As September unfolds, there is a familiar buzz in the air—a sense of renewal, of gearing up for what lies ahead. The summer break is over, and with the arrival of autumn, our churches begin to hum with fresh activity for the term ahead. Small groups are restarting, outreach events are being planned, and preparations for the Advent and Christmas season are now well underway. It is a time of fresh beginnings, and at the heart of it all there's you—the dedicated church administrators and operations staff who keep everything running smoothly.
Your role may often be unseen, tucked away behind the scenes, but its impact is profound. Every spreadsheet you organise, every email you send, every logistical plan you execute, helps lay the foundation for the Kingdom work that is happening in your church. Without your commitment, your meticulous attention to detail, and your faithful stewardship, the ministry and mission of the church would not flourish in the way that it does.
As we step into this new season, it's vital to remember that your work is not just about administration; it is about ministry. When you help to prepare the church calendar, you are creating space for people to encounter God. When you manage budgets, resources and rotas, you are enabling others to serve and be served. When you coordinate events or plan for Christmas services, you are setting the stage for lives to be transformed by the message of Christ.
This September, some of us may feel a slight pang that the summer season has passed. Memories of lighter, less frantic weeks, or even (hopefully) some holiday time, which may now feel distant. I encourage you to intentionally, take a moment, to welcome this 'September Start Up Season', and to see your work afresh through a lens of purpose and value. Your tasks are not merely boxes to tick or problems to solve—they are opportunities to create an environment where God's love can be experienced.
The apostle Paul's writing to the church reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 that administration is a spiritual gift to the church. So, embody that gift well. Use it faithfully, wisely and wield it with love. The administrative work you do is an act of worship, a vital part of the body of Christ functioning to its fullest potential.
This September, may you feel renewed purpose and strength. Know that your service matters, that it is seen by God, and that it contributes in countless ways to fulfilling the mission of The Church. Thank you for all you do to build His Kingdom.
May this new season bring you fresh energy and a deeper sense of the significance of your role. You are truly making a difference, one detail at a time.
For you,
Jules Morgan
UCAN Director