More Than Numbers
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Part 2: The Center for Administrative Services By Amy Ezell Director of the Center for Communication
W
hen you think of budgets, audits, computer crashes and taxes, do any happy or joyful thoughts come to mind? They definitely do not for me.
But have you stepped foot in the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church Center for Administrative Services? Simply stated, this Center holds some of the most warm, genuine, loyal and smart folks you’ll ever meet, and they make reporting, budgeting, benefits and technology troubleshooting a pleasure. I asked each of the people in this Center to share their favorite part of their ministry, and every single one of them shared that they love helping people. No one said they love numbers, or preparing reports or anything like that. They all LOVE our United Methodist people and strive to do what it takes behind the scenes to make things easier for those on the “front lines.� The Center for Administrative Services has three primary 25
functions: Financial administration for the Conference which includes budget preparation, ensuring proper spending and annual audits Clergy and retiree benefits Property management, including leased office space and sale of closed churches The roles of this Center revolve mostly around money, but the building and maintaining personal relationships can not be overlooked. One of the most important pieces to know about this Center is that every team member (except for one) has served the Arkansas Conference for at least eight years. Some have served for more than 25 years! As you read more about the valued individuals that make up this Center, you will recognize that their ministry focuses on trustworthy relationships. Todd Burris, the director of the Center for Administrative Services, has been serving the Conference for 25 years this month. Seeing the collective work of churches and knowing that there is a United Methodist presence in communities across the state are things he lists as the best part of his ministry work.
ARKANSAS UNITED METHODIST
ARUMC.ORG
