Some churches wait until they can afford a staff expansion. Other churches stretch themselves, believing the expanded ministry will bring in the necessary giving units to support the salary.

Still others don't seem to need professional staff. Their lay people have administrative or educational backgrounds and effectively coordinate the C.E. program.

Some churches first expand to include a part-time staff member, while others go from nothing to a full-time person. Some hire a second generalist (an associate pastor), while others zero in on a specialist—a director of Christian education.

The expansion of staff in a church can be likened to the addition of a child to a family. For some the decision is easily made, while for others it takes a great amount of consideration. In any case, deciding is often less traumatic than when the newcomer actually arrives. That's when the tensions can sprout.

From Volunteers to Paid Staff

One church had trouble staffing its nursery for years. Many young families ...