This Week: Staffing
Last summer and fall the Southwestern Minnesota Synod listened. Insights from a survey (with 182 responses), along with conversations in person (held in four locations), help shape synod priorities to equip congregations and leaders in this changing time.
Every week we will share findings, interpretations, and critical questions around each of the major themes. If you missed previous emails:
- Youth and Family Engagement, click here to read.
- Worship/Spiritual Growth, click here to read.
- Community Outreach and Service, click here to read.
Findings
Congregations struggle to find the staff needed to serve their ministries. Of all the changes reported in the survey, ‘congregational leadership/staff’ was reported as the second highest change of all.
Some congregations seek pastoral staff. Others have a hard time finding and retaining children/youth ministry leaders.
Sometimes financial issues stand behind the challenge. Other times congregations just can’t find capable people to fill the positions. Yet other times the positions lack clarity.
Interpretation
Amid the challenges in finding volunteers, congregations turn to paid staff to ensure that ministry moves forward. Lack of proper staffing makes congregations feel held back in what they can accomplish.
A national deficit in the number of pastoral leaders available plays a role in the challenge. Some congregations get around this with creative ministry options (like Synodically Authorized Ministers).
Critical Questions
Can a congregation accomplish their mission without full staffing?
How can raising up and training volunteers offset the need for staffing?
How many staffing issues are due to low pay and/or unrealistic expectations?
Click here for more information on the whole Synod Listening Process Summary.
The synod's leadership is committed to listening to you! This listening process was guided by Pr. Pete Reuss and the Synod Generosity Team. Interpretations were made by Pr. Pete Reuss.
For any questions or follow up please contact:
Pr. Pete Reuss, Synod Storytelling and Generosity
pete.reuss@swmnelca.org
Bishop Dee Pederson
dee.pederson@swmnelca.org
