THREE QUALITIES REQUIRED OF STAFF AND DESIRED OF THE PEOPLE
For years I've taught these three attitudes as the relational qualities needed by staff members in churches from the pastor throughout the entire staff. That's because as Pastor of a fellowship I desired these qualities to be in church members lives, but it's untenable to desire for others what we don't demand of ourselves as staff members.
See what you think.
1. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE__ the ability in the worst of situations to step back and see what God is doing. As staff we must be able to see God in every situation. He really is the "Blessed Controller of all events."
Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)
Romans 8:28-30, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (NIV)
2. A LOYAL ATTITUDE__ a commitment that I will neither say or receive a negative word about you as a staff member until I know that it has been said to them. This means when you come to me, or I come to you, we can know it's not been shared with others at this point.
Proverbs 6:16-19, There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (NIV)
Proverbs 16:28, “”A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” (NIV)
3. A SERVANT’S ATTITUDE__ an excitement about making the staff members around me successful in the opinion of the people.
Romans 12:10-11, Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (NIV)
Galatians 5:13, You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:21, Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (NIV)
REMEMBER__This does NOT negate having to face problems, but it will mean those problems will be faced honestly between the ones involved with integrity. Matthew 18 will always be the format that guides Kingdom people, especially staff, in relational breakdowns.
Paul B.
2 comments:
Paul,
Although I've never had staff during my ministry, I have sought to apply similar thinking towards anyone in anyone in a congregation, such as your statement,"it's untenable to desire for others what we don't demand of ourselves as staff members".
Sadly, I did come across several of those mentioned in your quote from Prov. 16:28, who tested my resolve,especially a couple of deacons who couldn't grasp the concept of servanthood. You know what I mean, I'm sure!
Paul,
I can’t figure out what this means.
“a commitment that I will neither say or receive a negative word about you as a staff member until I know that it has been said to them. This means when you come to me, or I come to you, we can know it’s not been shared with others at this point.”
I tried to break it down:
I will not say a negative word about you [hair too long] …until I know that it [hair too long] has been said to them.
This means…we can know it’s [hair too long] not been shared with others at this point.
But I still don’t get it.
Are you saying you won’t talk about staff members behind their backs and they should not talk about you behind your back?
Post a Comment