What is Church Office Ministry?

As we prepare to worship on Sunday mornings, we receive a neatly printed Order of Worship - the Sunday bulletin, a product of the church office. But much more happens during the week.

Church Office Ministry includes administration, reception, providing an atmosphere of caring and trust, effective communication within the church family and with the community, and support to the congregation and the work of the church.

The day to day operation of the church office is directed by an office administrator or church secretary. This person is an integral member of the professional staff team. It is a multi-faceted position which varies from church to church. In larger congregations, the work may be divided among more than one office staff person.

The church office is usually the initial contact for all who phone or drop in. Questions range from the time of worship services to help in the midst of crises. These queries must be responded to with caring, understanding, patience and confidentiality, and where necessary directed to the appropriate source for assistance.

The church office is the core of communications. Ministry personnel and other staff, official board members and committees, their volunteers, the congregation and the community depend on accurate information through the church office. This includes answering inquiries, relaying policies and practices of the local church or the United Church of Canada, preparing announcements, newsletters, advertisements, booking space or searching for requested records.

To carry out the many diverse tasks involved, the administrator/secretary needs excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and computer skills along with traits of diplomacy, caring, understanding, confidentiality and trust. There should be knowledge of office equipment and an understanding of building maintenance. The administration/secretary must be able to work independently, assess situations and respond accordingly.

Church Office Ministry includes listening and responding to the needs of the church family, support to the pastoral team and the work of the church, administration and fiscal stewardship. How the church office functions will be determined by the Terms of Employment and the Procedures Manual which each church should establish specific to its own needs.