Do You Need a D.C.E.?
Some churches wait until they can afford a staff expansion. Other churches stretch themselves, believing the expanded ministry will bring in the necessary giving units to support the salary.
Still others don't seem to need professional staff. Their lay people have administrative or educational backgrounds and effectively coordinate the C.E. program.
Some churches first expand to include a part-time staff member, while others go from nothing to a full-time person. Some hire a second generalist (an associate pastor), while others zero in on a specialist—a director of Christian education.
The expansion of staff in a church can be likened to the addition of a child to a family. For some the decision is easily made, while for others it takes a great amount of consideration. In any case, deciding is often less traumatic than when the newcomer actually arrives. That's when the tensions can sprout.
From Volunteers to Paid Staff
One church had trouble staffing its nursery for years. Many young families had been joining the fellowship, and now the church was moving into a third morning worship service. Many workers served every Sunday, while some worked only once a month or every three months. With three nurseries and six main services a week, the church was tying up scores of people each quarter in just one ministry. Young mothers, after being with their children all week, did not appreciate having to take a turn in the nursery. For them, singing in the choir or working in a girls' club was a welcome change.
The Christian education committee met to consider this growing need. While volunteer staff would always be part of their nursery ministry, the committee also felt it would be beneficial to hire a part-time attendant who would work ...
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