I hate to even write on the subject of how to remove someone from the church ministry, but it’s one of the most frequently asked questions when I teach on developing volunteers. Always, someone sheepishly asks, “Uh … well … I have this one leader … and … well, she’s been there a long time … and … uh … well … .” Since I’ve heard the same scenario a thousand times, I’ll say, “And you want to get rid of her but you don’t know how … right?” The crowd laughs awkwardly, but the question-asker sighs with relief when he finds out he’s not alone.
In 30 years of youth ministry leadership, I have had to ask people to step away from their volunteer position. Often, the volunteer was relieved to go, but most of the time, I faced a sweaty-palms, intense, conflict-filled, difficult conversation. And every time, our ministry was healthier once this person was removed.
Here are some principles regarding to remove someone from the church ministry that I wrote about in my book Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry . I hope they help:
How to Remove Someone From the Church Ministry
1. If God has called you to be the lead youth worker and the church has given you the mantle of leadership, then lead.
You don’t have to be mean-spirited to lead; you just need to be willing to lead. Leaders have to make decisions and take actions that aren’t easy. To remove someone from the church ministry is one of them. Your youth ministry is too important to lower your standards and overlook someone who is causing problems. Difficult leaders damage morale, hurt students, cause continual grief and hinder your ministry from growing.
RELATED: 10 Ways to Recruit and Train Volunteer Leaders
2. As the lead youth worker, it’s your responsibility to put a team together that’s going to pursue health and move in the right direction.
Not everyone will go there with you. Remember what Paul and Barnabas fought about in Acts 15? They went their separate ways because Paul didn’t think John Mark had what it took to minister with him.
You’re not the first leader in the history of Christianity to make a tough decision about leaders.
3. It’s always easier to bring people onto the team than to get them off.
Remember that when you’re about to say yes to a potential volunteer who gives you an unsettling feeling. Trust your gut and say no.
4. Realize the difference between a person who’s a chronic problem and a person who needs immediate intervention (moral failure, a non-negotiable rule broken).
Volunteers who just aren’t cutting it are going to need more tenderness, grace and chances than those who knew the consequences of their choice and chose poorly.
To remove someone from the church ministry is your last resort, a step taken ONLY AFTER you’ve done everything you can to help this person succeed.
