And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark. (Acts 12:25)
The Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them…. and they also had John as their helper.” (Acts 13:2,5)
Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, and John left them and returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:13)
After some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return…’ And Barnabas was desirous of taking John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another. And Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord….” (Acts 15:36ff.).
Staff members! Can’t live with them and can’t live without them!
The biggest headaches most pastors will know in a lifetime of ministry will probably involve staff members. Some will be his best friends, strongest advisors and most loyal supporters. Others will write the script for his nightmares, will be Absalom to his David, and will turn hairs in his head either to gray or loose.
For many pastors, the three greatest problems he will face in his entire ministry will be choosing members of his ministerial ministry team, overseeing them, and (occasionally) having to terminate them. A quick look at each of these three areas….
First: Employing a staff member
I make no boast about having a spotless record in choosing staffers. Several have been the finest companions and fellow servants imaginable. One or two have been the stuff of nightmares. And in between are all the rest.
A pastor who chooses a new member of his ministry team cannot be too careful. He will need a small team of his best people to assist, interview, raise issues, do background work, and advise him. Almost without exception, I would say that the pastor who tries to do this completely on his own with no one helping him is going to regret his choice. Don’t do this alone, pastor! If you do not have a standing personnel committee, enlist a small team to assist on this project.