5 Things That Can Get a College Minister Fired!

Some years ago I asked to meet with one of our church College Ministers.  He had only been at the church a short time and he had asked if I would provide a letter from our ministry that would allow him to play intramurals.  I had because I knew that would be an excellent way for him to connect to students.  He was an excellent athlete with an outgoing personality.  He quickly became widely known.  But, students began to come to me about his profanity in games and their concern about how it reflected on him and the church he represented.  In our meeting I told him of students voicing their concerns to me and that this would be a major concern to his church.  He thanked me and basically that was the end of our relationship on his part.

Evidently, he thought it was none of my business.  I never knew if the pastor or other leaders at the church became aware.  But, I do know that many students began to leave the church over the semester.  So, is your behavior anyone else's business?  Whether we like it or not, the real world answer is.....YES!  When we serve on a church staff or work for a state wide or local campus ministry group, our behavior is not our own.

Here are 5 Things That Can Get You Fired:

1.  Misbehavior or the appearance of misbehavior with students.
There is greater sensitivity to this right now than there has ever been...particularly in the area of male/female relationships.  Be careful to avoid even the "appearance" of misbehavior.

2.  Not keeping your supervisor in the loop about major changes or issues.
No one likes to be blindsided by an issue or problem.  Make sure that those who supervise you are aware of flying objects that might come their direction.  Although, you may have total authority to make changes within your ministry, it is always wise to keep a supervisor in the loop of what and why.  That allows them to be able to respond to concerns that might come their way.  And in the long run, this helps protect you.

3.  Breaking work rules even though they are stupid rules.
Most work places have a rule or two that is dumb or is long outdated.  But, also know that breaking it can bite you.

4.  Posting dumb stuff on social media or connecting to questionable sites.
I know this is over said again and again.  But, again and again I see ministers posting dumb stuff on social media.  Think twice and then a third time before you push that button.  Also, "liking" a certain article can show up on a feed which is connected to a site that has questionable material on it.  A pastor friend doing sermon research (honestly) had some questionable sites begin to show up on his facebook page.

5.  Breaking unwritten rules.
Some would say, "If it is not written, it is not a rule.".  I hope you know that is not true.  If there is any question in your mind about the propriety or "ok-ness" of some action, choice or behavior, ask about it.  Breaking unwritten rules can and has gotten people fired.