3 Things to Consider When Hiring in 2021

2020. What can we say. It’s overstated to say it was an “unprecedented” year or that it was “one for the books”. Whether it was the political climate, racial unrest, or the virus that rocked all of our worlds, it’s safe to say that 2020 has made us all ponder outside of our normal mental routines. As a church leader, this is no exception. The weight of these issues upon our society permeated into our congregations, small groups, and our staff teams. Beyond conversation, 2020 has altered our everyday lifestyle. I can’t remember the last time I could walk into a restaurant the same way that “I used to”.

This shift in society flipped the way we do church on its head. Seemingly overnight, churches who barely had a microphone and a speaker had to learn how to livestream and record an entire service, and then distribute it digitally while praying the online viewer received a glitch-free experience. Church-goers traded hugs for homes, cars for couches, and lipstick for loungewear. Suddenly, there was a new way to “gather” with believers.

Is this the future of church? Is my traditional way of thinking about ministry going to fall to the wayside and become irrelevant? Am I already behind the eight ball with how I should be thinking about these things? If you’re a church leader, you have probably wrestled with all of these questions and more.

But all of this leads to the question: What does your ministry approach look like in the future and how do you staff your team around that vision?

Whether you’re about to push the gas pedal on hiring new staff members in 2021 or if you’ll be replacing former staff members, here are 3 things to consider:

1. Does the job description need an overhaul?

I realize job descriptions can change with seasons of ministry, but evaluate your job descriptions for both current employees and any open/future positions. Do they align with what the employees are actually doing or will be doing in the future? Putting in the hard work of updating or creating accurate and clear job descriptions now will save time and increase efficiency later. It’s worth it. I promise.

2. Is the position (still) needed?

The answer to this question could be “maybe”, but why rush into hiring for a role only because it previously existed? Take a close, honest look at the necessity of each position you hire in 2021. The results of your assessment may even reveal that you need to pivot and hire for a completely different position altogether.

3. Do you need to re-allocate resources to other teams/ministries?

Are there new values or methods in your ministry that call for a budget overhaul? Don’t be afraid to align your resources with your ministry initiatives. I realize this can be tricky and may involve other leaders and staff to make the decision, but at least have the conversation and try to arrive somewhere that makes sense for the sake of reaching the people to which you’ve been called to serve.

I encourage you to keep these things in mind as you staff your teams this year. I pray 2021 brings fresh vision, closer relationships, and deeper ministry impact for your ministry. Hopeful for great days ahead.