Executive Pastor Online

With the economy being what it is, the Executive Pastors I network with have discussed cost cutting actions with each other at length. We were recently asked how publically staff cutting should be communicated.

Here's part of my response:

I can tell you that whenever we’ve faced financial issues we’ve done so very publically. Lack of funds to cover “the plan” is a congregational issue (not a staff or leadership issue). Therefore, we go to the congregation (usually via a letter from our Senior Pastor) to make them aware of issues and our plan for resolution. Although, we have never had to cut staff and have always been understaffed, it would probably be via a letter like this that we would make the congregation aware that “cutting staff” is part of our plan (as a church – everyone owning the situation together) to make expenses match expected income.

The bottom line is that as leaders in the church we must never forget that the church as a whole (staff and congregation) is responsible for meeting the financial need. When the need isn't being met and expenses have to be cut, everyone must understand and bear the burden together.  We must rely on God and each other to sustain the ministry.