Support staff for ministry
Colossians chapter 4 contains some awesome insight for anyone who serves in a support capacity for ministry. On our team we are blessed to have a number of gifted administrative staffers. Recently I was asked to speak at their monthly luncheon. Here are some thoughts if you are in a support role @ a church.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – Colossians 4:2-6
Verse 2 Develop a habit of praying for ministry
It’s easy to get in a rut as an administrator of ministry. So often your job requires you to fill behind the scene roles and can easily disconnect you from the people your church is reaching. As you work, consider the goal of each program you administer. As the programs and people come across your desk pray for effectiveness. As you see meetings happening pray for your leader’s to have vision and discernment. Be vigilant about hearing praise reports. Ask those you support to share the stories of life change and thank God for the people who were blessed.
Verse 5 Add stability in dynamic environments
Pastor’s, by nature, can be like herding cats. We are all over the place, driven by vision, and usually thrive on change. This can be like a wrecking ball to a church craving stability or a staff burnt out form all the changing. As someone gifted with administration you are more than likely an excellent source of input to your supervisor. While he or she may be all over the map try to bring some consistency to the team.
Verse 6 Bring water not gasoline to a fire
You are most often the first person to respond to a crisis. Whether it’s a member of your church calling in with a family crisis or a staff member with a situation requiring the pastor’s immediate attention you can be the calming and affirming voice in crisis management.
I was recently blessed to hear a number of our support staff speak up about how blessed the were to be a part of our church. Each recounted their roles, “behind the scene” in seeing life change happen. In order for churches to grow in health it takes a myriad of gifts. If you are gifted in administration then spend some time in Colossians and continue to grow as God has made you.