1st off, I have not blogged in more than 2 years. Probably because my writing skills,... well, let's just say there isnt much skill to it. Although lately, I have had a desire to share what I have learned; it is not so much what I have to say, but what I have learned from others.
2 weeks ago in staff meeting we were discussing what a good employee of our church might look like, and these points are from Pastor David. I believe this is instrumental to every employee anywhere. The main points are directly from him; I have added in a few thoughts as sub-points. I am grateful for what David Landrith, (Senior Pastor, Long Hollow Baptist Church) had to say, because I know we can all learn from this...
HOW TO BE A GREAT EMPLOYEE...
- See your position as a CALLING not a JOB
*If the opposite is true, then you might want to pray if this is where God is truly calling you, because he is calling you, specifically you to do something. What is that?
- Keep the MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING
*Our work, weather trash or evangelism is "unto the Lord" Colossians 3:23-25
*Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not cover up bad work!!!
*Dont get frustrated with a frustrating boss, because My ultimate boss is God!!
*This should lead you to work with integrity, honesty, & modesty, b/c we answer to God.
- See the big PICTURE
*We (Long Hollow & ministers) work for the Bride of Christ.
*When you do tedious tasks, dont lose sight of the Kingdom of God
- CHOOSE to have a good attitude
*Negativity/Cynicism are contagious... A dangerous cancer to any Org., community, or family.
*We have to remain positive (a personal struggle for myself) James 5:9
- Practice the 48 HOUR rule
*If you are mad at someone, address it w/in this time frame, or GET OVER IT!!
*In the words of Coach V, (FBC Naples, FL), "No more whining, unless you are on fire!!"
- Dont let WORKING here affect WORSHIPPING Here (For ministers specifically)
*Sometimes working @ a church causes you to hate it.
*Dont use the excuse, "I have worked all day / week", because guess what, so do our volunteers, and we cant continue without them!!
*Church Work isnt an excuse for being involved in church!! AMEN!! (Small Group & Worship)
- Always be SOLUTION oriented
*You wont last long if you lead from the negative. BE OPTIMISTIC!!!
*Dont assume you/we cant do something, we have God on our side, (he kinda rules, literally!!)
*Do something even if you have to do it wrong, just do something, dont just stand there!!!!
- Stay FLEXIBLE
*Plan ahead, but plan ahead for change. Dont allow this to lead to procrastination, but be open to God's leading.
*Rick Warren said, "Blessed are those who are flexible, for they dont get bent out of shape!!" Love it!!
- Dont COMPARE your Ministry / Job to Others
*REPEAT THIS OVER & OVER. If you are comparing, or saying, "if only I had xx many students, then you are believing a lie from Hell."
*Who cares where Billy is? Get back to work & quit complaining, remember, you arent on fire!! (Who is Billy anyway?)
*We are all on the same team, act like it.
- Draw a line between what you DO and the LIFE CHANGE that happens here every week.
*Without the toe, we couldnt walk right. Without the leg, we couldnt walk. Everyone plays a huge part.
*We are a part of a bigger picture, GODS K-Dom. Dont allow yourself to be de-sensitized to this.
*We (at a church) will have LOTS of spiritual warfare, be prepared for those, guns blazing, charging hell with a water pistol!!!!
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I believe all of us need to keep these principles in mind, because they apply to our employment, and ALL of US are employed by someone. Whether you like it or not, you will never be the MASTER of everything you do!! We all answer to someone... who is bigger and better than ourselves!!
