Working in the church office

[Linnis]

Okay so it's only my second day but I'm feeling kind of down about the whole thing. Two months ago I applied to be office assistant. Didn't hear anything for 6-7 weeks, then got a call. Apprently the regular lady has gone back to school and they need help while she's out going to school.

I have to answer the phone, take messages, print,cut,fold and stuff the church bullitin they give out at service, file etc.

Most of the Pastors are really happy with me, thanking me etc but the Senior Pastor always has to make comments about how I'm not doing it like Lily. Lily is the nicest woman you'd ever meet so I have no bad feelings against her but how can I be expected to do it *exactly* like her even if she trained me?

My husband thinks it's because Lily has done this for 10+ years and he's always had things done her way so he's just not used to smeone else doing something different. It just makes me feel like I'm doing it wrong when I logically know I'm not I'm just doing it different.

Also it was supposed to be a paid position, but I've learned they arn't bringing in enough money and at the end of the year Lily won't be doing it anymore because they won't have the funds to pay her and they don't have the funds to pay me now because lack of tithes and offerings to the church.

Since my husband and I can't tithe as much as we'd like I figure this is my way of giving to the church, I can't give money but I can give time. Could that be why he's upset with me?

Or am I worrying too much?

[lindamarie]

I want to comment on this, but don't have time now. Will try to get back tomorrow!!

[ceedaisy]

I can totally understand working in the office for the good of the Church since you are not blessed with lots of money. That is what my family does also. There is more to Church than tithing. We all have our own gifts to bring into the Church family. And I commend you on recognizing this so early in your life. Personally I don't think the Senior Pastor has any problem with your tithing. And if he did, he may need to do some praying for himself. If you are giving happily, than G-d is just as happy with that. The Senior Pastor is putting Lily on a pedestal, and that is not fair at all to you. My own night manager has a problem with doing this also. I try to overlook it, but it is really, really hard to ignore. Could be his problem is that he is not good with change. Or maybe because you are younger? I do not know her age. Some people think younger people are just not as good as the older ones. I do not believe he is mad at you for any reason. And you aren't doing anything wrong really. If it were me and he said he wanted it done this other way, I would do it. And that is about all you can do. The problem lies more with him. And if it gets to much to bear, than you may want to say a little something to bring it to his attention. He may not even recognize he is doing it. It is hard for me to say, since I do not know him. But it sounds like you are doing really great, since everyone else is pleased as punch over your work! There is always one bugger in the bunch! Hang in there.

[ClementofRome]

I am a believer that the giving of time is as important as the giving of cash. Yes, the church must have money to operate, but without parishoners giving freely and lovingly of their time the church would not make it. It cannot simply pay everybody to do everything (I know there are some mega-churches that can, but I am a realist). In my little church I freely give of my time to teach adult SS 10 months out of every year. Another member cuts the grass EVERY week. Other members rotate on who will clean the church from week to week. We have a small budget but we are one of the few churches in our area that pays 100% of its apportionments. Yes, money is good.....but Linnis, your sacrifice of time is so important. Give the Sr. Pastor some time. He will lighten up.

Blessngs,
CofR

[Artos]

Sounds like your Senior Pastor is grieving over
1. loss of Lily
2. the past situation where the church had enough money to move.

He's probably under quite a bit of stress at present so dont let his words/attitude affect you...Its probably not personal.

Its so good of you to give of your time. If you can overcome the temptation of being discouraged or hurt (by the 'grief situation' ) and be a cheerful intercessor for the situation/Sr Pastor, it would really be a tremendous blessing to your church and senior pastor. Who knows, your presence in the church office might be catalytic...and God might turn the church around through your sacrifice (yes, its a sacrifice to die to self, to praise, to give despite the negative vibes) of prayerful intercession/generous self-giving ministry....
Bless you!

[tiradas]

Linnis,

I am sure that has nothing to do with the things that he says. He may not even realize that his commenting on Lily is upsetting to you. I would tell him that I am happy to be serving the Lord as secretary and that I am doing the best I can, but that his comments are hurtful to me. In addition, I would ask him if I was doing everything that is required of the position and other than not doing things like Lily did, was my work fine.

Praying for comfort for you.

[lindamarie]

Okay so it's only my second day but I'm feeling kind of down about the whole thing.

Oh, sweetie... you have stepped into one of the most challenging positions on the face of the earth... but it's one that God can and will use you in a special way...

I worked in a medium size church office for many years -- part of the time sharing a job with a woman who -- at least at the beginning -- was much more capable than I was. She was also very particular... (would "fuss" if the pencils weren't placed the "correct direction" in the desk drawer)

It could have been a nightmare, but instead I learned soooooooo much from her. (It could be that you'll learn a lot from "the way Lily did it"...)

While it seems the senior pastor is not being very supportive of you, he may actually be trying to get you to try things "another way"... if you try "Lily's way" and it doesn't work for you, tell him... but for the time being remember that you're sort of "the low man on the totem pole"... ;)

As you've sort of acknowledged, two days is not enough time to have everything figured out. In my experience it takes a LOT longer. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Try to keep cheerful and think the best of everyone. And most of all, remember that you're doing it for the Lord !!

Hang in there !!! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[tiradas]

As you've sort of acknowledged, two days is not enough time to have everything figured out. In my experience it takes a LOT longer. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Try to keep cheerful and think the best of everyone. And most of all, remember that you're doing it for the Lord !!

Hang in there !!! :hug: :hug: :hug:

I agree with this. I did read it was two days, but they when I posted it slipped my mind. You are doing a wonderful service for the church. I would pray and keep a bright outlook.

[Linnis]

I think the Senior Pastor deals more with the stress of the people of the church, who's in the hospital, who's gone into the hospital for drug addiction and I can imagine how that weighs on him.

It will take me a few weeks or even months to learn. The phone will be the hardest part I think so many buttons! Also people call asking questions and I don't know the answers so I have to ask.

I'll get the hang of it. I just am worried I will mess something up... :blush:


Also this stretches me personally because I'm not a very social person, actually I am really shy. It's different working with the kids..

Yeah it doesn't help the other lady had kids older than me, and I look 16 year olds on a good day. Hehe. I guess it's hard to take me seriously when I don't even look old enough to drive. Hehehe. :D

[lindamarie]

If someone doesn't take you seriously, you let me know !!!

:mad:

;)

[Linnis]

If someone doesn't take you seriously, you let me know !!!

:mad:

;)


Thanks, but wouldn't that make it worse. I have to stand up for myself.

[lindamarie]

Thanks, but wouldn't that make it worse. I have to stand up for myself.

You're a wise woman!!! (in more ways than one)...

You're in my prayers, hon !!!

[ceedaisy]

I totally forgot, about it only being a couple of days! Shoot, thats a drop in the bucket. You will master it in no time. And I totally relate about phone calls and having to ask questions. I hate that myself. But it will take just a little bit and you will be a pro!! Everyone has told you great things!! Keep up the good work and you will come out shining!

[Ric]

Me thinks your pastor is really set in his ways! ^_^ :doh:

The only advice I can give you is to have a talk with your pastor, because after being married as many years I have been married I know for a fact the perceptions differ between two people in the same way opinions differ. ;) :)