They don't understand that to work two or three seperate positions only hurts our ability to maintain vigilance for our primary task, which is the safety team. They don't live in our world. At a minimum they don't view the world in the same way we do. Is this bad? Not at all. It's just different wiring. They have a ministry role to fill and so do we.
Respectfully decline their requests. Help them understand your position. Inform them what it is that you do and look for while serving as a Safety Team member. More often than not, the pastor simply doesn't know everything that you are responsible for. This can be a real eye opener for them.
Look for ways to include your pastor/s in your information exchanges and your training sessions. This is key. If you want them to be simpathetic to your "cause" then you have to help them understand your ministry objectives. They need to see how professional and proactive you are. Get them involved and show them.
I encourage you to write bi-weekly or monthly safety reports for your leadership. This will keep them informed and in the loop. They will truly appreciate your efforts to keep them in touch with every aspect of their congregation. This can go a long way towards having a quality, on going relationship with the decision makers at your church or faith based organization.
Stay Vigilant!
