Ministry Staff
Mark Wheeler
January 1, 1999
That sermon was so dry I got cotton-mouth just listening to it."
"When is he going to deal with the issue? Can't he make a decision?"
"He calls himself a counselor? I'd never go to him with my problems!"
"This guy is a control freak!"
Every associate pastor has been on the receiving end of similar comments about the senior pastor. Every organization has people dissatisfied with the leadership.
Staff members are natural lightning rods for complainers. Afraid of voicing objections publicly or confronting the senior pastor directly, the disgruntled often come to staffers.
Whether we agree with their observations or not, as staffers, we owe loyalty to the boss. Serving in staff positions over the past 10 years, I've learned some hard lessons about loyalty and integrity.
If we are not careful, associates can easily become an Absalom at the gate, stealing away the hearts of Israel (2 Sam. 15:1-6). Like King David's son, we begin to think that things would be different if we were in charge, that we are the answer to the problem.
We're tempted to think we're more "in touch" than the senior pastor. We discover there's support for our way of thinking, and we can become the catalyst for a power struggle or church split.
Confronting conspiracy
John was a man with a mission—to oust the pastor. He had a long-standing grudge and refused to let go of it.
John would sidle up to newcomers and say, "Does the pastor strike you as a little cold? Does it bother you that he votes on his own salary? Did you hear about the squabble last year? Let me fill you in on what really happened."
John rehashed his complaints with each new staffer and board member. If the leader didn't take his side, John accused him of covering up the issues.
My ...
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