Ed. note: In the church, our ultimate authority is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. With that in mind, we should do everything we can to reflect His excellence. This wonderfully encouraging and inspiring article by Gayle Hilligoss will help you do just that.
Every ministry assistant wants to excel, to be capable and competent, to be recognized as a valuable support person. Amid the many personalities involved in the life of the church, achieving the confidence to perform responsibilities with poise and good humor can be a challenge.
Though you have no control over the style or personality of the people with whom you work, you have total control over your own personal conduct. Whether working with a new minister or continuing as part of an established team, the excellent support person can rely on these techniques. As you check over the list, look for a new strategy or two to add to your ministry skills.
• Evaluate your working style.
Scrutinize and sharpen your professional image by asking yourself: am I punctual? well-prepared? organized? well-groomed? appropriately dressed? How does the office look? Do files need to be cleaned out or updated? Rather than just doing what occurs to you at the time, make a conscientious decision about how you conduct business. Create a consistent style that shows your true self. Project quality in all you do.
• Think—and behave—positively.
Look for the good in people and in situations. Be objective, realistic, and fair in assessing the work of others. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Practice good manners. A great deal of what we do is done by habit; develop the habit of operating from the bright side. Avoid annoying habits: chewing gum, eating in the office, inappropriate language. Keep personal problems to yourself.
• Stay informed.
Keep learning by taking computer, website building, and desktop publishing courses. Brush up on the basics. Read the ministry journals your pastor reads; know what is happening in your denomination. Update skills in letter writing and telephone communication. Take the initiative in seeking continuing education opportunities to enhance your professionalism. Take advantage of webinars and online resources to expand your knowledge. Explore Facebook, blogs, and Twitter; discover ways to use these avenues to broaden your communication horizons.
• Assiduously avoid listening to rumors. Someone may try to convince you the new pastor is making changes too quickly. Another may opine he is insensitive to older members. Sidestep such conversations when you can; do whatever it takes not to be drawn in. You have too many productive things to do to waste time on what is always destructive.
• Develop your people skills.
Recognize yourself as a member of the team. Make it your goal to project an authentic image of effectiveness, caring, and unity of purpose. See people as your vocation. Take your work seriously, but never yourself. A sense of humor is an invaluable asset in getting along with others.
Realize true ministry is seldom convenient; often it requires going that extra mile. Strive to be the kind of person you would choose for your position. Nothing is ever gained by being at cross purposes with others. In matters of controversy, choose to be the adult.
• Communicate your support.
Being an assistant is a noble calling. Never doubt what you do is valuable. You know you are not indispensable, but your work is important. Let your ministers know by both word and deed you are supportive of them. Show your pastor your purpose is to serve. Encourage comments and suggestions on how you can extend and expand your responsibilities. Make yourself available for new tasks. Have confidence in your ability to make a positive difference as you contribute toward ministry goals.
• Move forward.
Turn loose of the way things were. Work to adjust to the way things are now. You may find the new way is even better than the old one, once you get used to it. If not, there is still no benefit in dwelling on what is in the past.
Enthusiastically face the challenge of ever-present change by committing yourself to excellence.—
