Staff Dynamics in the Local Church

Five years ago, when my wife and I first came to Faith Baptist Church, we would have never imagined the wonderful growth and possibility afforded to us by joining the pastoral staff. As the years have rolled by, we have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities to shepherd with other pastors on staff. The Scriptures declare that church elders are called to shepherd the flock, teach doctrine, refute Biblical error, nurture Jesus’ congregation toward spiritual maturity, track down those that are straying, defuse problems, and lead well. The task is tall, the opportunity is great, and the chance for failure is more than conceivable. Often, the place in which Satan would desire to divide is not from outside the church, but rather from within it.

Throughout our time, we have seen good brothers in church leadership endure conflict with one another. Some pursued biblical reconciliation and have continued in the gospel. While others unfortunately allow their personality and unrepentant hearts to characterize their leadership. This brief article is NOT designed to answer the Scriptural understanding of the various positions and models that are presented in the New Testament, nor in our current cultural context. However, I seek to lay out just a few principles regarding working together in our church leadership structures for the good of the saints and the glory of our God!

1) Share the Load.

If you are fortunate to have a staff can I encourage you to share the load? The old adage is true, “many hands make light work.” While we are not called to dismiss our calling, as a church grows, delegation often makes or breaks a church ministry. Healthy church leadership recognizes that other pastors/elders can shepherd the flock too. In fact, the New Testament rarely talks about stand-alone leaders. The Scriptures provide ample evidence that churches were led by leadership teams to share the load (Acts 14:23, 15:6, 20:28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 4:14, 5:17; Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 5:1­–2, 5).

2) Care for One Another.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. - John 13:34–35.

The reality of loving and caring for others within the body of Christ is prevalent throughout Scripture. Those who love God show that love by obeying Him (John 14:15), and they love one another by imitating His love for them (1 John 4:11). Jesus proved his compassion, patience, sacrifice, and love for the church. He was not selfish when he died on the cross. He was a servant who gave His life so others would be able to live (Phil 2.) When it comes to healthy staff dynamics, pastors/elders who present truth must also live by the truth that they so often study and preach. Church leadership is a wonderful place to model love and encourage a church body towards the same. How do you care for those with whom you minister? This leads me to another related point…

3) Be Quick to Help.

Around our church, we have an intentional question that you hear resounding throughout the halls of our building. The simple phrase “need anything,” often fulfills the principle that helps promote unity and intentionality. Nearly every time we see one another in the office, throughout a church gathering, or at an event, we always start or finish our conversation with the phrase “Need anything?” It's a simple two-word question that shows care and a unified mindset. When it comes to church items this is not a staff member’s “show.” The intentionality modeled should leech into the office of the deacon and be ultimately seen within a church membership.

4) Hold Each Other Accountable.

Sin is a reality in every Christian’s life. John would warn believers that if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. He goes on to say, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8,10). When it comes to healthy staff dynamics, the staff must determine accountability to be a side-by-side approach in which everyone is fully invested in the spiritual betterment of each other. While it can be easy for a young pastor to think he knows it all, it can also be easy for a seasoned pastor to brush aside outside advice and perspective. Our unredeemed flesh resists accountability and no one naturally appreciates rebuke. However, whether you crave spiritual accountability or not the Scriptures command us to actively participate in the spiritual lives of other brothers (Heb. 12:11, Gal. 5-6). The church staff and leadership can be a model for authentic community and biblical accountability.

5) Remember: Your Way is not Always the Best.

This one gets me every time… You have a great idea (so you think) and you present it just to get shot down. What should you do? Philippians four describes two ladies, Euodias and Syntyche as very passionate about their ideas. They were so passionate about their views that it appears to have caused division at the church at Philippi. Paul quickly but firmly exhorts them to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” Paul did not condemn their doctrinal positions, but rather their passion and inevitable divisiveness. Christian liberty can be a hot topic in the Christian world. However, the basic Pauline understanding of our liberty is this: Jesus has set you and me free so that we can live to love and serve others. (Gal. 5). The call to freedom, is a call to oneness in Christ and loving service within the church community. What better motto could church leadership emulate? Freedom to defer, freedom to love, and freedom to serve. Sure, your Eskimo hot chocolate night got nixed at the elder meeting. Maybe your outreach idea to pass out Harry Potter books with gospel tracts to the nerd club at the High School didn’t take flight. It’s ok. We get to serve the King of Kings with other brothers who love Jesus. Humbly defer and walk forward (Phil 2.)

If God has graciously allowed you to serve alongside others in a church context, be incredibly thankful! Working with people may not always be easy but it is possible with the grace of our God. I’m thankful for the mercy that has been extended by my brothers here at Faith. It is through the daily humility expressed in our staff dynamics that we are able to press forward for the Kingdom of God as church leaders.

Jordan Kosinski

Administrative Pastor, Faith Baptist Church, Beavercreek
Church Planter, Grace Church of Sunbury