I took the weekend off from writing and am back to my series on fighting off staff infections in your church. Here’s my fourth tip: Be flexible.

As an assistant to your pastor (which is what you are) remember that anything can be your job. You need to be flexible. Several years ago, when we needed a College Pastor, I didn’t say, “I only do kids.” I was not offered more money or perks, just presented with the need. I was College Pastor for a year and half. When we needed a bus director, I didn’t say, “I don’t do oil changes.” I still hold that title today. Do I enjoy the job? It’s not the favorite thing I do, but I’m here to serve the needs of my church first.

I hope you are always willing to do whatever is needed. Whether it’s cleaning the restrooms, locking up the church, or making sure the oil is changed on the church bus - be flexible! It’s a great way to fight staff infections.

P.S. To the senior pastors that read this blog, please empower the children’s pastor to do what needs done! Avoid the “gopher factor.” The “gopher factor” occurs when the children’s pastor’s job description is reduced to simple tasks such as folding mailers, fundraising, hosting guests, and general “I don’t have time to do this so you do it for me” sort of jobs rather than ministering to kids. Your children’s pastor needs to be flexible, but needs to be empowered to do his/her job with your full support.