A42 What do Church Administrators do?

Defining roles

First published on this website in October 2017 and last updated in November 2023

Synopsis

There can be no one model Church Administrator post because those appointed with this job title fulfil a remarkable variety of roles.

This article seeks to help any church contemplating such an appointment, or reviewing an existing post, by examining and listing what these roles can be and how to express them helpfully in a well-designed job description and person profile.

The article covers in its four parts:

• An explanation of what factors shape such posts and make them different from each other.

• A demonstration of what makes a good job description, illustrated with examples for possible Church Administrator posts.

• A detailed listing of a wide range of possible responsibilities, divided into six categories:
  • office manager
  • Minister support
  • communications hub
  • rooms hire and events
  • initial contact
  • volunteer mobilisation.

• Advice on Administrator person profiles and other appropriate paperwork.

This article has been updated in November 2023 with minor amendments.