Warning Signs: A Brief Guide for Pinpointing Breakdown between Pastor and Staff Members

Is a staff member reacting to new situations differently than usual? Often this takes the form of two extremes; He becomes overly docile when requests are made of him. “I’ll roll over and take whatever you dish out.” Or he over-reacts to minor situations, thereby bringing out deeper hostilities on larger issues.

Is there a repeated lack of communication between you and your staff? Are the right people getting the right information?

Has a staff member lost intensity about his work and ministry? Is he fulfilling roles without enthusiasm?

Is a staff member confused about what his proper functions and responsibilities are? If you’re expecting results from him that you’re not getting, chances are he’s confused.

When these signs become evident, you as the pastor and supervisor need to do two things: First, go back to the staff member’s original job description and make sure that guidelines and responsibilities are spelled out. Second, respond to the staff member with love and concern. Don’t just seek to correct problems, but give guidance and direction with a loving hand.

If you’re a staff member, you too have warning signs to heed.

Have you lost respect for your pastor? If you’re more critical than supportive of his work, chances are your respect for him has diminished.

Are you bothered by having the bulk of your suggestions deemed “unimportant”?

Have your opportunities to minister to the body suddenly shifted or disappeared?

Are you taking an “I-don’t-care” approach to problems in your church you think you have solutions for but no authority to implement them?

There are no simple answers. But when these signs become visible problems, it’s time to adjust. You can’t lose respect for your pastor and remain effective. If your concerns are valid, it might be time to leave; but make sure your judgments are based on something substantial and not simply differences of approach.

Above all, do not tolerate long-range dissatisfaction- ‘ and frustration. It must be dealt with by caring, 0 even if the only avenues to express your concern are prayer and patience. 0