Below are some questions that you may have and answers:
Why are you making these changes to MCC’s staffing?
Changes to the staffing structure are necessary for financial sustainability according to MCC's income, and to meet the needs of MCC globally in a rapidly changing world.
Why have you chosen 60% of total income as the staffing budget?
According to Susan Beaumont, church staffing consultant, the average mainline Protestant church spends 50% of its operating budget on payroll related expenses. In her practice [with large--mostly progressive] congregations, the number more typically approaches 60%. Maintaining our staffing at this level means that MCC is able to keep enough staff to do the work that will best support our local congregations and leaders.
Since General Conference, giving to MCC has started to increase. If our income continues to grow and staffing costs do not increase, then the percent of the budget for staffing costs will lessen as part of the overall budget. This also means that there will be more budget available for programming and supporting local churches.
What is our current staffing budget as a percent of income?
It is 79%, which is unsustainable.
What will happen to the current staff?
Wherever possible, we want to keep our current staff. They are committed, hardworking, and very knowledgeable. Some positions will be terminated, other positions will be merged. It is not possible to keep everyone. Staff members may also choose not to accept a position that is offered. MCC will do all we can to assist each staff person leaving to the best of our ability. We have arranged for a pastoral support person to be available to our staff if requested. Trinet, our US based payroll provider, will also provide assistance.
When will the changes take place?
The Moderator and a member of the Governing Board will meet with each staff person individually to discuss their position in early October. Where possible, new staff positions will start on 1 November 2019. Where a position is being terminated, or a staff person does not accept the position that they are being offered, we will work with the individual to determine a leaving date for employment and the transition of responsibilities.
Who decides which staff will be offered a position?
The Moderator is Chief of Staff and ultimately makes the decisions about staffing. She held meetings with every member of staff individually when she first came into post and every person also completed a form, outlining the duties of their current roles, their particular passions in ministry, and the areas of work that they found least fulfilling. The Moderator and a small team from the Governing Board have used this information to guide them in deciding which staff would be suited to the new structure.
Will this mean that that there will be less support offered to local churches and church leaders?
In the short term, as the changes take effect and staff settle into their roles, there may be a slower response to requests for support and MCC staff may not be able to fulfill every request. In the longer term, the reduction in the staffing budget will mean more budget for programming, which will increase the support offered to local churches. We will actively look for ways to work in partnership with network leaders and local churches to share resources and expertise.
Should I still contact the staff person that I am currently working with?
Yes, absolutely. If there is going to be a change, we will let you know.
How will I know who to contact in the future?
Once we have filled the majority of the staff positions, we will inform everyone via email. Information will also be posted on the MCC website.
Questions?