The Parish Paper - May 2013: Important Conversations: How to Avoid the Sand Traps

Downsizing hurts not only the person who loses a job but their family, other employees, and even bosses who have a deep, compassionate spirit. When you add the element of a congregation, downsizing also hurts the personal and professional support groups of the staff person. It also damages the health and well-being of the congregation because it can wound the church’s image and witness in its community context.

In the congregational organism, openness, trust, and healthy transition are the tools of the process. When a congregation must downsize staff, a process for reducing staff must be designed; shared with the staff first, then with the congregation; and voted on as needed or required by church policies. Everyone knows what process is being followed and the steps involved in the process. This approach of open process will foster a sense of trust among congregational staff and members. It creates a healthy environment that can build a foundation for a healthy transition even in this time of stress.