what to put in a members file

by connie eiland
(birmingham, alabama, us)

hello this is my first year as church secretary and I have my work cut out for me because the last secretary did not keep good records.. I feel as though I lost in the woods and trying to find my way out. please help me organize church records and members files. I really don't know exactly what goes in the files, so can you please help me...we have about 150 members...so please help.


Reply

I think maybe we have all been there done that at one time Connie, and it's definitely not a good feeling, but you will do just fine.


Every church is different depending on their policies. I would suggest making sure that there is not a policy and procedure in your church that details what they want kept in the files.


Personally, I keep our church member's personal information (name, address, phone, date of birth, etc.) in Shepherdbase (Church Membership Database) with backups. I only put documents that involves the members personally (membership application, marriage counseling, education, certificates, etc.) in their member's files.


I pray that God Richly Blesses You and Your New Ministry as Church Secretary. I would advise you to not let all the undone work overwhelm you, and just simply do what you can do as time allots. I would also advise you to use some kind of software or database like Shepherdbase to track memberships, contributions, church attendance and more to help organize and save your precious time. Also, take advantage of all the free forms, certificates, flyers, etc. on FreeChurchForms.com! :)


God Bless,


Terressa

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Oct 09, 2013
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by: Lyla B

I can only echo what has been posted. I took over as secretary for our small church almost 2 years ago and it seemed as though I was starting off so far behind. So many things had not been updated in years, but as mentioned before just don't get overwhelmed. It will all get done in God's time, and with help from a data base (if possible) and with the tools I have been able to use from this site things were no way as impossible as I first thought.
With the support of my church, I have learned a lot about the computer and with forms I have gotten here I have just about gotten things to a point where they are really looking good. Just take it one job at a time...

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