Let me preface this post by saying that this is in no way meant to be an attempt to tear down church leadership nor is it directed at any church leadership in particular. Rather, this is a post to speak about the reality of being on a church staff, some retrospect in my own journey and to possibly be a voice for some church staff who have and are going through this reality. This Augusta 31st marks one year since my last day (for now) as a vocational church staff member. I’ve had some time over these past 9 months to process my experience as a full time church staff member, and it’s been particularly interesting during that time to view things as now we’re plugged into ministry and our church from a non-staff person’s perspective. Let me say that I believe fully that the local church is God’s Plan A and there is no other plan. I love the local church.
As Kim and I have become small group leaders at our church, it’s been so exciting to be able to meet together with a group of people each week and dig in to the Bible, get to know each other, and slowly be transparent about life….the good and the bad. It’s about being involved in Biblical community. Probably one of the best phrases I’ve heard to describe this is “doing life together.” That’s what small groups and Biblical community should be like. It’s about being real, being authentic and where appropriate, transparent….get the picture?
Now, here’s what I would say from my observation and experience over the years: A lot, if not most, church staff members (and their spouse if married) struggle with “doing life together” in Biblical community and small groups within the church they serve.