Empowering/Accountability: My Relationship with Staff (by Rick Shonkwiler)

“I would rather wear out than rust out!” Words were spoken proudly by a seasoned church leader to explain his constant busyness and frenetic pace of ministry. But is that the calling of ministry? Is that the underlying job description for staff? Does this attitude produce the best long-term results for a healthy staff and church? No!

You will have to determine two things in your ministry: First, what am I accountable for? And second, what do I do best? Accountability is taking ownership for what “belongs to you.” This is often written in a job description. Accountability is making sure the job gets done. What I do best is how you determine to do a job. It may be that you jump in and do it. It may be that you communicate expectations to others so that they do it. This would include strategically and tactically deploying others. Reality—you will not be effective if you must do all things yourself.

In Exodus 18, Jethro arrived to visit Moses during the “Wilderness Wandering.” In less than a day, Jethro becomes Moses’ leadership consultant. He identifies a problem, suggests a solution, and brings a satisfactory result! Jethro asked two questions. “What are you really accomplishing? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening” (Exodus 18:14 NLT)? Jethro suggested to Moses that he develop leaders to judge, while Moses took the tough cases (Exodus 18:19-23).

Here are 5 steps in developing an effective working staff in the church today. I remember them by the acrostic S-T-E-R-E-O.

S-Select

I want people who can “raise up people to do a task” in our staff positions. This is like the discipleship mantra, “Make disciples who make disciples who make disciples.” These people will take us farther in accomplishing the mission of God’s church on earth. I am particularly looking for people who demonstrate character, have a basic competency in the calling, fit our staff/church chemistry, and have shown a capacity for the intensity of the work.

T-Training

Since each church is unique, develop on-boarding training for your staff. How do you communicate? What is the use of social media? What skills will you need for this role? How do you check in with direct reports? What constitutes a “WIN” in your area? Set out how and when additional training is received for growth and expansion of ministry. Do this in conjunction with feedback to allow the staff member to view the process as a growth opportunity not additional labor.

E-Empower

Let your staff member move forward boldly in their area. Clear boundaries have been established. Paul told Timothy, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT). Let them do what they do best!

R-Review

Inspect what is expected. Ultimately you are accountable for the project. This allows you to give feedback and discuss performance. This leads to restriction, remediation, or recognition for a job well done. Learn your staff’s language for appreciation. This will help your co-workers to feel appreciated which leads to a more positive work environment.

E-Engage

Release them to work on their own. Discuss effectiveness of ministry rather than efficiency. Challenge the person to dream and expand on ministry responsibilities. People are empowered to do what they do best in the environment of your church’s vision, culture and context.

O—Observe

You become like Jethro. You can see the big picture, asking appropriate questions. Checking in becomes more about, “Are you being the leader we need?” rather than, “Are you doing the things we discussed?”

Using STEREO in leadership development will produce a lively, multiplying ministry which will bring glory and honor to Jesus’ plan to make disciples in every nation. Your staff will experience empowerment and understand accountability through collaboration and using their best gifts in ministry. I want you to hear Jethro’s words to Moses, “If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace” (Exodus 18:24 NLT).

Helpful tools:

  • DISC profile inventory (multiple sites online)
  • Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Gary Chapman and Paul White, Northfield, 2012
  • StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup Press, 2017
  • Learning to Lead Like Jesus, Boyd Bailey, Harvest House, 2018
  • Teams that Thrive, Ryan Hartwig and Warren Bird, IVP, 2015
  • Church Assessments White Oak Christian, Cincinnati, OH
  • Monthly Check In
  • Six Month Assessment
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