Image: Bill Longshaw / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
We base hiring decisions for the CentriKid office and CentriKid summer staff on three qualities….character, chemistry, and competence … in that order. We get this emphasis from reading Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels.
- It all begins with character, and this is non-negotiable. We seek out staff who demonstrate Christ-like character and a calling to ministry. Our ministry is focused on making the message of Christ clear for kids at camp so we must have staff who are pursuing Christ.
- Team chemistry is not an easy thing to predict, but the type of person we hire has to be one that we believe will fit the CentriKid culture. The nature of serving at camp is in a team setting where everybody pitches in to help get the work done behind the scenes. Even with kids, it is a team approach to connecting with them through the week, helping answer questions, explaining spiritual truths, and modeling the gospel in our lives.
- Competence comes 3rd on the list, although it is very important, we make the distinction that it isn’t the MOST important thing about a staffer. We don’t just hire a person because they are good at something… their character and chemistry to match up first.
The proof is in the results. We love that we have the opportunity to celebrate almost a thousand kids who came to know Christ for the first time at CentriKid in the summer of 2012! This is a God-sized number of lives impacted by the staff who serve at camp. I’m so thankful that they are willing to serve the Lord and share the gospel at camp.