A Pretty Good Method for Managing a "Flexible Work Schedule" for Church Staff

How do church leaders balance the need for a core working environment in the office with a flexible work schedule that allows church staff to meet with potential leaders and do other things outside of "normal business hours?"

I can't say I found "the answer," but I want to share a "method" I implemented. You want to maintain a flexible work schedule, allowing your staff to arrange their week according to their particular ministry area and personal/family needs. At the same time, you want a core set of "in-the-office" working hours that encourage and facilitate collaboration between staff members.

To help accomplish this, I created a "Schedule of Ministry" process. The process includes a form that facilitates a formal discussion between each staff member and their direct supervisor. The form is filled out, discussed, and signed twice yearly at the beginning of the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer ministry seasons.

Completing the form ensures a formal discussion, at least twice per year, that results in an agreement between the staff member and their supervisor on what the typical ministry week will look like in terms of "in-the-office" work hours, "out-the-office" work hours, and non-work hours. The agreement stands until a change is made or the next season of ministry approaches.

Of course, the signed form reflects a typical week. The staff still has a 'flexible' work schedule and may, at their discretion, deviate from it. This flexibility is a key part of our structured approach, empowering staff to manage their time effectively.

This method has worked well for me and some of my coaching clients, instilling confidence in its effectiveness. I believe it can be a valuable tool for managing a flexible work schedule for church staff.