I am a steward in my church who is filling in as office manager while we are in the process of hiring a new person. The question that gets asked most often by applicants is what is the salary and what are the benefts provided. Heretofore our church has not provided any benefits and the salary is not presently up to the level for the duties to be performed. Is there any connectional insurance that local churches can subscribe to that would be affordable? What is the average salary for office managers and/or administrative assistants? With the technological experience and responsibilities needed to operate the office of the modern church, there needs to be some provisions for benefits so that we can hire qualified and experienced persons who are not just looking for a stepping stone to their next job. Is anyone else having that problem?

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2000

Answers

My wife is the Executive Assistant at the church and she will tell you that no amount of money can compensate for the job itslef. I see first hand of the hardwork and dedication that goes into it. She has been doing it for about three years as well as being a Steward at the church. You not only have to handle the administrative functions of the job you also have to handle the spiritual functions. You are the lead nurse in the hospital. Everyone comes to you at all times for everything. In some of the larger churches there are benefits depending on the structure and the size of the church. I know a few of our mega churches have full staff with benefits. Unfortunately the cost of medical insurance is high so many times the smaller churches can not afford the cost that is why we are fortunate that my secular career offers the necessary benefits.

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2000

To find a competitive salary, you will need to compare for similar positions in your market. Trying to market price against other AME churches simply won't be effective. We have a wide range of churches, as Mr. Stembridge mentioned above.

You may want to try contacting the annuities director and the general secretary for information about aggregate or group insurance.

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2000

How blessed are those who work in the church and recieve a decent salary, or any type of salary, for that matter! There are a great many churches who pay nor give any worker anything, at all. Many think church work should be done totally free. Many churches cannot afford to pay or give anything.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000