It seems to surround us. The idea that a church can only get things done if they have paid staff. In fact, many churches strive for more staff. They make it a goal from day one. More staff equals more work done.

The problem? The church can’t support the model of hiring more and more staff.Eventually, staff can’t be hired. Or worse - they have to be laid off.

As we’ve seen from the last few years, money is given less to churches and spent less by churches.  Unfortunately, the church has become more and more dependent upon paid staff. From part-time to full-time staff, the church wants to hire to get anything done. 

This model may work for churches in affluent areas, or for churches with a large base of contributing members. This model, however, doesn’t work for the majority of churches. It also doesn’t work if the economy slows down (as we’ve seen). 

The church doesn’t need more paid staff. It needs more unpaid leaders. It needs volunteers that are willing to step up and guide the church during good economies and bad. 

The church needs more unpaid leaders.