Serving on a church staff is one of the greatest privileges and one of the greatest challenges. Our roles touch people’s lives in moments of deep joy and seasons of deep sorrow. And while our identity is not defined by our job, the way we approach our work shapes both the health of the church and the witness of Christ.
Most of us know what it’s like to work in unhealthy environments—where negativity, drama, or dysfunction drain the mission. But we’ve also seen what happens in healthy ones—where unity, diligence, and joy fuel the work. The difference often comes down to three essentials: proficiency, integrity, and chemistry.
And here’s the temptation: it’s easy to read an article like this and think about a co-worker who really needs it. But this one is for you. Evaluate yourself. Consider that you have an opinion about every person you work with—and they all have an opinion about you. The goal isn’t to fix everyone else; the goal is to let the Spirit keep shaping you into a faithful staff member who glorifies God in your role.
Proficiency
Scripture calls us to work hard at what we do: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your strength” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Even if you aren’t the most naturally gifted, diligence honors God. Colossians 3:23 reminds us to work as if our boss is Jesus Himself. The question for every staff member is simple: Is Christ pleased with the effort I’m giving?
Integrity
Talent can take you places where character won’t keep you. Integrity is what makes ministry credible. Proverbs 10:9 teaches that “the one who lives with integrity lives securely.” When you walk in integrity, even if people criticize you, your behavior silences their accusations (1 Peter 3:16). Church staff don’t just represent themselves; they represent Jesus.
Chemistry
Skill and integrity matter—but so does the ability to work with others. Many teams break down not because of lack of vision, but because of lack of kindness. James 4:1 reminds us that conflict often starts in our own hearts. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” That means honoring one another (Rom. 12:10), showing kindness (Eph. 4:32), and bearing with one another (Col. 3:13).
The PIC Test
If you serve on a church staff, ask yourself today: Am I growing in proficiency, integrity, and chemistry? These three qualities make the difference between a toxic staff culture and a thriving one.
Your work matters. How you work matters. Who you work with matters. Evaluate yourself honestly, and let God refine you to be the kind of staff member who helps the church flourish.
