Ministers of Assistance
October 1, 1999
ADMINISTRATION
They are known by a variety of names: secretary, administrative assistant, receptionist, office manager. In many ways, they occupy a church's most strategic position—the first voice to answer the phone, the first smile to welcome a weekday guest. They create the first impression, and they are the glue that keeps a bustling staff connected and on task.
Yet churches and parachurch ministries are full of hard-working assistants who are often taken for granted or not used effectively.
Earlier this year, Willow Creek Community Church in suburban Chicago hosted a special workshop for ministry assistants. Following the event, LEADERSHIP associate editor Edward Gilbreath spoke to the workshop leaders about how pastors and their assistants can maximize their ministry.
Jean Blount has been executive assistant to Willow Creek senior pastor Bill Hybels for nine years.
Cathy Burnett is entering her fourth year as executive assistant to Jim Mellado, president of the Willow Creek Association (which has a membership of 4,300 churches worldwide).
Jodi Walle has been executive assistant to Willow Creek's teaching pastors John Ortberg and Lee Strobel for five years.
How do you define the role of ministry assistant?
JODI WALLE: There is no easy definition. Sometimes she handles confidential materials, sometimes she makes coffee. She answers the phone and may get one of a hundred different tragic stories on the other end of the line. She may comfort a grieving widow, consult with a possible donor, or welcome a new member. She helps prepare the annual budget, reminds you to keep receipts, and keeps everyone on time for meetings. She reminds you when it's Sweetest Day and helps wrap your spouse's birthday present. She is the only ...
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