Service Coordinator – Raymond Roman 

1.     How long have you been in this role?

Too long to remember, but I think in total probably around 13 years of my 15 years as a disciple. 

2.     Why did you choose to serve in this capacity?

I won’t say I chose it at first - it was basically handed over to me when I started out. It was probably my real heart for it that got me the job. The reason I do it is because I feel God has given me ability in what I do, and I want to use that ability to advance and serve his church.  

3.     What is the set-up process?

Ushering

Arrival : 07h30-08h00; open the building and disarm the alarm; set out the communion stuff; access what needs to be done; set out chairs and prepare hall for peoples’ arrival; seating of people; handing out communion; rearrange chairs to previous setting and leaving the hall in a better condition than we found it.

Sound

Arrive at 08h00; setting up of all the sound equipment including screens for projectors; testing of sound with song leaders; afterwards packing everything away   

4.     What is the role of the head usher?

The role of the head usher is to open and close the hall and to oversee the set-up of the hall for church as well the communion.  

5.     What is the role of the other ushers?

The ushers are mainly responsible for the set-up of the hall, preparation of communion, handing out of communion and after the service, rearranging the hall to its previous state as well as cleaning the communion cups. 

6.     Do things always run according to plan?

Hardly ever!!!!!!!! 

7.     Give some examples?

When working with computers, you have to expect things to give trouble. Also, since we don’t have our own building, people often need to bring stuff from home. Sometimes they forget things like the projector at home, resulting in some interesting chaos!   

8.     How do you overcome these challenges?

You plan as best as possible, have back-up plans and improvise where possible. 

9.     How does the CD Ministry work?

The volunteers set up the duplicator station and recording equipment before the service. Sometimes CDs that were ordered on the Wednesday night are completed before service for collection after the service. However, most of these orders are copied at home by the person in charge. Once the service is complete, a master copy of the sermon is written, popped into the duplicator and the sermons are made available as soon as five minutes after the service. Two people are involved in this process - one is solely responsible for the duplication while the other looks after the finances and the CD orders of previous sermons. This process can continue for up to 45 minutes after the service.   

10. What the role of the CD Ministry Coordinators?

One runs the finances and creation of CD order lists used by people to place orders. All orders are placed with him. The other is involved in the set-up and writing of all the disks, including CD orders. 

11. How long has the CD Ministry been going for?

Two and a half years 

12. How many CDs have been sold so far?

On average, around 3 000 CDs are sold per year, which would make it around 7 500 CDs! 

13. How many people are involved in your Sound Crew and what skills/talents/training do they need?

There are currently four in the Sound Crew.  All they need is a great heart to serve and the willingness to work hard because it can be hard labour.  They also need some technical ability, but this can be learned. 

14. With the changes in the way the services are run, what are the      challenges for the sound crew?

Firstly, there is an incredible amount of extra work with cabling. With the extra instruments: keyboard, acoustic guitars, African Drum, feedback speakers, cordless equipment and speakers; there are almost always problems with interference.  Everything needs to be plugged in just right. They also need to familiarize themselves with a lot of new equipment and change the set-up to suit the needs of the ever-changing song service.   

15. How do you handle these challenges?

With the ever-increasing work load, it is important to make sure that the guys are not being over worked.  I try to ensure this does not happen by regularly checking on their ability to keep up with things. To this end, we have increased the number workers for the sound.  Not being a sound engineer myself, I have also had to do some research on the internet. I pass on all the information that I find to the sound guys in order to make sure that everyone is on the same level in case of illness or people being out of town. So training and research are the important components in minimizing the challenges we face. 

Volunteer – Lori-Anne Biebuyck 

1. How long have you been volunteering at the church office?

Since June 2007 

2.  What is your role?

a.                  I fill in the gaps

b.                  Prepare staff lunches

c.                  Media ministry (creating DVD presentations and putting sermons on DVD) 

3. What do you enjoy about your role?

It is versatile. No specific routine. 

4. Why did you decide to volunteer?

I don’t have to work and have some free time available, so I decided to put myself to use. 

5. How often do you come into the office?

Twice a week from 10-1.30/2pm.

6. Has your perception of how the church is run changed at all since you have been working at the office?

Yes.  There is lots going on behind the scenes! 

7. What are some of the challenges you face?

I haven’t really experienced any challenges.  It’s still early days for me. 

8. What do you think of how the church office is run?

A superb job is being done and loads of people are needed to keep the boat afloat. 

9. Do you feel your strengths and talents are being utilized to make a difference in the church?

Yes, definitely. 

Office Administrator – Pauline Katzen  

1. How long have you been working full time at the church office?

3 months  

2. How long did you volunteer before you started working fulltime?

1 year  

3. What was your role as a volunteer?

Office Assistant/ Function coordinator/ General office duties  

4. Why did you decide to volunteer?

I was a stay-at-home mom and a need arose for help in the office, so I thought why not me. I wanted to help make a difference somehow with the time I could spare. This was something I could fit into my schedule.  

5.     How has your role changed since you started working fulltime?

My life is more hectic and although I find my job challenging, it has become more interesting and I am learning so much. I am really glad to be part of this dynamic team! 

6.     What are your current tasks and responsibilities?

I liaise with office staff and church members and take care of any outside communication regarding church visits or accommodation for visitors.  I am also responsible for event coordination, which includes finding venues, setting dates, organizing helpers, etc.  I also take care of the general office duties, such as collecting post, helping the Lead Evangelist’s Assistant as well as the Financial Administrator, sorting out queries and payments of books ordered, petty cash typing, liaise with Bible Talk leaders, see that coffee and tea is available for the church services, man the library and bookshop and see payments into the bank are made.  I also supply the counters with necessary forms and stationary when needed.       

7.     What was it that you enjoyed about volunteering?

My passion is people and the church gave me the opportunity to exercise this passion. So when the opportunity came, I grabbed it with both hands. I must admit, I thought that it could become something permanent if God so desired.  

8.     How has your perception of how the church is run changed since you have been working at the church office?

Being a volunteer gave me a birds eye view of what is happening, but now I feel excited and both challenged by the huge job portraying the leaders’ vision. The smooth running of each and every aspect of this vision in action depends on our skills and ability to perform these duties.  

9.     What do you think of how the church office is run?

It’s clear what our duties are and we can only improve with time.  

10. What do you most enjoy about your job?

There is no specific preference, but I try to do everything to the best of my ability within the time limit. The fact that I can learn new things, and have a computer course for free, is just amazing. This is something I always wanted to do. Thank you!  

11. How do you feel your role makes a difference in the church?

More people, more hands, to get things done efficiently. My talents are utilized to their full capacity. Thank you for choosing me to be in this position. If I can make any difference to see God’s children grow, I am happy.  

12. How do you feel the office administration team works?

We have definitely grown in production and efficiency. With everything now happening from the office, it is easier to control the functioning of procedures and systems. The tasks are set out clearly so action can take place. It is clear that there is already a huge improvement in how things are done. The church is definitely worthy of growth because it is a huge task keeping the members up to date and instilling a vision for the church. 

Financial Administrator - Jolanda Du Plessis 

1. How long have you been working full time at the church office?

2 months 

2. How long did you volunteer before you started working fulltime?

6 months 

3. What was your role as a volunteer?

Reconciling Telephone Bills/ Checking EFT before payment/ Updating Members’ Records/ Internet Research/ Any adhoc duties requested  

4. Why did you decide to volunteer?I

n May last year I truly reflected on the will of God to be a giver.  I realized that I wanted to use my talents and be passionate to give in any capacity.  I didn’t work fulltime at that stage, and saw the opportunity to help out at the church office. 

5. How has your role changed since you started working fulltime?

I have many more responsibilities now than I had while volunteering.  I am also being held accountable for what I do and have restricted time in which to complete tasks.  I also work together with more people.  

6. What are your current tasks and responsibilities?

I handle all the bookkeeping requirements of the Cape Town Church as well as work hand in hand with some of the other South African churches on the accounting side (such as Port Elizabeth, Southern Africa Missions, Johannesburg, Botswana, Malawi).  I am responsible for reconciling all Main/Poor/Loan/Bank/Petty Cash accounts, checking and processing payments via EFT, handling all benevolent requirements and preparing budgets vs actuals. My other responsibilities include updating and distributing the Church Calendar, overseeing all DPI and contribution counters’ financial requirements as well as preparing the Announcement Presentation for Sunday Services. 

7. What was it that you enjoyed about volunteering?

Coming to work whenever I was ready – I was not restricted to time. 

8. How has your perception of how the church is run changed since you have been working at the church office?

I realized that there is much more to organize and to administrate as a church.  

9. What do you think of how the church office is run?

Great, at least there is a proper system now. 

10. What do you most enjoy about your job?

Doing the financials as well as working with disciples. 

11. How do you feel your role makes a difference in the church?

Through God’s grace and the talents he gave me, I think my diligence, loyalty, tidiness, organizing abilities and financial skills are very much appreciated and needed in the church which makes my role very fulfilling – and all the glory to God for this! 

12. How do you feel the office administration team works?

We are such a great team.  We have strengths in different areas that meet the needs of the church wonderfully.