Hey — and welcome to our staff team at Glow Church.
Whether this is your first role in a church-based setting or you’re simply stepping into a new season with us here at Glow Church UK, we want to start by saying: We’re genuinely so glad you’re here.
This short episode is all about giving you a practical overview of the onboarding process — what needs to happen in your first few days and weeks, what to expect from HR, and how we get everything set up properly from day one.
So grab a cuppa, listen in, and let’s walk through it together.
The Practical Bits — What HR Will Guide You Through
Starting a new role always involves a bit of paperwork, and working in a church context is no different. Here’s what you’ll be taken through by our HR and operations team as part of your onboarding:
1. Your Contract
This outlines your hours, pay, role description, and the basics of your working agreement with Glow. It’s formal, but it’s there to protect both you and the organisation.
2. The Staff Handbook
This document covers everything from timekeeping and absences to expenses, safeguarding, conduct, and more. It’s our operational guide — and while we’ll likely update and improve it over time, it’s your foundation for how we operate as a staff team.
3. Confidentiality Agreement
As a church, we often deal with sensitive information. This agreement ensures we’re all committed to protecting people’s privacy and the integrity of what’s shared with us — whether it’s pastoral, financial, or organisational.
4. New Starter Forms
You’ll complete a New Starter Personal Details form, an HMRC Starter Checklist, and in most cases, a DBS check (depending on your role and access to vulnerable groups). This helps us pay you properly and stay legally compliant.
5. Evacuation & Site Procedures
You’ll be walked through our fire safety, evacuation, and emergency protocols, and introduced to key contacts across the building. We take this seriously — because safety matters, and clarity saves lives.
6. BrightHR Introduction
You’ll be given access to BrightHR, our online staff portal. Here, you’ll find your employment documents, log sickness or holiday requests, and see your entitlements. It’s your self-serve hub — and we encourage you to use it well.
If at any point you’re unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck — just speak up. Our team is brilliant, and they’ll walk with you every step of the way.
Now — all of this might sound pretty “admin-heavy”, and in some ways, it is. But it’s also about stewardship.
We want to make sure that from your very first week, you’re clear, covered, and confident.
You’re not just joining an organisation — you’re stepping into a spiritual family.
And like any family, we want to build trust early, communicate expectations clearly, and give you what you need to flourish in your role.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve completed the initial onboarding with our HR team, we’d love you to listen to the rest of this short podcast series.
It’s a deeper dive into the culture, calling, and contribution we expect from every team member on staff at Glow — from our pastoral leaders to creative staff, ops coordinators, and ministry assistants.
We’ll talk about:
Why we believe working in ministry is different from working for any other employer
How staff carry and protect culture (not just do tasks)
What it looks like to lead with consistency and humility
Why things like Sunday presence, financial giving, and participation in the Big 7 matter — even if they fall outside your contracted hours
Because in this house, we don’t just clock in.
We carry weight.
We serve with joy.
And we lead by example — in the office, in the lobby, and in the unseen.
So that’s your onboarding overview.
Once you’ve met with the HR team, completed your paperwork, and had your key introductions, jump straight into Episode 1: More Than a Job — A Calling.
Because you’re not just here to get stuff done.
You’re here to help build what God’s doing — with skill, yes, but also with spirit.
Welcome again — and let’s get started.
