A Good Church Secretary

No one likes to be taken for granted. Yet, how easy it is for us often to take so many people for granted. They are simply always there; with us and for us in vital ways. We rely on their goodwill and loyalty. They’re present when we and others need them and their services. Parish secretaries are some of the people taken for granted; even for many years.

In my years as a pastor, the parish and I were blessed with outstanding secretaries. Recently, I read a great tribute to them. The author was not named. I take the liberty to share this tribute with you. The author writes in the style of the author of the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs is one of the Seven Wisdom books of the Old Testament. The first line reveals Proverb’s author, "The parables of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel". Proverbs ends with 'Praise of a Wise Woman' (31, 10-31). That’s the model the author used for this tribute to secretaries:

"A good church secretary, who can find? She is of far more value than the salary she receives.

The pastor for whom she works is able to entrust many things to her and, as a result, the church’s work is enhanced.

She does good by speaking well and is not critical of other staff when speaking to others.

She busies herself with the work of the office and works well with willing hands.

She keeps an eye on the future and keeps the calendar up-to-date.

She comes to the office on time and does what she can to prepare for the planning yet to be done.

She is always looking for better ways to accomplish the work in the office.

She comes to the office confident of her own faith and willing to put her energies to the tasks before her.

She is aware that her skills and intellect are sufficient for the task and though she may lose her cool with an obstreperous machine her faith sustains her.

She puts her hand to the office equipment.

She often has to consider the problems of the poor who come by the office.

She is not afraid of the idle times in the office but finds joy in doing many things.

She cares about the neatness of the office and looks well to her own appearance, so that the minister is proud of her work and is able to speak well of it in the presence of other pastors.

She looks well into the minister’s spelling and is handy at correcting mistakes, so that all on the staff appear in a good light.

Her strength and dignity are not diminished by members who come to the office upset.

She has a sense of humor and, at the same time, applies wisdom in knowing what to say to whom.

She is most capable in doing the work of her office and the work never piles up for long.

The parishioners are aware of her work and they and the pastor praise her for a job well done.

Many secretaries do excellently, but a good church secretary surpasses them all.

Her charming spirit and beauty of soul, coupled with her reverence for God, are to be praised.

Give her the praise she deserves, even as her works bring praise to her from a grateful staff and congregation".