In church life, we have a tendency to express thanks or appreciation to many people for the various acts of service and ministry that they perform.  We recognize with appreciation, and sometimes a gift, the ministers who serve our congregations by preaching the Word or leading worship or working with our teenagers and our children.  But it seems that we do a type of second tier appreciation for part of our church staffs that may have some of the most varied and difficult tasks of all.

My reference is to Ministry Assistants.  We have given them a variety of titles over the years ranging from Receptionist to Church Secretary to Administrative Assistant with Ministry Assistant seemingly being the current title in vogue.

Regardless of title, these individuals are usually our churches’ first voice or point of contact for many who call or stop by the church office.  Ministry Assistants do the typical office responsibilities that go with answering the phone; editing and compiling newsletters; preparing weekly worship guides; ordering or shopping for supplies;

making reservations, emailing meeting reminders, printing agendas and support documents, finding a missing phone number or address for the other ministers; and other duties as may be assigned.

One of the things that have stood out to me over almost 38 years of ministry is the true ministry capability that is demonstrated day after day by Ministry Assistants.  This takes the form of patience with even the most impatient of people.  It is revealed by the ability to listen well to a person’s loneliness or hurt and offer just the right word, solution, or prayer.  It is evident in the way they minister to the rest of the staff with compassion and genuine interest.

During the month of April, someone (probably Hallmark since they produce cards for the occasion) placed Administrative Assistant’s Day on the calendar.  It really doesn’t matter how it started, because it is a good time to express genuine appreciation to the one who may be the best all-around minister on staff.  You might do that with a special gift, a luncheon, some extra time off, flowers, or something even better.

Most ministers have the opportunity to attend conferences or seminars to improve their skills in a particular area or to refresh them for the next year.  Usually the church pays for the expenses.  You might want to offer something similar for your Ministry Assistants.  It just so happens that in April, Denton Baptist Association is sponsoring a Church Communications Seminar in Denton designed specifically for Ministry Assistants.  You will find all the details for registering your Ministry Assistants in this issue of the Connections.  Don’t wait for your Ministry Assistants to ask if they can go.  Offer the opportunity to them today.

Two important concluding comments:  First, don’t skip the gift or meal because you sent them to a seminar. It is okay to do both! Second, I am privileged to work with two of the top five Ministry Assistants in all the world – Lora Thomas and Rochelle Schafer (I don’t know who the ones are who are in third, fourth, and fifth place – maybe those at your church)!