Pastor’s Life: Behind the Curtain - pt. 3 (Administration)

I wish I could write next about something a little more exciting, but administration is a huge part of a pastor’s life. And it’s the one that no one tells – or teaches – you about in seminary. That’s why it tends to overwhelm younger pastors, especially those who go straight through school without having worked elsewhere before becoming a pastor.

It’s important to understand that under UM polity, clergy and laity have equal voice in the leadership of the church. That may seem obvious to us – especially if you’ve been part of the Methodist tradition for most or all of your life – but in many faith traditions, laity have little say in the governance of the church, and clergy “run the show” (so to speak). While there are a few areas in which a UM pastor has final say (e.g., worship, nominations), for the most part, clergy and laity lead together. However, UM churches are set up under a representational model; we are not “congregational.” In other words, the congregation elects its leaders to make decisions on their behalf. Decisions do not come before the entire membership of the congregation.

All of that said, someone has to take care of the day-to-day running of the church. That’s usually the pastor. Methodists (and most denominations) have a lot of processes and paperwork, and the pastor and staff manage all that. We deal with the financial matters – as decided by the Finance Committee and other committees that have input on the church’s money; and we serve as the interface between the congregation and the Conference, the community, and other entities with which the church does business (e.g., the utility companies, our vendors, the fire marshal, and so many others).

Pastors also serve a “chief of staff” function, supervising any additional staff that may be employed by the church. We not only make certain that they’re doing their jobs, but that they have what they need to do them.

In the UM world, there are two “orders” (or categories) of ordained clergy: elders and deacons. Pastors Teri and Colin are both Elders, ordained to Word, Service, Sacrament, and Order. Most of High Street’s appointed pastors and associate pastors have been Elders or provisional Elders (clergy on the path toward ordination). Those who remember Pastor Chiyona may recall that she was a Deacon, ordained to Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Deacons serve as the bridge between the church and the world, and often serve in appointments outside the church.

Why is this relevant or important? Because it is part of an Elder’s call and ordination vows to “order” the church – and a big part of “order” is administration. Each of us has greater gifts (and areas of growth) in the various parts of our call and responsibilities. Self-awareness of our strengths and weaknesses is important for everyone. I’ve mentioned before that I have gifts in administration (and “order”), and it was one of the reasons I was appointed to High Street. Trust me when I tell you that I’m quite aware of my weaker areas as well. The key is to surround oneself as much as possible with others who can fill in the gaps. We’ve had some associate pastors, staff, and wonderful laity who are strong where I am not. And I’m grateful for that.

I’m also humbled and grateful to be able to apply my gifts in administration here at High Street, in ways that were greatly needed when I first arrived, and continue to be put to good use here. Administration has never been considered a particularly glamorous or exciting part of ministry, but it’s definitely vital to the well-being of any healthy congregation.