5 reasons for, and against, hiring staff members from within your church

Posted

I’ve mentioned previously the growing trend to hire church staff members from within the church. Here are some reasons to get on board with this trend ... and a few cautions against it.

Why you should hire staff from within:

  1. You likely know them better than outside hires. They’re already one of your church family.
  2. They already know your church better than outside hires will. They won’t need to spend nearly as much time learning your congregation.
  3. They probably already buy into your church’s vision. They’ve continued to be a part of your church because they believe in the vision.
  4. Their learning curve won’t be as steep as outsiders. That includes learning simple things like members’ names, the church’s history, and the church structure.
  5. Moving expenses are usually less for inside hires. Needless to say, that’s because they already live in the area.

Why you should be cautious about hiring from within:

  1. Some churches are less diligent about vetting people they hire from within. Too often, that decision leads to unexpected trouble down the road. 
  2. You may discover you don’t really know them at all. The true colors of a church member might become apparent when he or she becomes a staff member. The best volunteers don’t always make the best staff members.
  3. Inside hires are often less open to getting additional training if needed. Why should they sacrifice to get more training if they’re already accepted and hired? 
  4. They often bring their own baggage in current church relationships. That is, they bring to the table their own history with current church members. When that’s already negative, it’s hard to overcome.
  5. They’re sometimes so connected to church members that any necessary reprimands or removals are more difficult to do. That’s especially the case when extended family members are part of the church.


This post originally appeared on Nov. 22 at ChuckLawless.com. Used with permission. 

church staff, employment, hiring