Training Pastors
MESSAGE FROM  NACFM PRESIDENT GARY ROBINSON

Where do you find your best part-time maintenance, event, and set-up employees? By far, I have found most of these type of employees from personal referrals. My next best source might surprise you – seminary students. I stumbled across this well of talent several years ago. I was taking classes at a local Christian college when I noticed a note on the student bulletin board. It read, “Full-time ministry student needs part-time employment.” When I called, he explained that he had recently sold his landscaping business to go into full-time ministry and needed part-time work to stay busy and bring in a little income. I told him that I could help with both of those goals. I also told him that this job would make him a better pastor.

Over the years, I have hired several seminary students to work in our department. Eventually, I hired both future preaching and worship pastors from two different seminaries. As far as maintenance, they were okay. Most of them were exceptional when it came to events and set-ups. I think most Church Facility Managers measure the success of an individual employee solely by the work they perform for the church. It is easy to overlook what the job has done for the employee. This is true for all employees, not just future pastors. We have a unique opportunity to invest in the future of these younger employees. Think about what our employees learn from watching us, and don’t kid yourself, they are watching. Does our example lead them to a closer walk with Christ?

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, ... - Titus 2:7-8 NIV

We are all called to serve according to his or her own gifts and abilities. If you have ever heard me sing, you know that I could never be a worship pastor. At the same time, that does not keep me from influencing future worship pastors. Often, our influence may not be evident at the time. It may be months or years before they realize the value of what they learned working at your church. It has been gratifying to hear former employees tell of the valuable lessons they learned at FHBC. Conversely, don’t underestimate the effect a Godly young person can have on the rest of your staff.

So, how can working in the facilities department make someone a better pastor? One former employee quickly comes to mind when thinking about seminary student employees. John is a Church Planter for the North American Mission Board. He worked at FHBC for about two years. Over the years, he had shared how working at the church has had a positive influence on his ministry in planting churches. As I was planning this article, I reached out to John and asked him to explain that influence. Here are his thoughts.

“I can totally say that working in the facilities department at FHBC has made me not just a more well-rounded pastor, but a better leader, and person. Here is how:

1. Nuts and bolts: I got to see what it was like to serve the body of Christ in a full-on "service” level. Many take for granted that the chairs are always set up, trash is taken out, and doors are unlocked. It is no fault of their own, they serve in different ways. But, when you are literally at the "table cleaning" level of service, you grow to appreciate all that goes into the facility that houses the body of Christ. I still gravitate to set up and tear down, heck, I am a church planter, it is in our blood.

2. Empathy: Serving others is a humbling activity and it should be. When you humble yourself with others, it is a picture of Christ himself coming to earth, taking on the pain and suffering of the cross, and lastly (but most importantly) taking our sin on himself.

3. Patience: This is one of the fruits of the spirit that I do not easily practice. Spaghetti night in the carpeted fellowship hall (who carpets a fellowship hall?) comes to mind. I tell you there was a time I couldn't be in the room while during the meal, watching the spills and messes happen, then seeing people stepping on it and grinding those wet noodles into the carpet. You haven't lived till you have cleaned the carpet after spaghetti night. It taught me patience and perspective. I saw the joy on the family's faces as they enjoyed a meal that they didn't prepare or have to clean up. To hear the laughter going on in the room, along with the Christ-honoring fellowship was a beautiful thing. And I got to play a part by serving the body in this way.

I look back with extreme fondness on my time at FHBC. What I learned from you about being a long-suffering, patient, God-honoring, follower of Christ (you truly are brother), along with being able to serve the body of Christ in such a special, humbling, and character-building way was truly a treasure!”

What a testimony on how God can use something as mundane as spaghetti night to teach us Biblical truths. Today, John is a living example of Ephesians 4:2, Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

The story of Esther comes to mind after a recent phone call. Another “graduate” of the FHBC facilities department was serving as the worship pastor at a medium-size church in Florida. His church had unexpectedly lost their facility manager. There was not a current facility employee qualified to fill in. Michael shared his past work experience in facilities. He is now the worship pastor/facilities manager, at least for now. He expressed a new respect for all the “hats” CFMs wear.

Not all future pastors make great employees in our field. I remember one that was particularly trying. His heart was right, and he desired to do good work. He just didn’t get it. He was the proverbial fish out of water. He was musically gifted and very creative. I loved the guy; he just didn’t get what we do. I’m sure you know the type. On the Monday of his last week, he came to me and said, “I know the person you need to hire to replace me.” He must have seen the doubt in my expression. He quickly followed up with the statement, “Oh, don’t worry, he is nothing like me.” I am glad I listened. His roommate is still working for the church and does a great job.

I realize that these employees will be gone in a year or so, but when it comes to part-time people, they rarely stay with you for a long time. Still, the work they perform is critical for the operation of your church.

How would things be different if the pastor at your church had worked in the facilities department? Just imagine the effect it would have on your employees, to have the pastor walk up, look them in the eye and say, “I've done the work you do. It's hard work and your efforts are appreciated.” Another benefit could be in the form of more reasonable set-up requests. I have had pastors in the past that were oblivious to how much work was required to meet their desires and schedule. I am sure I’m not the only one that has had a pastor wanting to host a huge dinner event that lasts till 10:00 PM in a space that has a Bible study in it at 6:00 AM the next morning. Don’t get me wrong, I want to meet the needs and desires of all the pastors, but sometimes they can be unreasonable. A little understanding on their part can make a big difference in the attitude and satisfaction level of your employees as they do the same tasks over and over each day.

By the way, when is the last time you told an employee, "I know the work you do is hard, and I appreciate the effort and attitude you give to our church?" It could be time well spent.

Blessings my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. I hope that we are all on the road to De-mask-us soon.

Gary Robinson 
NACFM President