How Congregations Help Church Workers Discuss Their Needs

It’s not always easy for church workers to ask for help. In fact, it won’t typically happen on its own. Yet, most church workers will (at some point) have pronounced need related to their personal, professional or spiritual endeavors.

Setting up a Congregational Church Worker Wellness Team means finding the people who have a heart for caring for the caregivers and giving them a platform to do just that.

It’s a fast and simple process and makes a big difference to church workers serving your community.

While any congregation would benefit from this approach, if you’re embarking on the Call process, there’s absolutely no better time to act. Contact Rev. Marty Hasz, PLPC to learn more.

Getting Started: Identifying the Leader of the Team

Who comes to mind as someone who empathizes with church workers? Who always thinks of their families as well? Who can listen to multiple perspectives and then relay them with both truth and tact? This person might be a good leader. Your team leader acts as a liaison between the pastor and the governing body of the church, as well as the rest of the team.

It might be hard to for a church worker to request support or training, knowing the budget is tight, even when the need is palpable. However, asking a trusted individual can feel more approachable. Your team leader can also convey the thoughts and observations of the congregation and reiterate their desire to support the church workers.

This also provides an avenue for constructive feedback, letting your church workers know what skills to improve and how much their contributions are valued.

A Process that Works Over Time: Getting to the Know the Church Worker to Uncover Needs

Everyone has different needs. And while it’s been well documented that church workers face higher risk of depression, cynicism, burnout, obesity and more, addressing the needs of church workers requires the foundation of a trusting relationship.

Some needs may be clear from the start, like an otherwise successful pastor who needs help with technology. Other needs though, like trouble managing money or stress on a marriage, will only come from the church worker’s willingness to share. This will happen at different levels for different people.

The Right People for the Job

Once a need has been identified, decide who in your church can meet the messy, real-life needs, such as an experienced counselor, financial planner or a mom with a large crew of children? After that, you’ll determine how often you should check in with your church worker.

Contact Rev. Marty Hasz, PLPC to learn more about starting a Congregational Church Worker Wellness Team.