The Down-side of Hiring From Within

Although there are many advantages of hiring staff from within the church, there are some potential challenges as well. Here is my short list:

1. They often have limited ministry experience. Even though they are gifted and passionate, it is still a big step to move from corporate life to ministry life. Those from other churches likely have experience preaching, visiting the sick, officiating funerals or weddings, etc. Those from within are often very “green” and generally need a lot of development in ministry basics.
2. If it doesn’t work out, it is generally more painful for everyone. If you hire from within, chances are you did so because you know and love the person. If they don’t succeed, moving or removing them can be costly on many levels.
3. It can be hard on families. Because the rhythms and schedule of local church ministry are so unusual, those transitioning from the business world to ministry often struggle. The differences can be especially hard on spouses and children.

Jump in…

Tags: hiring

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Failure to Try

The failure to try is one of the most common types of failure, and, in my opinion, one of the worst failures.  It is usually the result of a fear of failure or just plain laziness.

In December of 1999, I sold my last technology company.  Without going into great detail, selling the company at that time was a huge success for our investors and everyone involved.  However, as I drove home from our attorneys’ office the night we finalized the sale,  I couldn’t celebrate.  I began to be overcome with the fear of failure…I didn’t know what I should do next and if it would be as successful.  It was so bad that it effectively kept me from trying anything new for the next several months.

I talk to so many pastors who are either living on yesterday’s success or holding the pain of last week’s failure.  What is unfortunate is that this fear of failure actually guarantees failure…the failure to try.  Over the long-term, it will almost certainly lead to a declining or dead ministry.

On our team, we ask people who are interviewing for a failure resume.  If someone cannot list several failures in their life, it is sometimes a sign that they fail to take risks or try anything new.

What are some things on your failure resume?  What tips do you have for overcoming the fear of failure?

Tags: Failure, hiring, success

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Picking People

Selecting the right people to serve around you is one of the most important things you’ll do in ministry. The right people can help you reach many more for Christ. The wrong people can hold you back like a thousand-pound anchor.

This week, let’s discuss how to pick the right people.

Today I’ll list ten of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on selecting great people:

1. Character is more important than giftedness.
2. God often uses those others overlook.
3. My wife is almost always a better judge about people than I am.
4. Past success is a good indicator of future success.
5. There is often a reason someone is looking for a job.
6. Teach-ability is non-negotiable.
7. When I’m trying to talk myself into liking someone, it’s best to move on.
8. People from within the organization typically have a huge advantage over those who are from without.
9. One of the best ways to attract better leaders is to become a better leader.
10. We’re all better off when we pray, listen, and obey.

Which one(s) speak to you? What would you add?

Tags: hiring, Recruiting

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