Q: Our office worker effectively shuts down every new initiative. I don’t understand why she is against everything. What can I do?
A: An office worker is a hired employee, not the ultimate decision-maker. The pastor, staff, and/or church members will decide on what new initiatives need to be implemented, and her job is to provide the support necessary to see those things are a success. If she cannot do so, she should be given a timeframe to adjust, or to begin looking for a new place to work. One person cannot be allowed to hamper the work of the whole church.
Give it a chance
Q: A man who has bombed out many times wants to start another ministry in our church. Do we let him?
A: Romans 11:29 says “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” If this man has been called by God, it’s possible that the location was wrong, the people were resistant, the timing was not right, or a dozen other reasons why a particular initiative wasn’t successful. Perhaps taking time to coach him, provide training, set strategic goals, and hold him accountable could make a real difference.
Wouldn’t it be great if those things resulted in him being used to lead a very successful ministry? What a shame it would be for him to just sit on the sidelines because a few failures.
Manage expectations
Q: When I took the new leadership position, I thought the pastor and I would be great friends…but not so much. Should I feel disappointed?
A: Some pastors are very relational, and others are more task-oriented. In this case, it is probably not fair to judge him as being unfriendly; instead, work on learning his personality type and making sure you have a reasonable expectation of his friendship. Because he’s the pastor, there may be times he’ll have to critique or even correct you. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you, it’s just a simple fact of leadership. Give it some time and don’t forget the admonition of Proverbs 18:24.