not to a particular church.
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