The new pastor and his wife arrived to their first church located in a rural area. They were met by the church president, who explained to the pastor that the congregation had wanted to paint the inside of the parsonage, but they also had to get into the fields for early planting. The president then added, “Maybe this works better because now you and your wife can select the colors you want.”

After a couple of days, the pastor called the church president and asked, “My installation is a week away and we have some extra time. Maybe my wife and I could do some of the painting ourselves?” The church leader agreed and told them to go to the local hardware store and charge everything to the church.

The next day the pastor contacted the church president and asked, “We picked up the paint and supplies, but the ceilings are very tall, does the church have anything we can use?” The church leader replied, ‘Yes, in the church basement there are some sawhorses and in the garage are some boards, they would work for you.”

Unfortunately, the church leader didn’t tell the pastor that there were sawhorses that the ladies used for their quilting work and there were old sawhorses in the storage room. The sawhorses used by the lady were out in the open, and that’s what the pastor used, and sadly they ended up with paint on them.

Two years later, some elders called on lady member of the church who hadn’t attended church or anything led by the new pastor. When the elders called on her, she responded by saying, “Anyone who would ruin our church property like he did has no business in the ministry.”

This true story illustrates how a bad beginning can create difficulty in a church worker’s ministry. What could that congregation have done differently? What could any church do to help make a church worker’s ministry begin on a more positive note? Here are ten ways to welcome a new church worker.

1. Clear Communication between pastor/church worker and congregation is critical.

Continual conversations between pastor and church leadership, plus church leadership needs to keep church members informed on what is happening concerning pastor/church worker’s arrival, installation service, and other related items. Clear communication is essential.

2. Don’t assume the pastor or church worker automatically knows everything about the church’s traditions, history and customs that have been going on for decades.

3. If the church has a parsonage/teacherage, then make sure the place is ready for them on day one.

This includes making sure appliances, furnace, and air conditioner are working or replaced if necessary. Having the house completely cleaned and any painting done before the church worker arrives. (The worker can change colors later if they want).

4. Create a church worker support team.

This group should include at least one or two church elders, and two other members who are concerned about the overall welfare of the pastor/church worker and their family. A good description of this group can be found in Holding Up the Prophet’s Hand: Supporting Church Workers by Dr. Bruce Hartung.

5. Welcome the new church worker with gifts cards to local restaurants and grocery stores.

Instead of a food shower have members give gift cards or cash gifts that allow the church worker to try some of the local restaurants and stores.

6. Have someone in the congregation, give the pastor/church worker a tour of the community.

This tour can include the church worker’s family and end with a meal at a local hang out or maybe a nice picnic at the local park.

7. In the first few months of the pastor/church worker’s arrival, take time to stop by the office for a short visit in order to introduce yourself.

Consider inviting the pastor/church worker over to your own home for a visit, or take them out for coffee or lunch. One might even consider inviting the church worker and their family over for a nice dinner or backyard barbecue.

8. Respect boundaries established by pastor/church worker and their families.

This means supper time, evening hours, and days off are to be respected and protected by the congregation. (Only in case of an immediate emergency should one contact the church worker). Giving the pastor/church worker time with family will benefit the church worker and the congregation. If the parsonage belongs to the congregation that does not entitle any member including church leaders to stop by and invade the home. Proper respect includes setting up a time with the family for a visit or if repairs are needed.

9. Talk to them, not about them.

When the church worker/pastor does or says something that seems odd, before one speaks poorly about them (like the lady condemning the pastor over his use of sawhorses) take time to visit with them about the issue and share your concerns. In the 8th commandment, Luther says:

“We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.”

When something good is happening in the church, share your joy with the church worker/pastor. If the church worker or their family experience a blessing (like their oldest child scoring the winning touchdown) take the time to congratulate them. If you like the sermon, tell the pastor. Church workers need words of encouragement just like everyone else.

10. Participate and Pray!

Participating in worship services, Bible studies and church activities is a great way of showing support to the workers God has called to serve the congregation. It is also a great way to grow in one’s relationship with our Lord and with fellow members. Praying for those God has called to share the Good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, is one of the joyful services all members can do!

If you as a church worker (or that special church worker in your life) are in need of Christ-centered mental health or marriage counseling, contact us today.

• Angela Kollbaum, LIMHP, CPC, DCE, Director Of Church Worker Wellness
• Call: 402-644-8048
• Email: [email protected]
• Web Form: http://lutheranfamilyservice.org/contact/

Lutheran Family Service walks with those experiencing difficult times through mental health counseling, marriage counseling, crisis pregnancy counseling, and adoption services.