Question for the Coach

Question: “We are ready to hire our first additional staff person. How do you know what position to hire first, and how can you be sure you hire the right person?”

Answer: There are two basic approaches to hiring. One approach looks for the best person available and fits them to a position; the other determines the position first, and then looks for a person to fill it. Each has their advantages but I prefer a blending of the two. Here’s how to do that.

Since you are the lead (or only) pastor, all the ministry falls under the umbrella of your responsibility. So, look for a person who becomes like a partner with you to accomplish a share of the total ministry picture that you do not do so well. What you are trying to develop by staffing is the ability to do more ministries and do it better than you can do on your own. Don’t hire someone just like you, but look for someone who will partner with you to accomplish areas of ministry you are weak in. Each situation will be different because each church and each pastor are different. The best hiring equation is to add staff according to your ministry needs, rather than hiring the way others do.

So coach, how do you know when you are getting the right person? I credit the following idea to Bill Hybels, but he may have heard it from someone else. Use the three C’s for selecting people to hire, and prioritize them in this order…

Character – who are they when no-one is looking? Character flaws hurt ministry more than any other reason. Ultimately, character flaws are what knocks people out of ministry altogether. Great character, on the other hand, attracts and builds ministry. Develop a list of characteristics you would want a person to have before sharing ministry with. After all, they will be an extension of your ministry so they will represent you, even when you are not around. These should be your non-negotiable's.

Chemistry – do they fit in with the others on staff? At first, it may only be you. Do they complement you, your personality, your weaknesses, and your vision? Is this someone you would enjoy spending off-ministry time with? If they are married, does their spouse fit in too? Good chemistry creates harmony and unity, which are very important in ministry growth.

Competency – do they have the basic skills to strengthen the team? Do they bring a skill or talent to the team that improves the total ministry picture? Are they flexible in attitude? Can they be a star performer, yet be a team player? Make sure they have basic skills in working with people. Every ministry situation demands this.

Hire a person according to the order of the three C’s. Look for character first, then the chemistry fit between you, and finally according to their skills and competency.

To ask a question, write to the coach@coaching4growth.com. I invite you to visit our "Questions for the Coach" page at the website for more Q & A's.