Developing Church Staffing and Structures
Speaker: Nate Shurden Series: The Gospel Grammar Podcast Topic: 1
In this episode, Nick Batzig and D.B. Cummings engage with Nate Shurden, senior pastor of Cornerston Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Franklin, TN. Nate has extensive leadership gifts in church staffing and structure. Nick and DB sat down with him to discuss the importance of developing a solid framework for church staffing, the necessity of having more than just elders and deacons, and the significance of regular evaluations to assess staffing needs. The conversation also touches on boundaries in hiring practices, gender roles in staffing, and the role of a personnel committee in managing staff relationships. Throughout the discussion, Nate emphasizes the need for spiritual leadership and the importance of creating a supportive environment for staff to thrive.
- Church staffing requires wisdom and structure.
- Growing churches need more infrastructure as they expand.
- Staff can free up elders and deacons to focus on their roles.
- Regular evaluation of church health helps identify staffing needs.
- Boundaries in hiring staff can prevent conflicts of interest.
- Gender roles can influence staffing decisions in the church.
- Hiring church officers for staff positions can be beneficial but requires careful navigation.
- A significant portion of the church budget should be allocated to staffing.
- Compensation for staff should reflect their responsibilities and experience.
- Navigating personal relationships in staffing requires transparency and communication.
other sermons in this series
Feb 2
2026
Christ in the Law of Moses
Speaker: Vern Poythress Scripture: Exodus 25:1–22 Series: The Gospel Grammar Podcast
Jan 18
2026
The Mission of the Church
Speaker: Kevin DeYoung Series: The Gospel Grammar Podcast
Jan 4
2026
Cessationism and the Providence of God
Speaker: Ian Hamilton Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 Series: The Gospel Grammar Podcast
