Professionals With a Purpose

Editorial by Kelly Butler Coe

At worship on Monday mornings, our prayer and praise time with the office staff at the Columbia Union Conference is especially meaningful. Every week, I eagerly anticipate a praise report from Rubén Ramos, Columbia Union’s vice president for Multilingual Ministries. His eyes light up—beaming with warmth and joy—as he regularly recounts beautiful stories of people who have decided to give their lives to the Lord.

Church employees often face a delicate balance. While we prioritize furthering the church’s mission of bringing people to Christ, we’re also responsible for managing its day-to-day business. I often find myself correcting the misconception that church positions are only filled by employees who have been trained to be pastors. Indeed, we have plenty of pastors on the payroll! But the church is also blessed with professionals who devote their God-given talents to serve. While many may never stand behind a pulpit, their faithful work builds the platform for ministry to thrive. Whether managing logistics for a conference, preparing financial reports or crafting materials to support a ministry, their dedication is not rooted in recognition but in the deeper understanding that “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col. 3:23, ESV). Excellence is expected—not to impress, but to reflect the character of the One whom we serve. Church employees must innovate and adapt while keeping Christ at the center. Though we may not receive financial “bonuses,” our reward is working in an environment where devotionals and mission stories are part of our daily lives. Colleagues pray for one another and become a second family—bound not just by deadlines, but faith. And the impact of our work has eternal outcomes: changed lives and hope restored. When the days grow long, each task—no matter how routine— becomes an offering of service. Galatians 6:9 perfectly underscores the spirit of dedication I have witnessed at the Columbia Union: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (ESV). This blend of faith and faithfulness makes our work more than professional—it makes it a ministry. Kelly Butler Coe is vice president for Communication at the Columbia Union Conference.