I recently arrived in my student ministry position back in June so that means I am officially 6 months in at a new church. Coming into a new church can be a bit intimidating, and coming into a new church when your young and new to a more formal ministry position can be more intimidating. However, there are a few things that I have learned that might be helpful for anyone possibly coming into a new church.
*For those of you who might read this who are not working at a church, I feel these observations can easily be adapted to any new work environment.
1. Understand the Rituals
It's important to understand how the office runs. Every church has there way of doing things and the quicker you are able to get on board the smoother things will run. When you are able to understand what form to fill out, where to place it, and how to read certain reports it also makes your life easier. Obviously this will not happen overnight, and I know I haven't learned everything yet (I just learned that there is a form for vacation time today actually), but the quicker you can get a grip on things the easier it is to get stuff done.
2. Get to know the people you work with
One thing that makes my life easier is to be well connected with the people I see everyday. Some people you will naturally click with, and there are others that require a little more effort. When you get to know people you are able to establish community with the people around you. You can understand their boundaries, their humor, and most importantly it lets them know that you care about them and they are not just someone you work with. This does not just apply to other pastors or staff, if there are any, but also to the people you are serving and the people in your church because ultimately if they belong to the church you are working with them.
3. Have an action plan
Make sure you come in with an idea of what direction you want to see your ministry headed. This comes in handy if you have to report to a senior pastor, committee, or both (which I would say is pretty normal for most every pastoral staff person) and they ask you what's your plan. This way you don't have a dumb look on your face when they ask you.
4. Be Teachable
This one is crucial. It is good to come in with a plan and big ideas, yet we have to allow ourselves to be flexible and adapt to our environment. Forcing ideas and plans onto people will not go over well and could possibly breed some hostility towards you. Ask what has worked well in the past and what is working well now; that way you know how to adapt your plans and ideas to fit the needs of the people you serve. For me being teachable also helps me keep my pride in check. Instead of thinking I have all the answers I allow myself to accept critiques especially from other people that have been in ministry for a long time regardless of how hip...or not hip they might currently be.
5. Own up to mistakes
This ties in with the above, but there will be times you will mess up and make mistakes. You might forget to fill out a purchase request for tickets for an upcoming concert, or forget to turn in a receipt from something purchased with church money. Hopefully, you work with gracious people and they will forgive you. The important thing is that you not make this a habit. By remembering your mistakes and learning something from them it actually helps you become a better minister. Because of mistakes that I have made of being under prepared I know now the next time I do a similar event I need to start planning a week (or longer depending on the event) earlier for that event.
6. Keep God First
This one is by far the most important. Constantly remind yourself why you do what you do. It is to bring glory to God and you are his servant first. Everything else emanates from your relationship with God. Therefore, if you are putting off time with God you are harder to teach, less motivated to learn, and not as likely to accept your mistakes but blame others. You can stay focused by getting connected with an accountability group - key leaders in your church or other pastors in the area. Also make sure you are spending time in God's word and looking for great success stories in ministry. I love to read about another ministry that has done something awesome for God's Kingdom! (and then I steal....uh..."borrow" that idea and use it myself...haha...j/k...but seriously!)
What are some other things that have helped you in your first few months at a new place?
No comments:
Post a Comment