In The Way of the Shepherd, Dr. Kevin Leman and Bill Pentak highlight profound lessons on leadership drawn from the practices of shepherding. These lessons resonate deeply with the role of a church facility manager. One particular insight that stands out is this: “The rod and the staff are tools of the shepherd. They represent both protection and guidance, used for the benefit of the sheep.”
As leaders entrusted with the stewardship of God’s house, facility managers often find themselves needing to discern when to use the “staff” to gently guide and when to apply the “rod” to enforce boundaries as they steward their people. Knowing which tool to use—and when—is essential to fostering a culture of stewardship that glorifies God.
The “Staff” in Facility Management: Guiding with Grace
The staff, as described in The Way of the Shepherd, is a tool of care and support. It’s used to guide the sheep gently, keeping them on course. Similarly, in facility management, the “staff” symbolizes nurturing and proactive leadership.
1. Guiding Volunteers and Teams
“A shepherd always leads his sheep; he never drives them.” This principle from the book reminds us that leadership is about influence, not control. When working with volunteers or staff, the “staff” approach focuses on equipping and encouraging them. Whether it’s training volunteers on facility use or empowering staff to take ownership of their roles, guiding with grace cultivates loyalty and commitment.
2. Proactive Facility Care
Shepherds don’t wait for trouble to strike; they anticipate it. In facility management, this translates into regular maintenance and proactive care. By scheduling routine inspections, cleaning, and repairs, you prevent small issues from becoming major problems. This gentle guidance of resources ensures longevity and stewardship.
3. Fostering Collaboration
As shepherds, we must recognize that the flock thrives in unity. When resolving facility challenges—such as deciding on renovations or addressing space constraints—a “staff” approach invites collaboration. Engaging your team and congregation in the process fosters shared responsibility and builds a culture of care.
The “Rod” in Facility Management: Protecting with Authority
The rod is a symbol of authority and protection. In shepherding, it’s used to ward off threats and enforce boundaries. In facility management, the “rod” approach ensures accountability, safety, and order.
1. Enforcing Policies
The rod isn’t about punishment; it’s about consistency. When setting policies for facility use, the rod ensures everyone understands the boundaries. Whether it’s enforcing cleaning requirements after events or adhering to room usage guidelines, these boundaries protect the facility from misuse.
2. Addressing Neglect
“The sheep depend on the shepherd to protect them—even from themselves.” Misuse or neglect of church facilities can undermine their purpose. Addressing these issues requires courage and a willingness to have difficult conversations, but doing so safeguards the integrity of the space.
3. Budget Stewardship
As shepherds of God’s resources, financial accountability is non-negotiable. If a department or ministry exceeds its facility budget, the “rod” approach may involve implementing stricter controls or requiring additional approvals to prevent overspending.
4. Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Shepherds are vigilant in protecting their flock from danger. In facility management, this means enforcing safety measures, such as fire codes and building inspections, even when it’s inconvenient. Protecting the church’s most valuable asset—its people—is a sacred responsibility.
5. Balancing the Staff and the Rod
One of the most profound lessons from The Way of the Shepherd is this: “The goal is not to drive the sheep but to lead them.” Effective facility management requires a balance between guiding with the staff and protecting with the rod.
Here are some tips for maintaining this balance:
- Pray for Wisdom: Decisions about when to guide and when to correct should always be grounded in prayer.
- Communicate with Clarity: Whether using the staff or the rod, clear communication ensures everyone understands expectations and boundaries.
- Lead with Love: The rod and the staff are not tools of control but expressions of care. Every action should reflect Christ’s love and servant leadership.
- Evaluate Regularly: Just as a shepherd keeps an eye on the flock, facility managers must assess their strategies. Are policies effective? Are the facilities being cared for? Adjust your approach as needed.
Conclusion
Stewarding church facilities is both a privilege and a responsibility. Like a shepherd with a staff and rod, the facility manager must discern when to guide gently and when to protect firmly. Both approaches are necessary for maintaining the health of the church’s physical and spiritual environment.
Remember this truth: “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). When wielded in love, these tools not only preserve the church’s facilities but also foster a culture of stewardship that honors the One who entrusted them to us.
