Here are Six Guidelines
1. Unless, there is a clear ethical infraction, the exercise of power should be your last resort, not your first.
2. Confidentially share the problem you are having regarding your Associate Pastor with your board. They may want to discreetly look into the matter on their own – to establish the facts – including having a discussion with the Associate, and then make recommendations for you to consider in moving forward.
3. Mediation. Depending on the issue involved, mediation may be appropriate.
Self-Help Option (You do it, I assist)
(a) I can provide guidance, free of charge, on how to select the best in-house peacemaking mediator
(b) as well as help guide this person through the peacemaking process.
Alternatively I can facilitate the peacemaking process via phone and face-to-face online interaction with the presence of a selected church member to serve as my assistant and liaison onsite.
4. If the problem persists, you need to clearly identify and communicate to the Associate what the problem is, and give him/her the opportunity to correct it. A very specific written, Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) should be developed with the Associate. A copy of the completed PIP should be given to your board as well. To request a free copy of a PIP template I have developed that you can use, click here.
5. If the Associate sufficiently improves his or her performance, the matter will be closed. If, on the other hand, performance is not improved, a severance package should be developed with the board, with termination, approved by the board, to follow.
6. Be Coached (You do it, I assist). The above outline, though neat and clean on paper, is usually messier in real life. Given the loyalty developed by members in the congregation for the Associate, proceeding improperly can cause a major rupture. Those who are perceived as being responsible for the dismissal, are often themselves, subject to attack and criticism. If you find yourself in “hot water,” relating to either what you are doing or how you are doing it, I can provide you and your board expert advice on how to best proceed from where you are.
Call me at 301-253-8877 to discuss your situation
