Today's post is the last part in this four-part series. Being a ten-year church I have learned some vital lessons along the way. I thought you would find these insightful, giving you an insider's look into the world of ministry leadership. You will find the three previous entries (with dates) listed below if you would like to read them again.
Lesson 1 - Maintaining Our Focus on Reaching the Unchurched is still a High Priority. (Posted March 27, 2008)
Lesson 2 - Those Who Started With Us Don’t Always Stay (Posted April 1, 2008)
Lesson 3 – I’m Having to Learn a New Set of Skills (April 7, 2008)
LESSON FOUR – LOYALTY IS ESSENTIAL FOR CHURCH HEALTH
The fourth lesson I have learned at the ten-year mark is that LOYALTY IS ESSENTIAL – and it is just as essential today as it was in year one, if not more so. I’m talking about loyalty to our vision, and our mission; loyalty to the DNA of our church, to the pastor, the leadership, the staff, and to each other.
One of the things you will notice about the people who serve in ministry at PCC – we are loyal to each other. We have a high opinion of each other, and we are very committed to encouraging one another, believing in each other, and protecting one another. We are committed to the vision and purpose of our church and help each other and work together to see it come to fruition.
Beginning with our staff, we have zero-tolerance for gossip, back-biting, negative talk, or bad attitudes. WHEN YOUR HEART IS RIGHT, YOU TALK RIGHT. When your heart is right with others, you talk to (and about) others in a God-honoring way.
This same standard trickles down to our ministry teams. Each staff member or ministry leader holds his/her team members to the same standard. i.e., We are absolutely loyal to each other and have zero tolerance for gossip.
Disloyalty cannot be tolerated, and it isn’t. Disunity is a sin and there is no place for disunity in a New Testament Church. If discovered in our church, swift action is taken and we will do what is necessary to deal with the matter.
I serve with some of the finest people I know. We are in agreement with the vision, mission, direction, and doctrine of our church. We have a common goal and work together in harmony. There is chemistry – we enjoy each others company and like working together. These people are happy, enthusiastic, mission-minded, full of joy, and have no hidden agenda. We look forward to coming to church on Sunday. We eagerly lead or attend our small groups. We serve with gladness. You can find us at our post-of-duty on Sunday morning as being always faithful. We hang out together, eat together, play together, work together, and go into each others homes.
That is what loyalty looks like.