5. Called.
Finally, they should be called. I know, you assume this, but don’t. Many people are drawn to work in a church because they think it will be easy, serve a season of life when they need flexibility with kids, or because they are simply out of work and it seems readily available.
The goal is calling; that they would do it whether they were paid or not.
I recall a time when we needed to transition three part-time roles in a certain ministry to one or two full-time roles. The growth of the church, the demands of the ministry, made it necessary. We just couldn’t go part-time anymore. Further, two of those part-time people were somewhat questionable, it seemed, in regard to their commitment.
We communicated the decision, gave several months’ advance notice, caring for them well in terms of financial matters. We invited them to candidate for the full-time positions, though we suspected that their life-stage would prevent them from pursuing the new roles.
Intriguingly, the two who seemed a bit passion-challenged almost immediately left the church. Not in anger; they just no longer felt it was the place for their church home. Translation: It was only the job that was keeping them there.
That’s not a calling.
So, here’s the test for both sides: If you are only a member of a church because you work there, quit. You’re not called. Even if you may be called to ministry, and even in the area you are currently serving, but you would not attend that church independent of your employment, it’s not a full calling. And if you know of someone on your staff who would not attend if they were not employed, and you are their supervisor, begin the exit strategy.
Calling matters too much.
So how can you make sure you have the five “C’s” present and accounted for?
