Rebuilding a Team Culture That Was Broken with Jesse DeYoung
Jan 6, 2022
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Jesse DeYoung, the executive lead pastor at Flatirons Community Church, shares his journey of reviving a broken team culture amidst challenges. He discusses the importance of selecting staff who align with the church's vision and how effective leadership can navigate periods of crisis. Jesse emphasizes building trust, succession planning, and the roles of humility and accountability in fostering a healthy church environment. His insights highlight the transformative power of teamwork and emotional awareness in church leadership.
Flatirons Community Church emphasized the importance of establishing robust systems and support to address systemic internal struggles during growth.
The church's leadership restructuring improved communication and trust among team members, fostering a culture of honor and accountability.
Deep dives
Recruiting Effective Church Staff
Finding the right staff for churches is a significant challenge, especially as congregations seek long-term fits for their team members. Many church leaders face uncertainty during the hiring process and often reach out for advice on how to identify individuals who align well with their church's vision. Resources, such as resume screening playbooks provided by firms like Chemistry Staffing, can assist churches in effectively evaluating candidates. Such tools help streamline the selection process, making it easier for churches to build a strong and cohesive leadership team.
Flatirons Community Church Overview
Flatirons Community Church in Colorado has grown from a combination of two small groups in the 1980s into a vibrant congregation with five campuses. The church’s mission focuses on reaching individuals who typically do not attend church, emphasizing inclusivity as seen in diverse baptism stories. The leadership under Pastor Jim has navigated significant growth challenges while maintaining authenticity within their community. This commitment to outreach in a less traditional church environment highlights the innovative spirit of Flatirons.
Navigating Leadership Challenges
One notable challenge the church faced was maintaining structure amidst rapid growth, which initially led to internal struggles and staff pressure, culminating in Pastor Jim's six-month sabbatical. This period allowed for reflection and recovery not just for Jim but for the entire staff, as they confronted their collective struggles and sought to improve their internal culture. A critical realization emerged during this time: the issues plaguing the organization were systemic, not solely dependent on one individual. The church learned the necessity of establishing robust systems and support for its leaders.
Building a Healthy Church Culture
The restructuring of leadership roles post-sabbatical became essential in fostering a healthier organizational environment at Flatirons. By reducing the number of direct reports to the lead pastor, the church facilitated a better flow of communication and reduced the burden on its senior leadership. Enhancing relationships through regular offsite meetings and emotional awareness practices, such as sharing personal struggles and triumphs, strengthened trust among team members. Ultimately, the church focused on cultivating a culture of honor and accountability, integral to its future success.
Thanks for tuning into the unSeminary podcast. We’re talking with Jesse DeYoung, the executive lead pastor at Flatirons Community Church in Boulder, Colorado. Jesse is talking with us today about how Flatirons Church worked through a difficult season of ministry, addressed their broken team culture, and witnessed God’s redemption among the staff. Recognize what’s not […]
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