One of my current guilty pleasures is watching the TV show “Bar Rescue” on the Paramount Network, hosted by the explosive Jon Tapper. He goes into a dysfunctional bar and whips it into shape. I’ve seen enough episodes to understand the commonalities amongst these struggling establishments. There are always two core problems in every underperforming bar. Unengaged employers and unrestrained employees.
BAR RESCUE: UNENGAGED EMPLOYERS
Unengaged employers are owners who are too hands off. They aren’t invested in what’s going on under their noses. They own the business and might even have the title of manager but are far from actually managing the bar. They either never show up on site, or if they are on site, they’re only present physically. They aren’t there mentally or emotionally for the staff.
BAR RESCUE: UNRESTRAINED EMPLOYEES
The first core problem of disengaged bosses results in the second core problem of unrestrained employees. Because the leaders aren’t leading, the staff isn’t following. They are running wild. They drink shots on company time and dime. They verbally and physically assault the patrons and other staff members. It can be really messy and entertaining.
After binge watching too many episodes I’ve wondered what a Christian version of the show would look like? Instead of “Bar Rescue”, “Church Rescue.” Where a seasoned church consultant like Tony Morgan, Rich Birch or Jim Tomberlin brings some order out of chaos. Would there be common themes you see in those episodes? From the leadership perspective, would there be a similar type of dysfunction across churches? And would that dysfunction manifest itself in a consistent way across the staff?
My theory is that “Church Rescue” would be the opposite of “Bar Rescue”. Instead of unengaged bosses there would be overly-invested bosses. Instead of unrestrained staff you would have restrained staff. Staff who were throttled back.
CHURCH RESCUE: OVERLY INVESTED BOSSES
I think you would see overly-invested lead pastors, executive pastors (myself included) and executive teams because it can be tempting for the work to become all-consuming. As a leader on staff it is your source of income, spiritual home and social circle. This can blur the lines of your core identity. Instead of primarily being a son or daughter adopted into the family of God, you primarily became your job title. Which puts you in an overly-invested position demanding more of yourself and those you lead.
CHURCH RESCUE: RESTRAINED STAFF
Overly invested bosses can tend to micromanage, which creates restrained staff. Instead of a staff that is running wild like in the television show, they end up not running enough. They can feel and sense the overshadowing presence of their leadership looking over their shoulder which will cause them to second guess themselves.
CHURCH RESCUE: SOLUTION
The solution Jon applies in most of the shows is a good measure of bad cop followed by a small dose of good cop. He lines up the staff to yell at them for a while. Someone usually starts to cry. And then he gives a generic pep talk about teamwork or believing in yourself. So what would the solution be in our spinoff version of the show? What would the church consultant say to an overly invested boss? I’m not sure of that answer. But I know what I’ve needed to tell myself at the beginning of every work week for over five years. You are a child of the great King. Now in light of that do your best to lead his other children well.
CHURCH RESCUE: CONCLUSION
But what do you think? If there was a “Church Rescue” show would there be a common leadership misstep repeatedly seen? And if so, how would it manifest itself in the staff? I would love to hear your hot take. Not to throw rocks or cast shame. But to better help us understand similar problems most of us face. And then after better understanding gaps in our leadership or responses as staff, apply the needed corrective measures. You may contact me at benstapley@gmail.com.
Until then I’m working on my treatment for HBO. Some say it’s a niche audience, but I don’t believe them. I’ll let you know when it gets picked up 🙂
About the author
Ben Stapley is a conference speaker, university professor and church consultant. He currently serves as the Executive Pastor at The Life Christian Church, leading staff and volunteers to execute the vision and mission of the church. TLCC is located in West Orange, New Jersey and is known for its vibrant diversity.