see more of Todd's thoughts at:
Why do some churches have extremely high staff turnover, while other churches have consistent staff for many years? What factors cause church staff to leave their present churches? What causes them to stay in their ministry positions for extended periods of time?
These are a few questions I recently asked more than 200 pastors and church staff members who receive the weekly ChurchStaffing.com email newsletter. In asking whether or not these staff members will be in their same positions next year at this time, I also inquired about the reasons they were planning to stay or to leave. The results are tremendously insightful, particularly if you’re a senior pastor or a person who’s in charge of leading and developing your church’s staff.
First take a look at the chart below and note the reasons our respondents gave for why they might leave their positions in the next year. Then consider whether or not you have a proactive plan to retain your valued staff members. Are there problems you know about right now that you should be dealing with before someone makes the decision to leave? Discuss these problems openly with your staff, and make an effort to uncover any additional issues so that valuable staff members aren’t lost.
Next take a look at all the reasons people gave for staying in their current church positions for the next year. Then ask yourself what you can do to make your church a place that staff members wouldn’t ever want to leave. What things can you plan to help every person see that he or she is a vital member of the team? Does your office atmosphere give staff the freedom to “have a ball”? Do you have a clear vision that offers staff a sense of excitement about their jobs and helps them to anticipate fulfilling results?
Do what you can now to keep and nourish your staff…before it’s too late!
| Why Staff Members May Plan to Leave Your Church |
Why Staff Members May Plan to Stay At Your Church |
| Conflict with current leadership |
25% |
They feel "called" |
35% |
| Financial pressure |
19% |
There''s still work to do |
18% |
| Don''t fit the vision |
13% |
I''m having a ball |
16% |
| Apathy of the congregation |
11% |
I''m just starting here |
10% |
| Probably will be fired |
9% |
We''re seeing results |
8% |
| Pursuing More Education |
8% |
I feel fulfilled |
7% |
| Other (includes: Need a change, lack of growth, need more challenge, family reasons, and burnout) |
15% |
Other (includes: I love the people, nowhere else to go, don''t like to change jobs) |
6% |
Have a great week!
Todd
 |
Todd Rhoades is the editor/head writer for MondayMorningInsight.com.
He's also the founder of ChurchStaffing.com, a contributor to Rev! Magazine, and currently works with Leadership Network to help identify, connect, and help high-capacity Christian leaders to multiply their impact. Todd lives in Bryan, Ohio, with his wife and four children. |
copyright © 2009 Group Publishing Inc.
