Resources e-letter 26:4 - November 2026
This issue of Resources e-letter provides information about two new sets of Training Notes which have just been uploaded to the site. These are TN162, An Administrator's Planning Retreat, and TN163, 12 issues for church staff members. There is also a listing on Training Notes on the subject of printed output.
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NEW: An Administrator’s Planning Retreat
These notes suggest possible content for a Planning Retreat, an idea introduced in Training Notes TN54. The application is for Church Administrators and Operation Managers who get away from the church office for a day or two, although the basic structure could be used by anyone.
The suggestion is to break the time into eight segments as follows:
Priority
- Time for studying the Scriptures and prayer
Three tenses
- Review the past: both work role and discipleship
- Analyse the present: both work role and discipleship
- Plan the future: both work role and discipleship
Three applications
- Think through one work project
- Ponder one discipleship issue
- Chew over one book, set of web articles, etc
One extra
- Time for a fun activity
Training Notes TN162, An Administrator’s Planning Retreat, are now available without charge on the Training Notes index page of this website.
NEW: 12 issues for church staff members
Working for a local church is not the bed of roses some people imagine it to be. Here are 12 issues it would be wise to understand before applying for a church post.
1 Line manager and pastor roles clash
2 Poor line management
3 Lack of clarity between paid and voluntary work
4 Part-time staff
5 Small operations
6 Trustees as employers
7 Lack of staff selection process
8 Friends or colleagues?
9 Home working
10 Working alongside fellow sinners
11 Lack of promotional path
12 Church becomes your life
No, these do not figure in every church by any means but all are dangers or difficulties to be aware of.
Training Notes TN163, 12 issues for church staff members, are now available without charge on the Training Notes index page of this website.
Are you aware of these Training Notes on printed output?
TN22 Appoint a church photographer!
TN45 Are you sure it’s minutes you need?
TN61 Mapping out a meeting
TN63 How not to write a newsletter
TN69 Creative prayer diaries
TN82 Print or screen?
TN97 How to minute a meeting
TN99 Social media+ guidelines
TN113 What to avoid on your website
TN114 How to prepare a church profile
TN149 Keep all your seniors in touch
TN156 Preparing a house-style guide
Like TN162 and TN163, you will find them all on the Training Notes index page of this website.
Please ensure all these materials are widely promoted in your church. Thank you for your interest in my website.