AABS President Mallory Mertens makes announcements in opening session. (Staff photo by Mary Alford)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Ministry assistants are oftentimes the first point of contact when someone is seeking information or an appointment in the world of ministry.
Whether the visitor or caller needs information, materials, or sometimes just a listening ear, the ministry assistant must be welcoming and discerning. The position is a way of ministering to church staff, church members and even an unbeliever who crosses their path.
This past week, on Thursday and Friday (Sept. 4-5), 28 ministry assistants from around the state gathered at the ABSC building in Little Rock for a conference hosted by the Association of Arkansas Baptist Secretaries (AABS). The event provided an opportunity for fellowship and to enhance their professional and leadership skills for the ministry office.
“Every year, we host conferences to give our members some helpful information as well as provide a point of connection with other ministry assistants throughout the state,” AABS President Mallory Mertens said. “That’s what today is, just getting together, enjoying each other’s company, making connections with other ministry assistants that maybe we haven’t met before, and also providing helpful information for them that can assist them in doing their job.”
Participants of the conference received training regarding Canva, church finance best practices, office organization, church event marketing strategies, and more.
“It’s been a great time. We’ve been able to connect and see old friends and make new friends. I think it is super helpful especially for ministry assistants that have maybe just started their position in the last year or two to gain helpful information,” Mertens said. “It’s a really great community. Everybody is open. … You know you can call these ladies if you ever need anything.”
For more information or if there are any ministry assistants that want to get connected, they can check out the Association of Arkansas Baptist Secretaries Facebook page.
(Staff photo by Mary Alford)