Creating an Effective Church Office

The church administrator/secretary has not just one work relationship in the church office but many, including ministry personnel, the Official Board, committees, church groups, as well as requests from the congregation and the community. As a team member, the church administrator/secretary must be kept well informed of activities and changes in policies and procedures. Consideration must be given to the amount of work expected and the number of hours worked. A phone call can take a considerable amount of time depending on the nature and urgency of the request. Appropriate information must be gleaned and patience is required. The following need to be discussed regularly:

• amount of workload in relation to hours worked;
• reasonableness of time lines;
• attendance at Sunday worship is separate from work (work related matters should be discussed during work hours or notes left in an appropriate place to be dealt with during the week);
• work space is personal space, (not all offices, desks, files or office supplies are for general use) locked spaces may be needed for confidentiality and fiscal management and work space must reflect these needs.

Any job-related matters should be handled tactfully and with consideration, whether being brought to the church office worker's attention by a Minister, Board member, Ministry and Personnel committee member or congregational member.