STRUCTURE

As we wrapped up 2024, we Pastors felt that God was leading us to rethink the way we organize our Ministry Staff. We made some part-time hires and combined positions to run a little more lean at the top. It has made a difference in the number of paid leaders available to us (especially our Students), and it has allowed those leaders to focus on a narrower scope of responsibility. At the same time, it has allowed our lay leaders to pour into the work, living out the command in Ephesians 4:8 that our church leaders "equip the saints for the work of ministry." So far, we've seen some great results, and we're confident the Lord will continue to bless as we're obedient!

Here are the survey questions and our responses!

 

Q: How well do you understand the "co-vocational" concept we are adopting?

A:  Average 73% understanding

Comments:

When we took the church survey earlier in the year, this concept was newer to us. Now that we've seen it in action for 8 months, that number would likely go up.

Some seemed to think that this co-vocational model was a new idea, but in actuality, this is how most churches in the U.S. have been staffed for decades. Interestingly, it has only been in the last 40 years or so, with the rise of the "mega-church", that full-time, paid Ministry Staff has become the norm. I can't really find a biblical argument for or against either model; it seems that the Lord has left church staffing up to our discretion. He gives us guidelines for church governance, but not for whether to pay our leaders or employ them full- or part-time. The wide range of practice across churches worldwide seems to bear witness that most churches feel free to organize as it seems most fitting for their context.

 

Q: How optimistic are you that this model could work at WRBC?

A: Average 62% agreement

Comments:

This was not a "yes/no" question, so the average accounts for a wide spectrum of answers. Again, this opinion was voiced early this year, and I think the results speak for themselves.

As the Pastor who manages the majority of our part-time staff, I can say that I've been impressed with the way they have handled their ministry responsibilities while being faithful to secular jobs, schoolwork, and family. Our Student, College & Young Adult, and Worship Ministries are thriving; they have shown marked growth in terms of engagement and discipleship since January.

Several survey responders noted that for this co-vocational model to work, we will need special ministers and amazing volunteers. I'm pleased to report that God is bringing us both! Our part-time ministers are hungry and excited to work, and our volunteer leaders show great buy-in, dedication, and a sense of ministry ownership. God is moving, and he is using us to do it! I can't wait to see how he grows and uses us moving forward!

 

Q: Please elaborate and give us feedback.

Your comments:

"I was very skeptical...I am eager to see how it goes."

"I think this is a brilliant way to approach the mission...Potential to provide increased contact with the ministerial staff..."

"It takes a special person to make it work..."

"If something doesn't work then it's okay to try something else..."

"I think some lay people could help with outreach and ministry."

 

GOING DEEPER

What are your thoughts, especially now that we've seen this plan in action? Do any of these results or comments resonate with you? What new questions spring to mind?

We want to hear from you! Leave a Reply below!

Blessings, Waterloo family - we love you!

Pastor Ron