Loading...In continuation from last edition's article, "Real basics for vestries", which highlighted how the Episcopal Church Foundation is focusing on strengthening vestries and offering different strategies for congregations trying to solve familiar problems in new ways.
7 friendly tips for vestries on how they can support the person or people who help keep the day in, day out operation of the parish run smoothly, the parish administrator (PA).
- Share what's going on in the church. Make sure to tell the PA about everything that's happening in the church to make sure event scheduling mix-ups are kept to a minimum. "The PA is a traffic cop to prevent potential collisions."
- Help the PA feel connected to the spiritual side of the church. Since many administrators don't attend the church for which they work, make sure to provide the PA with updates on the vision and their role in that vision for the church.
- Establish clear reporting relationships. Chain of command. Ultimately, the rector is the PA's boss. Make sure they have worked out established priorities to guide choices and requests.
- Build time for dealing with interruptions into the workday. Understanding that the potential for interruptions during a normal workday is extremely high and often as a PA, vestry members should make their requests in a timely manner and understand when last minute requests can't always be accommodated.
- Support the PA when they need to say 'no.' The PA's job requires setting and adhering to a strict weekly schedule. Vestry requests should try to respect this schedule and vice versa.
- Provide up-to-date equipment in the office. Updating equipment saves time and stress and ultimately is worth the expense. Having to fight with old computer software or constantly jamming printer does not lead to a productive workday.
- Offer comprehensive job descriptions for all administrative positions. Clear job descriptions lets one prioritize. Occasionally comparing job descriptions with actual job assignments can help to keep communications and expectations clear.
Communication is key to any happy office relationship. Talk to your PA but also listen to them. Your parish will reap the benefits.
Read the original article here
Visit their website and find ways to strengthen your church leadership here
