Chain of Command

“You can’t tell me what to do!” a staff member told the senior pastor in the midst of conflict over job performance and responsibilities. The tension was palpable between the two but the senior pastor lacked the authority to deal with this staff member. His hands were tied and he could not tell the staffer what to do neither could he release him for insubordination.

Obviously, authority and respect, loyalty and obligation are necessary for a church staff to function efficiently and with joy. But how does this work? What does it mean to report to someone else?

No one wants the church office to be a military camp. But at the same time everyone wants order and an awareness of who’s in charge. Most of us believe the saying, “Wherever two or three are gathered together, someone has to be chairperson.”

Over the years, I’ve gleaned some valuable information on this subject. The following thoughts on reporting are applicable whether you have a staff of two or three or 60.

First of all, there should be a clear understanding of who reports to whom!

Second, the person reporting wants and needs respect from the senior staff member, and the senior staff wants and needs loyalty from the person reporting to him or her. But this takes some work.

Third, there needs to be some paper involved. This includes written job descriptions and weekly reports, for instance, and a record of decisions made so that two months later when both persons remember the event differently a record can be consulted.

Fourth, staff members need to know that they matter. The number one complaint I hear from staff members regarding the seniors they report to is this: “He doesn’t really ever give me time.” The two people involved should have some fellowship time together every month or so—even if it’s just coffee to talk about lighter issues. Those who report to you don’t have to be your best friends, but they certainly ought to know you’re interested in their family, health, and spiritual growth.

Finally, applause and gratitude should be given to the person reporting—one-on-one, in staff meetings, and at times in front of the whole church. I think senior pastors should have the authority to grant extra days of vacation in response to a particularly strong effort. Certainly, financial perks would need to come from the financial team of laypeople rather than from others on staff.

Some think that asking a pastor to file a brief weekly report shows a lack of respect and trust. I disagree. What do you think?