Being the “new kid” on a church staff can be an intimidating experience. Many church teams are relationally well-connected, and they may have even known each other for a long time. For some church teams, a new staff member has to move to your city to join your team. For those new members, there are some extra ways to make them feel welcome. So, if you’re adding someone to your team, here are a few things you can do to help make them feel welcome to the team.
For All New Staff
1. First Day Lunch
This may seem like a very basic, simple gesture, but it can go a long way in helping someone feel welcome to your team. You can cater lunch to the office for the whole team or take the newbie out with several other staff members. Connecting relationally right away will help eliminate and alleviate any insecurities or discomfort they may feel in joining the team.
If your new staff member already knows everyone, this is still a great way to make them feel welcome!
2. Welcome Gift
When the new team member arrives on the first day, give them some kind of gift. If they are new to the area, this could be some local items or treats. Perhaps they have been in your church for years; give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or possibly something that can be helpful or fun for their new role. If you decide to give a gift, you can be as creative or as simple as possible. It’s just a great way to say, “We’re so glad you’re here!”
Here is a list of ideas that would be appreciated by any member of your team!
3. Start Developing Relationships Immediately
One of the unique natures of church staff is that it is very relationally driven. You cannot start building relationships with new staff members too soon. The more connected they feel to you and the rest of the team relationally, the more buy-in they will have in their new role and the church. You can make someone brand new feel extremely comfortable by treating them as friends from day one. If you don’t know them that well, make them feel as though they’ve been there for years, and you will get to know them quickly. If you’ve known them for years, don’t assume that you know them. Ask them questions about themselves, their families, and their interests.
4. Ask for Their Opinion
Someone new to a church staff is going to feel like an outsider. They won’t know the inside jokes, backstories, and “whys” behind everything you do. One way you can quickly mitigate this is to ask their opinion often. Ask them about their experience as the new person. Get their thoughts on your Sunday service or other areas of ministry. Help them feel like they are a true part of the team. Don’t make them jump through hoops before you’ll listen to them. Remember, you trusted them enough to hire them. Don’t make them prove themselves before you’ll listen to them. Trust their “outsider” opinion right away as well.
5. Check-in Often
Even though you are surrounded by people, church staff positions can get lonely occasionally. Check in with your new team members often. Ask them how they feel about their role, their workload, and if they need any help with anything. Some people can have a hard time asking for help themselves, so you can eliminate that challenge by asking them first. This will also help them feel genuinely supported and know you have their back if they ever truly need anything.
6. Connect Them to the Lead Pastor
There are many churches with a Lead Pastor who is “untouchable.” Don’t be that church. Celebrate the relationship between your Lead Pastor and every staff member. They will not all have a close relationship, but start their time on your team with the security of knowing they can talk with the Pastor if needed.
7. Introduce Them to the Church
This may seem like too much, but stand them up in front of the church. Introduce them to your entire church no matter what position they hold. This is a great way to show the church that you support the new hire, but it also helps them quickly feel welcomed on the team. If they recently moved to be a part of your staff, introduce their entire family. Introducing them in a public way quickly takes away the awkward “new person” feeling!
For New Church Staff Who Moved for the Position
8. Engage Their Family
Moving to another state or city for a church staff position can be incredibly exciting and overwhelming. For some, they’ve left their homes, family, friends, and previous church home to come to be a part of your family. Remember that as you include the new team member, they also have a family that made those sacrifices. The staff member needs to get connected on the team, but their family must be quickly connected, too. This can make or break someone’s effectiveness on your church staff. Don’t make the mistake of only transitioning the staff member well. Help the whole family connect!
9. Act As a Connector to Help Them Meet New People
As we covered in the last point, remember that moving to help your church was potentially costly. Realize that you have an exciting opportunity to connect them to others in the church quickly. You can help them meet other families in their life stage or people who they will interact with often. The more relationships they can form from the start, the more welcome they will feel.
10. Help With Their Move
This may seem like a really simple idea, but organize a group of people to show up and unload their moving truck. Help them feel instantly loved and supported by helping take care of their practical needs as they transition. Moving is a stressful experience, but it can be a great way for them to know and feel your church’s love instantly.
11. Provide Them with a List of Local Places
Give them a list of pediatricians, doctors’ offices, dentists, restaurants, and any other local “tricks” you may be able to provide. I know this doesn’t seem to have anything to do with being on a church staff, but helping them feel at home in their new home will also help them in their new role. One of the most stressful parts of moving to a new city is trying to figure out all the normal “life” stuff while adapting to a new church and role. You can eliminate some of the life stress and make them feel at home by providing them with as much information as possible!
You’ll want to integrate someone new quickly if you have a great staff culture. The sooner they feel comfortable and connected, the better the transition will be for them and for your church. So, the next time you add someone to your church staff, try some of these tips. You’ll be surprised how welcome they feel and how quickly they will get well connected.
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