It’s a familiar story: a dedicated church staff member takes on more responsibilities until they can hardly enjoy Sunday morning because they’re exhausted from the week’s preparations. From social media and video production to event promotion and web design, there's a lot to manage. Many churches face a common question: should we bring on more in-house staff, or would working with an agency provide the support we need?
While hiring additional staff can help, pairing your team with an agency’s expertise can be a cost-effective and scalable solution.
1. Scalable Expertise
In-house church teams often juggle multiple priorities. An agency partnership can fill in the gaps, ensuring that both urgent needs and regular tasks get done every week, reducing stress and improving quality and consistency.
“Isn’t it more efficient to have the whole team on-site?”
While having an in-house team is convenient, it can be hard to scale effectively, especially during busy seasons. With an agency, you have access to a team that adapts to your church’s current needs and can expand when your workload increases.
2. Focused Efficiency
Agencies are designed to deliver results. They focus on top-quality communications products without the interruptions that can come with a daily office setting.
“But isn’t an in-house team faster?”
In-house staff often deal with meetings and day-to-day distractions that can slow down progress. With a reliable agency on board, you’ll likely see more consistent turnaround times.
3. Extra Hands for Every Season
Busy ministry periods, like the fall push or Christmas, can strain any team. This is where an agency can step in with additional hands, so you don’t have to ask an already-stretched staff member to work even more hours.
“An in-house team is more available.”
True, but in-house staff can be affected by PTO, sick days, and life events. Agencies can provide consistent support during those times, making it easier for your team to take time when needed without disrupting church communications.
4. Mission-Focused Partnership
Finding an agency that aligns with your church’s mission may seem daunting, but some agencies do focus on serving churches with a shared vision.
“An in-house team knows our church best.”
While true, finding local, like-minded candidates who are skilled, know your church well, and are looking to stay long-term can be challenging. A mission-aligned agency can bring outside experience while still supporting your church’s unique needs.
5. All-In but Not Overworked
An agency partner can commit fully to your mission and apply a consistent communication strategy, without the risk of burnout that can impact in-house teams.
“An in-house team is more ‘bought in.’”
While dedication is vital, church staff also need time to be part of the congregation and enjoy services. An agency can help balance the workload, letting your team engage with the church community without getting overwhelmed.
6. Specialized Skills for Church Needs
Hiring a full roster of skilled in-house communications specialists is what agencies are designed to do. They often have career paths that attract talented creatives, which can be difficult for churches to match.
“If I build a full team, I won’t need an agency.”
Building a complete in-house team takes time and resources, and turnover is often a reality. An agency provides a stable option, reducing the time spent on recruiting and onboarding.
The Cost Comparison
| Expense | Full-Time Employee | Agency Retainer |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $50,000 | $60,000 |
| Insurance Benefits | $10,000 | $0 |
| Bonus + 401k Matching | $2,500 | $0 |
| Payroll Taxes | $4,000 | $0 |
| Turnover Costs* | $10,000 | $0 |
| Annual Cost | $76,500 | $60,000 |
*Turnover costs vary by position: entry-level turnover costs about 16-20% of salary, mid-level 50-100%, and executive up to 400%.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Church
Combining an internal team with agency support can offer the right balance, allowing your staff to focus on what they do best and giving them the help they need to avoid burnout. This setup can make your church’s communication strategy stronger, more consistent, and more affordable.
Whether your goal is to reduce stress, enhance creativity, or achieve more consistent communication, finding the right combination of in-house and agency support can help your church thrive.
