The paid person must be the face of the controversy

Way back in 2010 I wrote a post explaining some of the advantages a ministry receives when it is headed up by a paid employee. 

One important thing I didn’t include was PROTECTION.

Alongside identity and accountability, when navigating decisions which may stir up controversy, the leader must be prepared to provide protection.

Because, with controversy comes confusion and/or pain.

And, if you’re prepared to accept money from a church to lead a ministry then you must be prepared to own the decisions of that ministry.

Even if they aren’t popular with everyone.
Especially if they are decided in partnership with volunteers.

A true leader will be prepared to wear the fallout of a controversial decision they were a part of or they indirectly oversaw. Better yet, they will stand in the place of those who are volunteers so they don’t need to face any blame or criticism.

No matter if it is within a church or community organisation, any body which runs on a base of volunteers, these unpaid people should feel valued enough by the employee (who is in a privileged position) to be protected by them.

For, with the pay check comes the heat of any controversy. 

They should be the face.
They should make the announcement.
They should answer questions.
They should be shouted at online.
They should stare down criticism.
They should hear and acknowledge any pain.

In part, this is why they are paid.