OK, so most people don’t punch clocks any more. Slavery was abolished years ago. And churches are supposed to care for people – including their emotional and physical needs. Agreed. But does that give church staff members the right to take advantage of their positions; and, more importantly, do they?

The Perception

Many church congregants never really get an inside look at the dynamics of a church pastoral and office team. As long as they’re satisfied with what happens in that critical hour on Sundays, they’re happy and content with not knowing much, if anything, about the inner workings of church administration. In many ways, that’s a good thing. On the other hand, it’s disconcerting to think that if they did know, they would not be pleased at all. Too often, even an effective and efficient staff is not always successful in conveying its value to its constituents.

For example, ask a church member whether he or she thinks the amount of effort that goes into most church jobs is closer to the effort required by a fast-paced global enterprise or by a government position. While answers will vary based on personal experience, my networking tells me most members will associate the work of ministry workers with the work of government employees.

Why is that? Well, for starters, there is some truth to the notion that church employees feel more relaxed in their work than other employees, in general. After all, a church is supposed to be a safe place where individuals matter, people can let their hair down and relationships are more important than outcomes. And if that’s true for congregants, some of it must apply to church staff. For example...