Where Will You Be in One Year?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Tue, October 11, 2005
- Viewed 84
- (21) comments so far
I'm in the process of writing a series of articles on ministry staffing issues and can really use your input on getting an overall picture of where most church staff are right now. Could you help me out? Below are eight short questions that have to do with you and your staff position and your outlook for the future. Could you take just a couple minutes (that's really all it will take) to reply to me with your answers to these questions? There are two easy ways to do this... either just leave a comment at the blog with your answers; or just cut and paste the questions in an email (along with your answers) and email them to me today at mailto:[email protected]?subject=Staffing Survey. Your input will be used to find some interesting trends that we can share here together in the near future.
Here are the questions...
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay? If no, what's the biggest reason you are planning to leave?
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that's totally new for you in the next year?
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
Again... either just leave a comment at the blog with your answers; or just cut and paste the questions in an email (along with your answers) and email them to me today at mailto:[email protected]?subject=Staffing Survey. The more people who are able the respond, the better the research (and the articles) will be!
Thanks, and have a great day in doing what God has called you to do!
Todd
Believe it or not, the year is starting to wind down already. As a matter of fact, most of the department stores are already displaying their Christmas items! As we approach the end of the year, it’s always a good time to access how our lives and ministries are going. I’m going to ask you to help me out today by doing just that…
Comments
if you want a Globally Recognized Avatar (the images next to your profile) get them here. Once you sign up, they will displayed on any website that supports them.
Daniel on Tue, October 11, 2005
Here are the questions…
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? Staying—yes, God has not led me to leave, try, or even look to leave.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? Planning on hiring a paid youth minister
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? Duplication of ministry through more leaders, others to step up to the plate, numberical growth and financial stability.
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year? Positive growth of some leaders, my willingness to accept the fact that difficulties will always exist, and willingness to serve people in spite of their personality qwerks.
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
Changing evening services somewhat, different ways of doing things in working with staff/volunteers i.e. accountability.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position? Somewhat. Feel fulfilled when I have spent time reflecting upon God’s activity rather than my personal wants/desires.
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry? Somewhat. Only challenge is the constant need for proper ballance. Very supportive, and it seems that when I personally am struggling then the family is fine. Yet, when my wife is struggling, then I am strong. Overall happy—knowing that we are right in the middle of God’s will.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church? Pastor, 75-100.
Matt Johnson on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay? If no, what’s the biggest reason you are planning to leave? Absolutely staying. We just hired our new pastor and his vision is to break the mold of what our church has always been. He has a proven track record and is ready to kick the devil’s butt.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back? Yes. We will be hiring a children’s pastor and a worship pastor.
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.) I wish for our gym to be renovated and turned into a true student ministries center where we can house concerts, after school programs, and large scale events.
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
Wow…our associate left the church, then the worship pastor left, then the children’s pastor left, then the senior pastor left, then the new worship pastor left. I have been the only staff member to stay. pretty big one there.
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
I plan on reaching out to the skater’s and headbangers of Waco, TX. Our city just shut down the only skatepark in the city and the city is crying out for a skatepark. Enter…our new pastor.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position? Yes. Very.
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry? yes, my wife is called to minister…not in the same area as me as much, but called to lead worship and lead women.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
I am the student ministries pastor. (children, youth, and college)
Our church hovers around 300 people.
javon seaborn on Tue, October 11, 2005
. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? Staying—yes, God has not led me to leave, try, or even look to leave.
Answer to question number 1. I will be leaving my current situation and going in the Army as a Chaplain. I am in my last semester of seminary now and I plan to go on and serve soldiers
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? Planning on hiring a paid youth minister
No except my position
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? Duplication of ministry through more leaders, others to step up to the plate, numberical growth and financial stability.
None
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year? Positive growth of some leaders, my willingness to accept the fact that difficulties will always exist, and willingness to serve people in spite of their personality qwerks.
I have had a horrible exp in church ministry and I am now trying out the chaplaincy. I have been in the military for ten years
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
Changing evening services somewhat, different ways of doing things in working with staff/volunteers i.e. accountability.
Bringing more charismatic influence in our church through worship.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position? Somewhat. Feel fulfilled when I have spent time reflecting upon God’s activity rather than my personal wants/desires.
No and I think sometimes church folks don’t appreciate pastors and they run the curch like a Democracy instead of a Theocracy
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry? Somewhat. Only challenge is the constant need for proper ballance. Very supportive, and it seems that when I personally am struggling then the family is fine. Yet, when my wife is struggling, then I am strong. Overall happy—knowing that we are right in the middle of God’s will.
My family is ready to go to the military and serve especially my wife.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church? Pastor, 75-100.
Senior Pastor 100
freedbyjc on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months?
YES, I’m planning on it.
If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay?
God is at work here and I want to join Him at His work and reach His children.
If no, what’s the biggest reason you are planning to leave?
His ways are not our ways and if He leads me elsewhere I’ll pack it up, turn it over to the replacement God has prepared and placed here to replace me and go.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
Yes, adding Evangelism and Assimilation/Involvement. Cutting back on Facilities Management and Operations and all ministry functions & events that only focus our attentions inward.
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
An increase in healthy disciples that will live Christ, share Christ and think of others before self.
These disciples will firm up the foundation, shake the walls and raise the dust but will revitalize and strengthen the body!
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
A shift from strictly inward care to prayer, outreach and involvement.
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
For us, training and experience in Evangelism on a personal basis to reach our world and a concrete system of assimilation and involvement that enfolds the entire body of Christ to use their gifts for blessing of others.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
Yes. It reminds me of the old story that Leonard Ravenhill tells about this younger ‘successful’ preacher who wants to have the power that he sees Ravenhill has. Ravenhill tells him about letting God take charge of his ministry and the young man tells him how God is blessing his efforts and again tells him of all his success.
Leonard tells him “You with your programs and your ‘ministry machine’… put it in park, to turn off the engine, take out the keys, get out of the car, close the door, walk around to the back, open the trunk, get in, hand the keys to God and close the trunk with you inside. Then tell God to drive. Thats how you find and engage the real power in your ministry.”
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
Yes, the hours sometimes get tedious and wear on us at times but the rewards are awesome. We also remember always; God first-then spouse/family - ministry next.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
Elder [1 of 5], 275-300.
David on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Yes, since I have only been here six months and there are many exciting things happening in the church.
2. Yes, we are working on hiring a new Senior Pastor.
3. I pray for a new Senior Pastor for a good working relationship with him and the rest of the staff
4. Biggest change? I have changed churches and gone from straight youth pastor to associate pastor. the senior pastor at the new church resigned due to moral failure. I could continue but I think that is sufficient.
5. Leading a small groups campaign to assimilate 100% of our people into small groups.
6. Yes but also overwhelmed at the same time.
7. Yes as long as I don’t ignore them.
8. Associate Pastor of Youth and Discipleship. size: 220
Paul Curry on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months?
No, I’ll be glad to leave my current setting!
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
Neither adding or doing deleting. About the only possible change is adding a “child protection’ policy to our church
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
People willing to get out of their comfort zones and touch their world with the love of Christ
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
None, The church has continually shot down any ideas, concepts, programs of change. I’m learning to simply accept what the people are willing to do.
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
Prayer walking
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
No, because the church is not willing to obey the Great Commission
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
Yes, They just wish the church body would get fired up to serve the Lord
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
Pastor: 20-35
Brian on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. I plan on staying because God has not released me from this assignment as of yet.
2. We are looking at adding a part time Worship Leader.
3. We are working on a new building plan and I would like to see more volunteer men step up into some ministries.
4. I have began to oversee all of the children’s ministries.
5. Redefining many job descriptions for our church and to reignite our mission committee.
6. Very much so. God continues to bless in so many ways.
7. Yes. My wife is very supportive and my girls love that I can spend time with them (even if it is not all the time).
8. Associate/Youth Pastor 250-300.
Chuck on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay? If no, what’s the biggest reason you are planning to leave?
Yes, Iam planning to stay. I feel this is where God wants me. I made a ten year comment to my family, the church and myself to stay here regardless of what happens.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
Hope to add youth, music combination staff.
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
1)spiritual growth 2)numerical growth 3)outreach ministries
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
Moving for associate pastor to senior pastor
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
move away from Sunday School, Sunday am & pm, Wednesday schedule to a more flexible schedule to fit the congregation.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
Fulfilled, sometimes frustrated at a slow pace things seem to move.
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
They have never said they aren’t. My kids wouldn’t know any other lifestyle.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
Senior Pastor 50 +/- average Sunday am
Deborah Hightower on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. I am planning on staying, this is where God has planted me.
2. We are not planning on deleting but praying to add, musicians, and youth leaders.
3. Harvest laborers focused on souls rather than themselves.
4. Moving from Associate Pastor to Co-Pastor
5. Focusing on a way to motivate the Womens’ Ministry.
6. Fulfilled, I enjoyed working for God but somtimes frustrated with others that do not take it seriously.
7. Yes,my family is very happy and supportive.
8. Co-Pastor/25-30
Neil Appell on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay? If no, what’s the biggest reason you are planning to leave?
~I plan on staying until the Lord makes it clear it’s time to leave.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
~Yes, we are looking for an associate pastor of music, and an associate pastor of student ministries.
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
~An associate pastor of Music.
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
~ Moved our Prayer and Praise Service to Sunday Nights. (real big huh :0)
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
~Small groups in our church! Yeah! Scary!
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
~I think I know what you mean. Yes.
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
~Happy? No. At peace? Yes.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
~Pastor. Between 6-7,000. Closer to 6 :0) Like 190.
Bob Fry on Tue, October 11, 2005
Answers to questions:
1. No. Ny position was returedm but Hurrican Katrina wiped us out. It is unlikely the insurance company will give us full value so I need to get back in a pulpit.
2. NA
3. A nondenominational pulpit with less than 150 people in the congregation and either blended or contemporary services.
4. The necessity of changing life’s plans. But, then, God knew what He wanted all along.
5. Depends on the pulp[it I end up with.
6. HA!
7. Yes.
8. NA
Kevin Glesener on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Staying? Reason: stability. Just let
associate/youth pastor go and hiring new.
2. Staffing? Adding 4. Coordinator of
volunteers, two part-time youth
directors, and retired pastor.
3. Big Dream? 300 servant hearted disciples.
4. Biggest change? Letting associate go.
5. Trying new? Spend 21 hours a week prayer,
Bible study, and sermon preparation.
6. Fulfilled? Without question. Lots of
fun, lots of opportunity, lots of
challenges.
7. Family happiness? Very.
8. Title—Sr. Pastor. Size—233 average
worship attn. 500+ members.
Bill Vanderbush on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay? If no, what’s the biggest reason you are planning to leave?
No. I resigned this past Sunday. I’ve been at this church since 1993 and need a time of rest. We’ve built a new facility, brought on new staff, and it’s in a place of health. The church is asking for an energy that I just can’t provide right now and God has not seen fit to grant me that fresh vision for the next season. Therefore I am taking some time to focus on my family.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
We hired a new worship leader this year. Other positions, youth/children are in place and healthy. No plans to change those.
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
New vision.
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
A sense of disconnect between me and the congregation.
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
Short term mission trips.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
Yes.
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
Yes.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
(was) Senior Pastor/200
Jim Gane on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay? If no, what’s the biggest reason you are planning to leave?
- Staying! Our long time, old school stuck in a rut former pastor’s departure has freed us to be able to do most of everything the staff and much of church family has dreamed of doing for the last 2 decades. Our new pastor is very collaborative, supportive and encouraging. We are having lots of fun in ministry. We have grown at least 100 in the last 5 months and there is much hope of future progress and growth.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
- I would guess adding, but we have yet to discuss specifics.
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
- I would most dream of the entire scope of our ministry being relevant, inspirational and transformational. I’m encouraged that we are moving in that direction.
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
- New Sr. pastor who is more than open to moving forward in ministry and who loves, supports and encourages our staff and church members.
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
- Taking a stand to coach a fellow staff member whose leadership skill set needs renewal in order for our church to fully transition into a multi-generational and dynamic church in this time of human history.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
- Yes. I am very challenged, but every week something moves forward and every week people’s lives are being changed.
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
- My wife has mixed emotions. Our church experience was very frustrating prior to the call of our new Sr. Pastor. Things in church improving is a big help. She knows I’m in a good spot personally/professionally and at the same time because of being in ministry and living in coastal Orange County we have got to make certain sacrifices that are tough on her and the family (eg. she HAS to work and we rent our home). For the most part we are happy.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
- I am the Executive Pastor in a growing church of about 450 in worship on any given Sund.
Jim Gane on Tue, October 11, 2005
1. Do you plan on staying in your current church position for the next twelve months? If yes, what is the biggest reason you are planning to stay? If no, what’s the biggest reason you are planning to leave?
- Staying! Our long time, old school stuck in a rut former pastor’s departure has freed us to be able to do most of everything the staff and much of church family has dreamed of doing for the last 2 decades. Our new pastor is very collaborative, supportive and encouraging. We are having lots of fun in ministry. We have grown at least 100 in the last 5 months and there is much hope of future progress and growth.
2. Is your church planning on adding (or deleting) any positions this next year? If so, in what areas are you hiring and in what areas are you cutting back?
- I would guess adding, but we have yet to discuss specifics.
3. Dream for a second. What would you most wish for in the next year? (some suggestions: a unified leadership; a new building; more staff; spiritual growth, etc.)
- I would most dream of the entire scope of our ministry being relevant, inspirational and transformational. I’m encouraged that we are moving in that direction.
4. What has been the biggest change in your ministry in the past year?
- New Sr. pastor who is more than open to moving forward in ministry and who loves, supports and encourages our staff and church members.
5. What do you plan on trying in ministry that’s totally new for you in the next year?
- Taking a stand to coach a fellow staff member whose leadership skill set needs renewal in order for our church to fully transition into a multi-generational and dynamic church in this time of human history.
6. Do you feel fulfilled in your current ministry position?
- Yes. I am very challenged, but every week something moves forward and every week people’s lives are being changed.
7. Is your family happy that you are in the ministry?
- My wife has mixed emotions. Our church experience was very frustrating prior to the call of our new Sr. Pastor. Things in church improving is a big help. She knows I’m in a good spot personally/professionally and at the same time because of being in ministry and living in coastal Orange County we have got to make certain sacrifices that are tough on her and the family (eg. she HAS to work and we rent our home). For the most part we are happy.
8. What is your current job title; and what is the size of your church?
- I am the Executive Pastor in a growing church of about 450 in worship on any given Sund.
Page 1 of 2 pages 1 2 >
Post a Comment