Ministry Mechanics: The Nuts & Bolts of...
A practical toolbox filled with videos, resources, and tools to equip and empower local churches for ministry in the local church.
Sponsored By:
Human Resources
Resources from the Ministry Mechanics Workshops
* Human Resources Handbook (doc) (pdf)
* Session 1 slides
* Session 2 slides
* Scenarios
Recordings will be available after the conclusion of the 2026 Ministry Mechanics events.
General Resources
General Information
* Society for Human Resources Management
* A Practical Guide for Time-Off Compliance (Church HR Network)
* What Is Employee Life Cycle Management? (Indeed)
United Methodist Specific
* Guidelines: Pastor-Parish Relations 2025-2028 ($)
* Simplified Accountability Structure Design Basics (SPRC focus)
GCFA Videos & Resources
* Human Resources Blog
* Personnel Committee Class
* Webinars
* Forms & Resources (specifically the “Tax Packet” in the Legal Services section)
Department of Labor
* Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act
* Fact Sheets
* YouthRules (Resources on Young Worker’s Rights)
Michigan Specific Resources & Laws
* Wage & Hour Division
* Earned Sick Time Act
* Youth Employment Standards Act
* FAQ’s
Michigan UMC Resources
* Human Resources
* Protection Policy & Sexual Ethics
* Guidelines for Churches Paying Employees (effective January 1, 2025)
* Sick Leave Requirements for All Michigan Employees
Volunteer Management
Working with Volunteers
* Articles from Lewis Center for Church Leadership
* Guidelines: Nominations & Leadership Development ($)
* 10 Essential Functions of an Effective Church Volunteer Program (Smart Church Management)
* Volunteer Management: The Complete Guide for Nonprofits (2026) (VolunteerHub)
Recruiting
* Four Tips for Volunteer Recruiting (Ministry Architects)
* How to recruit volunteers: When begging doesn’t work (ResourceUMC)
* 3 Questions to Ask Before You Recruit Your Next Volunteer (United Methodist Insight)
* Five Keys to Successful Volunteer Recruitment (Lewis Center for Church Leadership)
Training and Onboarding
* Better Onboarding: How to Set Volunteers Up for Success (Niche Academy)
* The New Job Descriptions Book (Discipleship Ministries, $)
* Local Church Job Descriptions (Discipleship Ministries)
* Background Checks/Protection Policy/Safe Sanctuaries
Appreciation
* 5 Ways to Show Volunteers Appreciation (ShareChurch)
* 41 Things You Can Say and Do to Actually Encourage Your Volunteers (Church Staffing)
* The Importance of Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact (Gallup)
* Why Is Recognition Important to Employees (and Your Bottom Line)? (workhuman)
Ending Well
* How to Let a Volunteer Go (Smart Church Management)
* Termination Trepidation: Disciplining & Terminating Volunteers (Nonprofit Risk Management Center)
* How to Handle Challenging Church Volunteers with Grace and Wisdom (ChurchLaw&Tax)
Attraction/Recruiting & Hiring
General Resources:
* How To Hire Employees: A Step-by-Step Guide (Indeed for Employers)
* Employer Guide (Indeed)
* Faith-Based Hiring Best Practices: A Step-by-Step Guide for Ministries (Church HR Network)
* Employee or Independent Contractor? (GCFA)
Job Descriptions
* The New Job Descriptions Book (Discipleship Ministries, $)
* Local Church Job Descriptions (Discipleship Ministries)
Recruiting
* ZipRecruiter
* Indeed
* Ministry Architects
* JustChurchJobs
Background Checks
* ICHAT (Michigan State Police)
* Some insurance companies recommend a background check company
Interviewing
* HR Interview Tips for your Ministry (GCFA)
* Best Practices (Colorado State University)
Wage & Salary Information
* Glassdoor
* 6 Tips for Establishing Church Employee Salaries (Smart Church Management, 2023)
Onboarding
Onboarding Checklist (GCFA)
Church Centric Staff Onboarding (Online Giving)
Employee Relations (Development/Retention)
Supervision
* Stepping Up to Supervision (Susan Beaumont)
Goalsetting
* Setting SMART goals with your employees (Indeed)
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
* Neurodiversity in the Workplace Guide (EARN)
* Neurodiversity in the workplace: understanding is key (Inclusive Employers)
Performance Review
* Things to Consider Before and During a Performance Conversation (GFCA)
* How To Conduct Much Better Performance Reviews (Forbes)
* Nine Best Practices for Dealing with Employee Performance Issues in Your Ministry (Church HR Network)
* Employee Evaluation Methods (ShiftFlow)
Appreciation
(This pertains to volunteers as well)
* The Importance of Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact (Gallup)
* Why Is Recognition Important to Employees (and Your Bottom Line)? (workhuman)
Separation
Offboarding
* Exit Interview Template
* Sample Offboarding Checklist
Termination
* How to Perform a Fair and Compliant Employee Termination (SHRM)
* Faith-Based Employee Termination Do’s and Don’ts for Church Leaders (Church HR Network)
If you have questions or need to talk through a specific issue or concern, please contact the Michigan Conference Director of Conference Benefits and Coordinator of Human Resources, Rev. Joel Walther.