What’s your name?
Carol Simmons
Where do you serve, what is your title, and how long have you served there?
I serve at Elkhart Faith UMC as the office administrator. I’m in my 6th year.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t go to church?
The simple answer? I do everything except preach. I manage the facility, coordinate events, purchasing of everything from maintenance & janitorial supplies to curriculum, creative (everything from bulletins to event flyers & newspaper ads), all social media & website. I’m also the front desk face & first voice folks here on the phone.
What were some of the things that you experienced that shaped the way you approach your work?
Every member thinks you work for them, personally. You have to learn how to make them feel like you do while still helping them understand you have a list of priorities with deadlines.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about your job?
That the “church secretary” is no longer the old-school stereotype of sitting at a desk answering the phone & making copies.
What is the one tool for your job that you can’t live without, and why?
Honestly? A to-do list on my desk. For me, a digital version just doesn’t work. I need to be able to doodle, scribble, and scratch tasks off the list. Digitally, probably Canva. Does anyone still use CorelDraw? That was the creative program I learned on and Canva has many similar features.
What is the biggest mistake that you see churches making when it comes to communications and marketing?
They do marketing like a Superbowl ad. Lots of flash & hype for a short time. The church is long-term and as such the marketing plan needs to be continuous & progressive. You need the parade with the fireworks.
Who is someone that you look up to in the church communications world?
Oh my goodness…there is so much talent in the church comm world that I haven’t ever just picked one person. I am in awe of the skills I see from everyone and aspire to have just 50% of that ability someday.
Multitaskers like you, Carol, deserves a shoutout from the church communications community! We definitely appreciate people who are willing to do more than what is expected of them and still performs with grace. You are doing absolutely amazing!
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