From Church Secretary to Lay Minister

Vicki Elfers' journey of faith and leadership

Published
Ascension Lutheran, Deer Park, NY

Vicki Elfers never saw herself as a leader. As a child, she was painfully shy and extremely quiet. Yet today, she preaches monthly sermons, leads Bible studies, and even conducts funerals. Her journey from behind-the-scenes church secretary to lay assistant to the pastor is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of nurturing lay leadership in the church.

In a recent episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Dr. Alicia Granholm sat down with Vicki to explore her remarkable journey and the insights it offers for the future of church leadership.

A Call to Deepened Leadership

Vicki’s story begins 24 years ago when she took a position as a church secretary, seeking flexibility while raising her daughters. “I loved being part of the background and the inner workings of getting everything to happen,” Vicki says. Over the years, she served on numerous committees, gradually becoming more involved in worship-related activities.

A pivotal moment came during a three-day retreat where Vicki clearly heard God saying, “Let go of your fear and anxiety and follow me.” This divine nudge, coupled with the encouragement of a new pastor, set Vicki on a path of deeper involvement and leadership in her church.

As Vicki’s story illustrates, the church is experiencing a significant shift in leadership dynamics. This pivot from primarily clergy-led, lay-supported ministry to lay-led, clergy-supported ministry is reshaping how we understand and practice church leadership.

The Importance of Recognizing and Nurturing Potential Leaders

Vicki’s journey highlights the importance of identifying and encouraging potential leaders within the congregation. “I probably had these gifts for years,” Vicki reflects, “but until somebody started encouraging me, until my current pastor really started encouraging the gifts he saw in me, I really never thought of stepping out and doing this.”

For pastors and church leaders, this means being intentional about spotting gifts and providing opportunities for growth. It’s about creating an environment where lay people feel empowered to explore their gifts and callings.

Embrace Flexibility in Ministry Roles

As churches face challenges in finding pastoral coverage, Vicki’s experience shows the value of flexible approaches to ministry roles. She now preaches monthly, leads Bible studies, assists with retreats, and even conducts funerals when needed.

“We kind of put together this model of where I could be promoted into this position [as] lay assistant to the pastor and where my role could expand beyond just working in the church office,” Vicki explained. This adaptability allows churches to continue vital ministries even when traditional pastoral roles can’t be filled.

Invest in Lay Leadership Training

Vicki’s participation in Faith+Lead’s School for Lay Ministry played a crucial role in her development as a leader. The program provided practical skills, theological grounding, and a supportive community that boosted her confidence.

“I felt like I was home,” Vicki said of her experience in the program. “It really was a year of growth for me and really a way for me to get confidence in what I was doing and what God was leading me to.”

Churches can benefit from encouraging lay leaders to participate in such training programs, investing in their growth and equipping them for expanded roles in ministry.

Foster a Culture of Collaboration

Vicki’s story demonstrates the power of collaboration between clergy and lay leaders. Her increased involvement was made possible by the support and encouragement of her pastors and church leadership.

“I have been so blessed that the clergy at my church has always made the lay people feel like they were important, that they were valued and needed in order to make ministry happen,” Vicki shared. This collaborative approach allows for a more dynamic and diverse expression of ministry within the church.

Be Open to New Models of Ministry

Vicki’s expanded role represents a new model of ministry that many churches are exploring. By being open to new approaches, churches can tap into their members’ gifts and callings in fresh ways.

“I would encourage clergy that if you see a gift in the lay person, encourage them to investigate those gifts and give them avenues for ways to try out those gifts,” Vicki advised. This openness to new models can help churches adapt to changing circumstances and needs.

Vicki Elfers’ journey from shy church secretary to confident lay minister is more than just an inspiring personal story. It’s a powerful example of how churches can pivot in their approach to leadership, empowering all of God’s people to love and lead in the way of Jesus. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of 21st-century ministry, stories like Vicki’s offer hope and guidance for a faithful future.

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