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!
