Mattropolis
Posts: 1
Joined: 8/4/2009
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I accepted a part time position as a multi-denomination community youth group director for a small town, mainline community. Instead of doing multiple small youth groups, the majority of the churches in the community pile all their resources and students into one group. Sweet! However, I've come into a road block.
Now that I'm gearing up for the 2nd year, I'm looking at things that need to change. Or maybe I think they NEED to change. With my unusual set up of many denominations comes working with a board made up of members from each church. When I took the job they described an advisory board, which isn't the case at all. The board itself is very confused, and they have admitted this, between being a supervisory or an advisory board. They are more supervisory with advisory moments (which I covet).
To make it tougher, 3/4 of the board are either volunteers or closely related to volunteers. This has made my job super tough and frustrating! When we don't see eye to eye, instead of talking to me, the volunteer/board members go behind my back and bring things to the board meeting (and to my review meetings.) I have events that I haven't planned going on. I have goals that aren't my goals. The past year we had 3 visions going on at once...my volunteers as a whole, the board, and my own. I have held meetings, comminucated with individuals, listened to suggestions, called people on the carpet, and I'm still back at square one. There's so much potential for a great ministry, but its really bogged down with inner conflict. A couple board members are totally on the same page with me and they are a great help. The majority..are my volunteers that don't want change and REALLY struggle with releasing control. Lucky for me they have a say on my job and pay raises!
My wife and I are at the point where we are giving it one year to see how things go. I have some amazing students, an extremely supportive community, and parents that care. I don't struggle with getting resources. If we have a need, the community gives it. It's amazing. However, the leadership issue has left me drained. I'm trying to get the board to re-do it's by-laws, which consists of 4 sentences, and go for a little more structured set up. I hate politics, but this is so open and general that anything goes. There are no terms for the board. No requirements to be on the board other than a pulse.
Am I out of my mind in wanting to revamp the by-laws for structure? Is it unwise to have my volunteers over me and deciding the fate of my job and raises? I get paid for 20 hours for working with 50 students weekly. I am trying to build up a group while trying to stick to 20 hours. The board won't give me more hours. I'm searching for prospective. Any suggestions?
Much Appreciated,
Matt
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