A Peek into Ministry Adventures

 

I get a variety of questions about what my job looks like…what exactly it is that I do! One of these days I’ll put together a day-in-the-life post, but in truth, none of my days look the same. So for now, I thought I’d give you a peek into some of the things that I do often – or that take up the bulk of my hours each week.

                Let’s talk about office work, shall we?

My job has a lot of different pieces and parts to it, so I do not spend 8-5 in an office. Sometimes I work from home, particularly if I’ve been gone (or will be gone) a lot, so I can spend some time with Lexi and throw in a load of laundry while I work. If I’m studying or doing computer work, I can do it from anywhere, so sometimes I’ll work from my home office.

                Sometimes I work from my church office, which is currently a folding table in a Sunday School classroom – and I share it with Jonathan and Julie, too. This is my temporary desk. I work at the church especially on days I have meetings and/or need to do projects.

                When our construction project is complete, I’ll have a permanent and private office at the church, and I’m excited to decorate it! (I’ll show you how it turns out when I have it put together. Once that is completed, I will probably figure out a better rotation of working from the church vs. at home.

                But honestly, a lot of the work I do isn’t office work at all. I spend a fair amount of time in meetings or visiting people – and this takes me out and about!

                Speaking of meetings…

                I have a lot of those. There are regular staff meetings, but there are also one-on-one meetings with people in the church about all kinds of things!

                I also attend some committee meetings, and I teach a Bible study. (Early on, Ryan and I also helped with kid ministry every Wednesday, but we’ve stepped back from that to make room for some of my other responsibilities.)

                Ryan and I have been participating in GriefShare this spring, as well – both so we can learn the program and so we can hep facilitate as needed.

                Sometimes I work on the road…

                One of my roles involves visiting people who are home-bound/in the nursing home and also praying with people before surgeries. I’ve traveled to hospitals locally – and as far away as Cleveland.

                I also go to funerals and visitations (as often as possible) when people in our congregation suffer a loss. I’m learning the funeral directors by name!

                I also help with church events…

                I’m thankful that Ryan comes to as many of these with me as he can! We try to go to events within the church to support the youth group and children’s ministries.

                We also help with events in the church, whenever we can. Recently I helped take pictures at our intergenerational Bible Bingo day – and I helped the staff and deacons host a welcome lunch for new attenders.

                I love it when I have the opportunity to teach…

                In addition to teaching Bible study, I’ve been teaching an elective Sunday School class and last week I shared the message at church, too. These are not regular parts of my job, but I do help as needed!

                If I don’t have another role within the church service, I sometimes help with prayer requests or announcements.

                Teaching requires studying and prep work…

                I spend a LOT of hours each week in preparation, if I’m teaching. I put together the curriculum for our Sunday School class and am currently spending time preparing the things I’m doing for our upcoming Easter services. Lots of research and prayer and writing goes into these pieces of the work. I also read a lot of books to try to learn important skills for my work.

                I adore working on projects…

                A few weeks ago, I showed you the prayer Bibles I made for our deacons, and I’ve had a lot of fun creating other resources for our church as well. I’ve made manuals, created welcome resources for visitors, and more! I have fun making and assembling them.

                This one is a work in progress…

                One of my roles involves helping visitors get plugged in to our ministries. I’m still learning the best way to do this, and I’m sure I will have to try several options before I find what works best, but I’m working hard on it.

                I also spend time at church each week, meeting and greeting visitors and regular attenders alike. I spend time in our fellowship time each week, trying to chat with people to see how their weeks have gone, and I spend as much time as I can before and after church talking with people.

                I’m working hard to connect with all ages…

                My role isn’t just about the older people, though I love them and am grateful to spend time talking to and learning from them! I’m intent on connecting with kids, young adults, people my own age…all the way up!

                I write notes (cards, emails, texts) to people in the church to check on them, to thank them for the ways they serve, and to observe milestones. And I go visit new babies. :) 

                And I pray…

                I pray over every chair in the sanctuary before I speak, and I pray with and for people every chance I get. It’s a privilege!

                I’m sure I’ve managed to leave out something important, but I hope this gives you a glimpse into the work I am thankful to do each week!