In a staff development session some months ago one of the Managing Directors spent some time lecturing the staff concerning core values. It sparked a few thoughts in me, actually, it also resolved some of the underlying reasons I was getting rather edgy with work in that it helped me recognise that my core values were being pressured by the values of my employer.
Now, I realise that I am bound to start wading out into some deep and choppy water by pushing this boat out particularly as I know a lot of my readers are either unfamiliar with the work life in this kind of (Christian) environment in general or are involved with different, expressions of Christian faith. So, forgive me if I appear to be treading carefully… It’s because I am!
Here’s the crux of the matter…
I have set myself some fairly rigid boundaries of late and one of these is only working the hours I get paid for.
My reasons for taking the hard line have a lot to do with spending no small number of years without boundaries around my private life at all and suffering some fairly hefty consequences. Sadly, a lot of these boundaries were trampled on in relation to my work.
Yep, in relation to my work for a Christian organisation…
Taking this stance has come into conflict with this organisation’s core values of being a servant, of excellence and of teamsmanship.
So I find myself having a s**t of a day today all because of one email outlining my role in the Next Big Thing. A Big Thing put on for a particular section of our fellowship which Does Not include me in any sense and in a role that requires my attendance from 5pm – 9pm Friday and All Day Saturday.
Now, I know that I won’t have to work on Monday by way of a day in lieu and I know that there are other members of the crew who are happy to do whatever is required to be of assistance, (which brings me into conflict not only with the team leaders but other members of the team).
And yet… it makes me wonder where Jesus stands on issues such as these while He is watching us do the Big Things. It makes me wonder whether “Losing your life for me” means a commitment to be available all hours in the name of putting on a Great Event (among the other sacrifices that are expected in working for ‘the Lord’).
Now, don’t get me wrong… I believe in the message of the Gospel. I believe in it enough to want to take it to my unchurched friends. I believe in it enough to be working for an organisation whose primary goal is preaching that message. But on days like today I seriously have to question whether ‘losing one’s life for gospel to save it’ means that we should be spending a weekend making sure the fee paying delegates are having a good time or whether we should instead be extending a hand to our neighbours in more practical, meaningful ways.
Damn, that’s a rough position to be in. I wish I had some clear advise or something, but unfortunately, the mind blanks.
All I can say, I’m here for you and feel free to complain or vent as much as you want to!
Also, I am a little surprised that there seems to be just as much office politics in a faith based organisation as there is in a corporate environment. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised! But now that I think about it (and read between the lines a bit), I think it’s probably even worse! What makes me really sick to my stomach is imagining how some people in a faith based organisation will actually behave more rotten and then pretend that it’s okay because it’s “for God.”
At least in some corporate environments people aren’t quite as hypocritical about it! (Only some people, though.)
But yes, I realise that not all faith based organisations are like that.
I can’t wait to chat with you again! Hang in there, okay? And I’m extending a virtual hug to you!
Like redsaid, I’d always viewed working for faith-based organisations through rose-coloured glasses. I suppose I should’ve known better as well.
God bless; you are in my prayers,
Ian.
what Jan said! I think you can definitely guess my opinion on the matter :), I’ve spouted off enough over the years – but that doesn’t make it any easier when you’re actually having to deal with the work situation! I guess in the end though, you’re work for God, through the church … but it’s YOU working and therefore the decision as to how you do that (after due time paying attention should God be tapping you on the shoulder and making a definite ‘suggestion’) should be YOURS. Maybe this time you won’t be able to set a few boundaries … but in the interests of professional courtesy and respect for your position as a worker and a person, perhaps asap AFTER the event you might want to outline your concerns on the matter and present them to a few appropriate personnel? If nothing eventuates in terms of a change in policy at least you will be making your opinions and thoughts heard well in advance of the next EVENT.
My sympathies entirely. I undersatnd where you are coming from as I have worked in both paid and voluntary work for a particular Christian organisation in Sydney for many years. The ethos you outline seems to me to be a commonn idea in such organisations.
The problem with time off in lieu is that if you are having Monday off, then those whom you would normally be involved with at the weekend, are at work on Monday.
However, to me the ideas behind their thinking are worse than that. Most Christian organisations are already paying at the very low end of the possible scale, so already are taking advantage of you that way. Thy expect out side hours of work and all to be performed with a cheerful spirit of self sacrifice. Often their people skills are sadly lacking too and relationships inside the office may well be as unpleasant as in any other office.
Unfortunately, little seems to be done about this as it is hard for the top brass to recognise there is a problem. Perhaps a quiet talk, well prepared on your part with the boss when you are not under pressure might help.Unfortunately, you are not alone in this and I don’t believe that such offices treat their staff as they should. again my sympathies and understanding in this. To presume on our Christian outlook is not actually Christian.
Jan