10 Commandments of Staff Engagement
From time to time, I like to share some "behind the scenes" stuff that gives our congregation insight into how the leadership thinks and works. Here's a document that has shaped our staff culture from the beginning of the church:
The following principles are essential for developing a strong, cohesive team that can effectively lead the Redemption Church Gateway congregation towards maturity in Christ that embodies gospel-centeredness and outward-focus.
01 / PRIORITIZE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS
Everything in your life and ministry flows out of your relationship with Jesus. This is your top priority, and we must help each other grow as disciples of Jesus.
02 / EQUIP, EQUIP, EQUIP
Develop leaders and prepare the saints to do ministry. When possible, bring people along with whatever you’re doing. Don’t get stuck being the only one doing ministry. Equip the saints to do the work of the ministry. If a volunteer can do it, help empower them to win.
03 / IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE, NOT TASKS
The focus of our ministry is helping people grow as disciples. Our systems and tasks should enhance, not distract from, the priority of investing in people.
04 / LEARN CONSTANTLY
Always be reading and listening to things that sharpen you. “A woodcutter never wasted time by sharpening his ax.” Additionally, be teachable and learn from other people, even through criticism.
05 / WORK HARD
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Col 3:23)
06 / CHEAT THE CHURCH, NOT YOUR FAMILY
There's not enough time for everything, and somebody will feel cheated. Make sure it's not your family. Jesus died for the church, you don’t have to. He promises to build his church and commands you to care for your family.
07 / BE ON TIME
Help create a culture of punctuality and respect.
08 / CLARIFY THE WIN
Know the vision and purpose of any ministry environment or event, and cast the vision in a clear and compelling way.
09 / LISTEN TO OUTSIDERS
The unchurched and marginalized never have a voice in the church. Be that voice. We must focus on who we are trying to reach, not just who we are trying to keep.
10 / CHOOSE TO TRUST
We will develop a culture of trust, built on these six commitments:
1. I will believe the best about my fellow staff (including other congregations).2. When other people assume the worst about you, I will come to your defense.3. If what I experience begins to erode my trust, I will come directly to you to talk about it.4. When I am convinced I will not be able to deliver on a promise, I will come to you ahead of time.5. When you confront me about the gaps I’ve created, I will tell you the truth.6. I will openly share warnings or disagreements when a decision is being considered, but I will champion and defend the decision after it is made.