Church growth requires people eagerly laboring for the Kingdom: sowing the Gospel seed, discipling Christians, doing the work of the church and church work. As the church grows, the need for quality volunteers grows as well. A revival pastor is forever challenged to find the needed workers to keep the church moving.
Unfortunately, on occasion you will find someone that is in the wrong position. The church has grown, but they have not. Or they were not a good fit in the first place and now you are faced with having to replace them. In an ideal world, they will recognize this on their own and ask to be reassigned. But often they do not and it is then up to the pastor to help them understand that their gifts would be better used elsewhere.
As difficult as this conversation might be, it is important that you have it. To let them continue is not good for them or the church. Here are some suggestions to help make this discussion easier and productive:
Maintain Trust. If a pastor has put time into developing his staff with open and honest communication, these situations become easier. Therefore, train your leaders regularly.
Ask Questions. Let the volunteers share their feelings. What do they find challenging? What’s frustrating to them? You may find they already know they are not doing a good job.
Be Honest. Everyone wants to know how they can improve. If your leaders respect your leadership, they will also respect your honest assessment of their strengths and weakness.
Offer Training. They may only need to step down temporarily and receive training. Ask them to read several books, attend a seminar, or visit a neighboring church that has success in this area. Perhaps being a worker in this ministry would be a better fit then being the leader.
Suggest New Roles. Find what they are passionate about. Perhaps they would have greater ministry fulfillment in another area of service.
Don’t Put It Off. Silence says, “you are doing fine.” Then, as time goes on, the ultimate conversation becomes even more difficult.
