The New Lentmas Llama and Holy Teamwork: Building a Staff Culture Where All Are Valued

by Pastor Jane Jebsen, Pinnacle West Associate

Think about your ministry staff. Would they say they are equals around the table and the ministry you do together? Not what would you say – what would they say? Do the children and youth events have the same place of importance as Lent services or Christmas Eve? Does your admin’s voice hold as much weight as the pastor’s when talking around the staff table? Does your staff have a joint sense of purpose and that you are pulling toward the same goals? If you answered no/maybe to any of these questions, here are a few things I have learned over the years of leading and learning with staff:

Authentically Care for each other — we care deeply for each other, not just “at work” but beyond. Your dad gets sick out of state—of course you go to be with him, your child is sick at school—of course you go pick them up. Your family is facing a crisis, you just need help schlepping kids around, we help. We care for each other authentically in all the joys and mess of life. We all bring our authentic selves to the table. We’ve created a climate where everyone feels very comfortable sharing with each other how they really are, especially when we’re not at our best. We are honest with one another which creates a trust and mutual respect that is not always found in work relationships. This is perhaps the foundational block we build everything else on as a staff.

Shared Mission and Vision so you live the vision together — no area of ministry has a different mission than the whole congregation’s mission. So, we celebrate and share stories that reflect the vision in action—across the board, whether it happens in youth group, children’s time, a Council meeting or outside our grounds. We share the impactful stories and meaningful contributions with our staff, our leadership, and our whole congregation.

Individual and Shared Passion — individual passions within our mission and vision are celebrated! I encourage and give opportunity for creativity and trying new things. We are always willing to ask one another, "What can I do to help you make that happen?" Supporting one another helps us feel like we are not out there alone trying to accomplish our goals.

Flexibility – Creating a Culture of Grace — I work hard to foster an environment where adaptability is celebrated, and plans can pivot when challenges arise or circumstances change. Our staff in turn do this with the folks they work with… rarely is change/shifting a big deal.

Adding Fun to Work — infusing joy and humor! I love laughing and having a good time together. I do this with our staff. We have staff outings every 5th Monday – we’ve done go carts and mini-golf, scavenger hunts, eating a meal together, playing at Top Golf. We created a new “holiday” – New Lentmas (in the new year, after Christmas, before Lent) and that’s when we celebrate together with families – gift exchange, fun, meal – we even have a mascot – the New Lentmas llama! It all builds community and infuses elements of fun into what we do.

It’s Not Just a Job and We’re not Doing our own Thing — We truly believe we are in our roles at this congregation to be a part of following Jesus and leading others in our community to follow with us. We get to bring our individual talents and gifts to our roles, and we complement each other's talents and gifts. We are a team leading together in all things. Every person, each position is equally important – this is very important! Whether you’re the pastor, full or part-time staff, volunteer staff – we are a team together leading God’s people into the world to do the work of following Jesus into the world.

Worship is Not the Only Important Thing — I know this sounds almost sacrilegious in some congregations. BUT… if everyone is important and all ages are equally valued, then things will get messy and more than worship will have prime spots in the calendar and in communication! There will be glitter found in places you never thought there would be glitter! Worship will be noisy at times, adults will get/have to play and that funeral just might have to work around the decorations for VBS.

Pastor, you have to be the model! — If we want to see this happen – we must be the model. It’s not just the youth director or musicians’ job – it’s not just the children’s minister or the admin’s responsibility – if the whole community’s mission is to happen – if all are going to feel important – pastors – we have to lead by example. Having a Jammies Sunday – yep, you get to wear “church appropriate” jammies! The event is over and there’s a mess to clean up – grab a vacuum, wipe down those tables. It starts with us!

It might not sound easy and honestly it’s not always – but the rewards are so great! You can have a staff who genuinely cares about each other and none of them have to feel “less than” in the staff circle. Your congregation will see the team working and loving together and they, too, can catch the beauty of knowing that ALL are an honored part of this place, this space, this community.