The Best Christian Workplaces Survey collected data on 1,900 staff members from fourteen churches with 500 or more in weekly attendance. The research reported the key factors to developing a committed, engaged and satisfied staff, a primary driver of effective ministries and church growth. Churches who participated in the survey include Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, IL and Crossroads Community Church in Cincinnati.
“The expectation is that because you are working in a church, the spiritual fruit is more abundant, and relationships with co-workers are joyous and harmonious,” says Al Lopus, President of the Best Christian Workplaces Institute. “It isn’t long before these expectations and reality begin to clash.”
The survey showed church staffers are most concerned with the character and competence of their leadership, specifically the spiritual “heart” of leaders and how they manifest the fruits of the Spirit at work. Staff members expect church leaders to have authentic integrity with a willingness to be vulnerable, especially in today’s climate. The issues with the highest correlation to staff commitment included:
- A demonstrated fairness and integrity of the church’s leaders.
- A level of trust between senior leadership and staff.
- The effective management of church administration and programs.
- A perceived improvement of conditions in the church over the past year.
- Prioritization of Christ’s interests in daily decision-making.
- Exhibition of the Fruits of the Spirit by leadership (from Galatians 5:22-23).
- Leaders’ willingness to be open, authentic and humble.
The issues that correlate least with staff commitment levels include:
- Satisfaction with levels of benefits and paid time off.
- Regular performance feedback or review.
- High focus on excellence among co-workers.
- Effective teamwork among staff members.
- The availability of the manager to help solve problems in the workplace.
From Al Lopus, “What Church Staff Members Like Most About Their Work” LeadNet.org 5/08
