Here’s an “Ask Nelson” question that I answered a while back:

Q:I’ve got a staffing question and wanted to bounce it off you – one of the members of my staff needs to step down because she needs more time with her family, but everything’s on the up and up between her & the church. She’s willing to stay on long enough for us to replace her and get the new person oriented, and we’re currently looking.

My question is this: How would you recommend we communicate key staff changes to the church? This move is actually a good thing, so I want to emphasize the positive aspects (i.e. she’s making the right choice for her family and she’s done a fantastic job for a few years).

So far I’ve told my staff and her direct volunteer reports. How would you handle communicating to the other leadership and the whole church?

Thanks!

A: Staff changes can be one of the more challenging aspects of leading a growing church, but (like you noted) this is actually a “good” move. Here’s what I would recommend:

1) Get her to write a letter to her key volunteers explaining why she is leaving – have her write it to her volunteers but give it to you to share. This is a letter you can share with everyone involved in the children’s area (parents, volunteers, etc.).

2) You also need to get a formal letter of resignation from her for your employment files – this can be short and sweet as you won’t be sharing it.

3) You really only need to share her transition with those impacted by the decision (parents, children’s volunteers, etc) – they will want to know why she’s leaving so share her letter. They will also want to know what you plan to do to fill the position – so cast vision for the future. This could be an email or a letter.

4) As for the entire church, there’s no need to announce it in a big way – you could put a ‘staff note’ in the newsletter or e-newsletter announcing the transition with a brief quote from her letter to volunteers and a sentence or two of vision from you.

That’s a quick overview – hope it helps!

Nelson

P.S. Here’s a resource that will help as you replace this person on your staff.  The first few months of a new hire are vital to helping them succeed.  Download a copy of The First 90 Days: Welcoming a New Staff Member.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.