How do we motivate staff members at our local Churches – Bribe them with money!

As Church we can learn a lot from the business world, but we can never function by the same principles as the business world. We should never consider our church workers as mere employees. We are called to be contra-culture, but especially as regards to the way culture and economics “reward” achievements. In the church today, however, there seems to be a growing tendency of working for bonuses, honour, and outcomes.

When the Church buys into this way of thinking, we give up the idea of worship/service as the highest calling. We, as Church, function on the premise that all are equal before God, and that God the Spirit is working through us. Everything we do, we do because we love God, and we love those around us. We are not in the business of church, we are in the ministry of church. We are not in the business of judging or evaluating each other on accomplishments, or results. We are in the business of worshipping God through our lives.

If we work with scorecards, by what measure, method, or vehicle, are we to judge success? If we are truly worried about what is happening in the church, then we would not “bribe” people to do better. We would spend more time with them in worshipping and make sure that they are experiencing Christ in their ministry. If you are in a leadership position in the church, and you are not praying with people, worshiping with them, and encouraging them through serving them, there is something wrong.


People who live with the awareness that they might be judged, will always compare themselves with those around them. This immediately changes their relationship, from one of being colleagues, to one of being competitors.

How, then, should we motivate employees and members in the church to make a difference?
Look at this video; the three factors that lead to better performance and personal satisfaction are: Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose (Here I am not talking about a movement/structural type of purpose, but a definite personal purpose).

Outcomes would then be loving relationships, a caring involvement, and intense worship. People would be drawn to congregations because of the deep relationships they would encounter. They will stay because they would realise that their unique gifts and personality are respected. They would be motivated to master their own gifts, and, understanding their own purpose, they would join others with diverse purposes in worship.

http://www.ekerk.co.za/profiles/blogs/oppas-vir-beheerverslaafdes