“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV).
Working in the church seems like the ideal job, but what people outside the Christian church do not know—and sometimes those within the church forget—is that we are all simultaneously saints and sinners. At times the frustrations and worries of congregational members, combined with those same feelings of the office personnel, make the job seem less than wonderful. At those times, we may all question our ‘call’ to work for God’s church.
Church and School Secretaries, Administrative Assistants, and Business Managers are invited to the 2017 Office Personnel Conference taking place April 23-25, 2017 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Mich.
This conference is targeted for all non-called office personnel in the Lutheran schools and churches of the Michigan District. It is the only conference I know that strives to equip, educate, and encourage this select group of people in a way that helps them to grow in their love for Jesus Christ and appreciation of their brothers and sisters in the faith. This conference is so much more than just a few days away from the office. It is a chance to network, bring great ideas back to your church and school, connect with the Lord, and renew your passion for this profession.
The conference will Equip, Educate and Encourage participants to:
- Learn an implementable skill;
- Develop your own vision; and
- Feel uplifted, encouraged, and connected.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Pamela Smith, who oversees Equipping Ministries. She is a former grants manager, church administrator, and Christian education director. Other keynote speakers, Julie and Katie Black, are the wife and daughter of an LCMS pastor. Katie was an elementary teacher for 11 years.
Breakout sessions planned include:
- Principal and Secretary Relations;
- Clearing Out Your Mind Weeds;
- Social Media/Facebook;
- Risk Management;
- Healthy Bodies Pilates;
- Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries; and
- Financial Resources.
The speakers will help office personnel discover and live the unique vision God has for them, and inspire and encourage them to continue with enthusiasm the call God has placed on their lives.
If you are a church or school secretary, administrative assistant, or a business manager, please consider joining us as we delve into theme of working heartily for the Lord. If you are not, please encourage those in your church and school offices to attend.
The conference begins on Sunday, April 23 at 6 p.m. and runs until Tuesday, April 25 at noon. Registration is open at michigandistrict.org/opc17.
We thank God for the Michigan District, LCMS; Church Extension Fund; Thrivent Financial; Wellspring Lutheran Services; and Lutheran Benefits Group, as they generously offer this time of refreshment for the church’s office personnel.
