Many years ago, when I was a young and aspiring pastor, I was offered a staff position as youth pastor—a position I accepted and served in for nearly three years. What I didn’t know at the inception, however, was that I soon would become the senior member of the staff—at least in terms of longevity and knowledge of the congregation. The reasons: During that first year in the congregation the lead pastor accepted a new position, and the remaining members of the staff (including everyone from secretary to custodian) all resigned or moved into other chapters of their lives.

Being the senior member in the corps of church staff is not always an easy place to be, but it does afford some unique opportunities for growing and learning.

For example, being the senior member of the staff provides opportunities to share vital information about the congregation’s recent history, shape and movement. Key families and personal information can be shared, as can the gifts and graces of the congregation. Other staff members, from lead pastor to secretary, may appreciate insights from someone who has worked in that vineyard for even a few years.

Likewise, being the senior member of a staff can be challenging. It is imperative that the senior member remain open, humble, helpful and kind. One is not there to guard information or hoard compliments, but to work with others. If one’s role is not the top leadership, this should not be an expectation simply by virtue of years served.

Finally, consider new ways that one can be helpful to the good of the organization. Perhaps there are new roles into which one can step, new places one can serve. Being the senior member is an awesome responsibility, but one that can make a huge impact in the church.