What Do I Do, Exactly?
Just the other day someone asked me, “So you spend all day everyday in the office?” I guess it’s a good thing that I enjoy what I do, because most people seem to cringe at the thought of it. While I don’t spend literally ALL day EVERYday in the office, that is where the majority of my job takes place. Doesn’t quite fit the picture of a missionary, does it?
If we had enough staff for me to have things my way, my responsibilities would be solely corresponding with partners (being the “face” of the ministry to those back home), vision casting and strategic planning (for the growth of the ministry), and developing partnerships, connections, and friendships with key influencers here in South Africa. However, a lack of staff requires me to do all of that (at diminished levels than is actually needed), plus:
- Writing curriculum
- Meeting with staff (certain staff/departments report to me)
- Writing copy for newsletters, websites, brochures, flyers, etc.
- Editing ministry materials
- Planning pastors’ conferences
- Recruiting/corresponding with potential staff members
- Planning our USA trips
- Teaching classes to interns
- Driving mission teams & spending time with them
- Hosting ministry guests
- Leading staff meetings
- Dealing with staff issues
- & a myriad of little things that seem to creep up and fill up my days!
My least favorite thing of all is dealing with staff issues. We just ended a season where we were doing this regularly, and it was draining me more than I’d ever anticipated. I’m glad it’s over, but I also know that my job as a leader over those types of things will never be “over”. I look forward to the day when we have a ministry administrator who can handle all the day-to-day running of things (which would include dealing with staff issues).
My favorite thing of all, I think (cause you know how much I love choosing favorites!), is sharing about the ministry and our vision. There is much about that whole process that I dislike (meeting new people, speaking publicly, just getting the ball rolling), but I’ve discovered that, once we’ve started, I really love it.
With each new team that arrives, Niel and I lead a “Thrive Talk”. We explain the ministry and cast the vision. With some teams, who are extremely interested, this has been an awesome time! Niel and I get passionate and excited, and it’s a joy to share our hearts. We would go on for hours if we could. The other night, however, we had a team sleep through our Thrive Talk. One girl even made use of a neck pillow (apparently, she came prepared for her nap). That was a difficult one to get through; we did so, but without nearly the same level of passion and excitement as we usually have. Anyway, on a good day, with a good (interested, listening) audience, I really do enjoy sharing our vision.
The ministry is our “baby”, birthed by the Lord through us. How can we not be totally pumped to share it with others?! Given the opportunity, we’ll gladly whip out the wallet-photos to brag about what God has done!
I hear ya….”office” work isn’t really what most people think of when they think of missionary is it? I also hear you on those staff issues…..not my favorite thing. Did I mention that we’re still working on our policies….just when I think I am finished, I learn something new. PS…I can’t believe that girl fell asleep! I think I would have pulled her neck pillow out from under her. :)
this was a great post! it was good to hear that you missionaries actually do stuff :) :)
but i enjoyed it…sorry about the vision meeting :( We all like hearing it!
The “myth” or assumption is that the missionary’s days are filled with preaching and evangelism. While of course we spend time doing that, it is all the “other” stuff that makes that possible (office/administrative work). As we tell our staff, “it’s all Kingdom business”!
It’s still the read world, eh? Just in a different part of the world. And the vision? I agree with Danielle, we all like hearing it.
Keep it up friend, you make so much possible by doing the “daily” things… and you’re right- it’s ALL kingdom work :) Love you!
Don’t grow weary in well doing…
Hey Alece – I keep trying to email you and my messages always get returned. Do you have another email address? Email me and let me know. Thanks! Hope you are having a fantastic summer. – Kimberly
Thanks for more of a glimpse into my grandbaby’s life!!! I love bragging about it as well – did so today to a wonderful Nigerian man! I love the new pics! Thanks for putting this on. Gotta do something with your photos, Lece!!!
Love you…Soon, Baby, soon!!!
Great post, Alece. It is very interesting to hear what your life if ‘actually’ like. ;) It is wonderful that so much passion is within you for what you do. It’s like the real hard-burning energy fuel, huh? Our pastor was preaching recently about the “Peter do you love me” moment that Jesus and Peter had. A new angle he saw was that Jesus asked twice if Peter had Agape love for Him – indicating that this would be the motivation behind “feeding His lambs.” Then lastly He asked if Peter had phileo love for Him – indicating that real affection, real liking for Jesus was also a necessary motivation behind “feeding His lambs.” I like that. I think a sincere cultivation of genuine affection is necessary to the life and health of any relationship … No wonder you like stirring up the passion so much. It’s necessary!
I’m back! There’s more on my Xanga then on my Blogger. :-)
Love you,
Bean
Home in TX…miss you all!
Char