If I knew then... Part 3

Continuing my thoughts regarding lessons I have learned in 30 years of ministry...

Be dilegent about who is on your team, John Maxwell will tell you those closest to you will determine your success. If you are a senior minister over seeing a staff of others, it is vital that you have the right people close to you. I have to admit sometimes I have not made the wisest choices when it comes to choosing people to be a part of a team I am leading. More times then not I have been guilty of the "sin of Samuel" when it came to choosing people to join our staff. Too often we look at the outward apperance of a particular person and think this is the one. Now 30 years later I find it is essential we do not get caught up in the sin of Samuel rather we must be dilegent in finding the right person to come along side of us. With that in mind allow me to share a few tips, that I wish I knew then, when it comes to hiring staff.

• Bathe the process in prayer. Too often we ask our friends or contacts, "who is out there" as if there is someone who would be the perfect fit for us. Now lets be honest who knows your church better than God? Our freinds may know something about our church, usually it what we have told them. yet God knows our needs even before we ask Him. Pray for the candidates, pray for the process, pray for the church to be open to the new staff member. Prayer is the foundation for choosing the right staff to be a part of your team.
• Be patient. Sometimes we hurry the process. We move ahead because of pressure from others, a pressing need or a sense we want to move on to something else. If we have bathed the process in prayer we should rest in the assurance that God's timing is the best timing. Patience will be rewarded; impatience often leads to making poor choices when it comes to adding staff.
• Listen to what others are saying and then some. I believe we must do due diligence in checking references, but remember the references are going to put the best spin on something, that is why they are on their friend's resume. When checking references be willing to dig a little deeper. Ask the reference for others you can speak with about the candidate. More than once I have been burned by accepting a recommendation from a reference when I should have dug a little deeper. When it comes to listening to what others are saying, LISTEN TO THEM. I have witnessed people receive a poor recommendation regarding a potential staff member and the leader still hire the person, believing he could change them - what a mistake?
• Look beyond the skills and look at the person's character. John Maxwell says he would have spiritual men lead his church rather than smart men, I would have to agree. I would rather have a person on staff whose character is strong rather than a person who is multi-talented, you can learn skills, but character cannot be taught - it is an inside job. Character flaws show up when you least expect it, and often times the results are devastating.