· Ardmore is extremely blessed with the staff it has built over the years. The age range is much broader than it was just a few years ago. We have people in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s 50’s and 60’s working on our staff. They are very dedicated, diligent and live out their calling to serve in many, many ways. They work as a team and are very close to one another supporting each other through health concerns, the milestones of life and times of heavy workloads. They bring new ideas and skills, are interested in learning and yet honor the Ardmore tradition of doing things well.

· The workload is immense. Church members look forward to the normal rhythm of the week at Ardmore. Quickbits on Tuesday, Prayer List on Wednesday, various Bible studies and activities throughout the week, Joy in the Journey once a month and amazing worship experiences on Sundays. Add in preschool Monday through Friday during the school year, youth activities and mission opportunities. Then you have volunteer recruiting, worship planning, scheduling, financial reporting, bills to be paid, maintenance issues, bulletin layouts, confirming a multitude of details, sermon prep, ordering supplies and music, rehearsals and Realm updates. Finally, throughout the day, they have to answer the door. It is a lot to manage for both ministerial and administrative staff members. They are professionals, and we can trust them to do their jobs well. While the congregation is ramping up for Advent, the staff is beginning to look at the first of the year and beyond. The balance is intense and they manage all of this with grace.

· And, finally, the staff will probably not like that I am sharing this, but my tenure on Personnel has made one thing crystal clear: We as church members can be better partners. How? (1) Work through the Personnel Council to funnel any issues with staff. Don’t burden a staff member with a complaint. Personnel needs to know when there are issues, and your complaint will be shared quickly. (2) Adhere to timelines that the staff establishes. If they need information by a certain date, get it to them on that date. If you find you can’t serve as a volunteer as planned, let them know as soon as you can. (3) Be appreciative when you have a special request. They are always willing to help, but let them know you appreciate the extra effort.