All Leaders

  • 1.  Secretary Courses or Guide

    Posted 27 days ago

    I am the new church secretary, replacing the retiring secretary of a church in western Iowa.  I am wondering if there are resources or support pages that are out there for other church secretaries? I am just curious if there are others out there that we could share tips and trick on things that we do that we can either streamline, make better or just learn? 

    Thank You! 



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    Jodi Lorenzen
    Immanuel Lutheran Church
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  • 2.  RE: Secretary Courses or Guide

    Posted 26 days ago
    Edited by Marjaana Kuivalainen 26 days ago

    Hi Jodi,

    I started as a church admin in March 2024, as our church's secretary retired after about 20 years of service. I have our sister congregation's admin supporting me and it has been so helpful!

    Mission Training Center provided a course on Church administration but unfortunately it was canceled due to lack of interest. Maybe next year we get to participate if there's enough of us! I know the guy who was providing it and he is awesome. 

    All that said, if you'd like to connect e.g. via Zoom call, I'd love to talk more. My email is office@allsaints-lcms.com. It so helpful to learn how other churches are doing things and not having to reinvent the wheel…:) Hope to hear from you!



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    Marjaana Kuivalainen
    All Saints Lutheran Church Bellevue, WA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Secretary Courses or Guide

    Posted 19 days ago

    Hi Marjaana.  Thank you for your reply! I will keep you in mind and we could possibly do a zoom and chit chat sometime; I would appreciate that! It would be great if there was a training center, classes or another message type board that could be used for reference, tips and trick or general information.

    Thank You again so much! 

    Jodi



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    Jodi Lorenzen
    Immanuel Lutheran Church
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Secretary Courses or Guide

    Posted 14 days ago
    HI, Jody,

    I have been the church secretary/office manager here at St. Johns for 33 years. As you can imagine, a lot has changed over the years. When I started my job description included preparing bulletins, newsletters, special services: keeping track of attendance and offerings; preparing meeting agendas; ordering supplies, answering phones and greeting visitors. Over the years I've taken on treasurer duties, preschool bookkeeping, coordinating volunteers, building maintenance/repairs,keeping a master calendar, updating our website, and more. Sometimes I think I've done everything but preach (although I have ended up in some sermon illustrations).

    There's a lot of on the job learning. A few things I would recommend are making and using templates/checklists and also keeping a detailed manual on how to do things as well as notes on various events. It's a lot easier to refer to previous information than trying to re-invent the wheel each time you do something.

    I'd be interested in a zoom get together! 

    God's blessings as you serve your congregation,

    Ginny Ranisate, Office Manager
    St. Johns Lutheran Church
    803 W First St
    Park Rapids, MN 56470
    218-732-9783



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Secretary Courses or Guide

    Posted 8 days ago

    I was in your shoes about 5 years ago.  There was a vacancy in the 1-man church office and no one to train me when I started.  I would be more than happy to talk with you and discuss processes... what has worked, what hasn't, etc.  Please feel free to reach out and I'll set up a google meet!  cheryl@stjamesglencarbon.org



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    Cheryl Schnicker
    St. James Lutheran Church
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Secretary Courses or Guide

    Posted 8 days ago

    Hi Jody, Virginia, Cheryl, and all the wonderful church admins and secretaries out there,

    I've set up a Zoom call for us to connect, share ideas, and encourage one another. With Advent and Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be good to gather before the season sweeps us away: Tuesday, December 2nd 9am PT / 12 ET. If this one doesn't work for everyone interested, maybe we do another one in January.

    This will be an informal time to bring your questions, joys, and challenges. Think of it as a little retreat in the middle of our busy days-a chance to breathe, smile, and walk away with something practical for our daily work. If you know any other church admins or secretaries who might be interested, feel free to share the invitation.

    Let's "bear one another's burdens" and lift each other up. I'd love for you to join us!

    Hope to see you soon,
    Mariaana

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    You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    Topic: Office Admin & Secretary Meetup
    Time: Dec 2, 2025 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://zoom.us/j/98938625776?pwd=sqq0ZuChFuTGEaGX6UgldGyhOIeQjQ.1

    Meeting ID: 989 3862 5776
    Passcode: 012750

    ---

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    Marjaana Kuivalainen
    All Saints Lutheran Church Bellevue, WA
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Secretary Courses or Guide

    Posted 7 days ago

    Hi Marjaana

    Thank you for the offer and thank you for putting this together. I think this is a great idea and would love to join and chat with others! Count me in and I hope the others decide to join in too.

    Thank you so much! 

    Jodi



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    Jodi Lorenzen
    Immanuel Lutheran Church
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    Original Message


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