A Season of Staffing

Since Crossroads is facing a staffing challenge this Spring I thought that I’d summarize some important principles regarding staffing that guide our leadership beyond the mere financial considerations.

• Volunteers. A basic philosophical principle for staffing at Crossroads is the development and use of volunteer leaders and workers within ministries as much as possible, in both shepherding and administrative roles.
• The need for compensated staff. Paid staff is considered when a ministry develops beyond the ability  of its volunteer workers to continue its vitality and growth (due to lack of specialized skills and/or time); and if the Elders determine that the ministry is essential to carrying on the goals and priorities of the church. As a rule, staff is not be hired to start ministries that do not currently exist in some form.
• Goals of the Church. A ministry position (and staff category) is evaluated in light of intentional commitments to ministry and goals as developed by the staff and elders.
• Goals of current staff. The goals and direction (both ministry and personal) of current pastoral staff is normally taken into account, evaluated, and prioritized as part of any long-term staffing decisions. Not only does  this help staff stay aggressive and creative, it also helps them to strategize and plan better, and chart a course for personal development.
• Source of Staff. As a rule, leadership should be developed from within the congregation before searching outside the congregation.

We are currently seeking to fill four ministry staff positions — Children’s Ministries, Adult Ministries, Junior High Director, and College Director. More about these in the next few posts.