Comments on: Can Non-Profit Work Encourage a Poor Work Ethic?

By: Ron

Ron — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:58:27 +0000

Thanks David. Good thoughts. Thanks for commenting. It pointed me to your blog! Good stuff.

By: David Mangum

David Mangum — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:55:02 +0000

There is no doubt plenty of opportunity for abuse for paid workers in churches and non-profits. There is no excuse for it. At the same time, churches and non-profits have no corner on this opportunity. There is plenty of abuse by workers in every work environment that I have been in, in and out of the church, or become aware of be it non-profit, church, business or government. This looks more like a human sin problem than a particular work environment problem to me.
I have also seen plenty of pride, bragging, one-upping, and ego driven game playing over “who works the most hours” and who is “more dedicated than thou.” When we stop throwing the culturally derived opinions around, what does the Bible really say about this? How many hours a week are we supposed to work according to Scripture? Aside from putting family first and taking a day off to worship together and general admonitions for hard work, moderation, saving, staying out of deep debt, paying taxes and debts and against laziness, the Bible is not very specific.
Want to know if someone is effective in their work? You will never know it by counting hours. You will know it by results over time in every corner of their life.

By: Luba

Luba — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:16:23 +0000

I totally agree with this article. Far too often are heard the words, “I’m soooo busy,” “We’re understaffed’; however, the same people who say those phrases leave work two hours early when the pastor is gone and always make sure they take their 30-minute lunch. Of course, in God’s ministry, we are always short on laborers. God is looking for gap fillers. Yes, in the ministry, we do not have pay incentives; however, the work of the Lord must always be first class.

A lack of efficiency gets me too. Be more efficient so that you can get more done. Heaven forbid that we do more than what is expected.

By: Faye

Faye — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:02:53 +0000

Especially in the church environment, the thought process is that we're "growing" them and if we fire them we will cause damage. We have to show mercy. I know that not everyone will have the work ethic I do, but it makes it really hard to continue striving for excellence when sub-par is tolerated and condoned. My husband works for a government entity where that is the case as well. When did people stop thinking that their job for the 8-10 hours they're on the clock is to whine and do nothing? I'm feeling kinda old now. Faye’s last blog post..leading isn't easy - Part 1

By: Alan Reynolds

Alan Reynolds — Thu, 21 May 2009 08:25:05 +0000

Any business or ministry that does not have proper accountability run the risk of developing a sub standard staff. Unfortunately, it is easy to let things go for years before a problem is recognized.
BTW I love your blog!

By: Alan Reynolds

Alan Reynolds — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:00:43 +0000

Any business or ministry that does not have proper accountability run the risk of developing a sub standard staff. Unfortunately, it is easy to let things go for years before a problem is recognized.

By: Michelle George

Michelle George — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:56:57 +0000

Great article! And I agree absolutely. I have observed that there are a large group of Boomers and older out there that like to have their name on the list for the not for profit organisations because it brings them status or because it brings them a degree of control over their leader. These are the people that have made it to their twilight years (sorry ;o) ) and feel that they have made their contribution to their organisation but still want the glory of saying they are contributing when really they are not...more often they are holding things back, and squeezing out younger more energetic workers. There was no such thing as a volunteer in the bible! People were called to work for God. Subtle difference perhaps, but I believe that it would make a huge difference to churches in particular if we recruited for positions based on calling rather than to fill a perceived need. And it doesn't matter what age you are. My personal belief is that today's batch of young people have terrific potential to impact our world. They are passionate and energetic people who are highly committed to causes that they are called to. Lets start harnessing that instead of squishing it. Here endeth the rant! ;o) Michelle George’s last blog post..The Power of Passion

By: D

Wed, 20 May 2009 16:21:10 +0000

Ron …

I think some of the trend towards a poor work ethic comes from societal changes, as well as other issues. It seems that younger staffers just don’t have the basis for a good work ethic. They feel entitled to the position they have, and take the flexible hours as a given rather than an option. (Living in a ‘fast-food’ society, they want everything now, with minimal effort, minimal cost and minimal waiting.)

I can’t, in good conscience, come to work late, take a 2 hour lunch meeting, spend the work day on the computer and then leave 20 minutes early (in a 9:00 – 3:30 work day) … however, it seems to be the ‘staus-quo’ for some younger staff members.

Just my thoughts, opinions and observations … (Thanks for the forum to vent!!)

d <