A Practical List

by Sam Brock

Chances are that sometime in the next twelve months you will go through the process of helping a person get oriented to a new job. You do not want to forget the major fact that this new co-worker creates a need for everyone to get used to the new guy: orientation is actually for the entire team. Once you get past the basics of an individual’s orientation—here’s your desk, phone, and job description—extend your orientation to the entire team by including some of these ideas at the beginning of team meetings; the orientation will help teach the new guy and remind the veteran. Give your team a chance to contribute to the orientation.

▪ Ask the question, “Why did you join this ministry?”
▪ Review the history of your ministry’s start and how God has blessed over the years.
▪ Share the stories behind physical objects (buildings, cars, chairs, windmills) important to your ministry.
▪ Give a seasonal overview of the calendar and when the crunch times are.
▪ Mention mistakes your team has learned from.
▪ Share simple things that are easily forgotten— e.g., all people have problems and not everything can be important.
▪ Share the customs and traditions of your team.

– Breaks—how or if you take them and what you do on breaks.
– Work hours—when the work day starts and ends.
– Events—how you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or momentous occasions.
– Ministry jargon—words that only your team knows. (At Ironwood that includes SRD, 10:37, whiff its, floating holidays, ten minutes, and orange shirts—they all have a deeper meaning that you would definitely need to know if you were on staff.)

This next list was generated by a group of seasoned veterans of our ministry who wished for a more comprehensive orientation, an “orientation for dummies”—things no one told us but we wished we knew.

▪ The how and where of the thermostat.
▪ Where are all the light switches?
▪ Behind-the-scenes tour—what are all these doors?
▪ Storage spots—what is stashed where?
▪ Whom do I ask for help for different needs?
▪ Where are first aid kits?
▪ Where are restrooms on property?
▪ Staff biography pages—who are my new co-workers?
▪ Peace and quiet spots—where can I get away from the phone?
▪ What driving shortcuts and tips will help me get around town?
▪ Are there any people to beware of?
▪ What customs did the ministry quit?
▪ What is some of this ministry’s trivia?
▪ What is this ministry’s humor like?
▪ What makes my boss nervous?
▪ What are the health issues and prayer requests of my team?
▪ Stuff about the town we live in—e.g., what is the best restaurant? Where is the best place for a haircut?