Reflections on the Ministry Support Summit

It is hard to believe that the Ministry Support Summit has already been and gone. Well over a month has passed, yet the conversations, connections, and encouragement from that day remain fresh. It was a rich and meaningful gathering of men and women who, often behind the scenes, faithfully serve the Gospel through their work in churches and ministry organisations. We, the VCA team, found it an incredible joy and privilege to be able to connect and serve so many of these faithful workers.

The atmosphere throughout the day was marked by a sense of recognition and relief. For many, it was the first time they had been in a room filled with others who understood both the joys and challenges of ministry support. The simple opportunity to connect was spoken of again and again in the feedback we have been reviewing. People expressed how valuable it was to meet others in similar roles, to exchange stories, and to encourage one another. This connection, more than any single session or moment, was the standout highlight for most attendees.

The Summit also provided space to be grounded in God’s Word. The Bible talk reminded us that our work is not just about tasks or systems but about serving the kingdom of God. One attendee reflected, “Dave's sermon on wisdom was very much insightful and joyful, full of simple truths and life examples.” It was a timely call to lift our eyes beyond the busyness of daily responsibilities and remember that our labour is not in vain.

Nikki Fortescue’s session on conflict in ministry was another clear highlight. Many were deeply helped by her wisdom and honesty on a topic that often sits in the background of church life. As one participant put it, “In my role, there is a lot of saying no, a lot of disappointed people. I am not always in conflict but I certainly have difficult interactions. I appreciated this opportunity to think about how and why I react to certain things and to better prepare myself for the future.” It was encouraging to see a difficult subject addressed in a way that was both practical and pastoral.

The workshops gave space to engage with the nitty gritty of ministry support. Whether it was Kath Thornhill’s insights on technology, Joel’s reflections on digital ministry, or the opportunity to consider executive assistant work as strategic partnership, people appreciated the breadth of perspectives on offer. One person shared, “Kath’s session gave me the most to think about and the most I want to follow up. I’m always keen to hear others’ ways of making admin work quicker or more efficient, and I also want to spend more time thinking about the use of AI.” I know this was certainly an area that was on people’s minds and it was helpful to gather, learn and reflect so we could take next steps to better function in our roles. 

Moments of worship also left a lasting impression. For those who spend so much of their time enabling the ministry of others, it was moving to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow servants and lift voices together in praise. Combined with the chance to pause from the daily grind, share in conversations, and enjoy great food, the day carried an atmosphere of encouragement and rest.

Of course, alongside the encouragement came thoughtful suggestions for improvement. Several people wished for longer workshops with more practical application. A few hoped to see future sessions tailored more specifically to different roles, such as communications, events, or executive support. There were also some very practical notes about the breakout spaces, from the size of the screens to the confidence of some presenters. Far from being discouraging, this feedback has been taken seriously and is already shaping plans for what comes next.

What was most heartening was the sense that the day was not only valuable in itself but also a catalyst for ongoing connection. Since the Summit, the Virtual Church Assist Community Hub has been launched, providing a space where attendees can continue conversations, ask questions, share resources, troubleshoot, and support one another. The momentum of encouragement, equipping, and fellowship has not been lost. Instead, it has found a home that can grow between Summits.

The Ministry Support Summit reminded us that the work of ministry support, though often unseen, is deeply valuable. It matters to the life of the church and to the spread of the Gospel. To gather together, to sit under God’s Word, to learn new skills, and to encourage one another was a gift. As one attendee summed it up, “It was beneficial to be exhorted to have the gospel of Christ as our focus as we serve. It was beneficial to learn about conflict. And the workshops were relevant for giving some specific skillset or things to consider that would impact our roles.”

The hope now is that the Summit will not be remembered only as a single day, but as the beginning of something ongoing. A renewed commitment to supporting one another in this vital work, a growing sense of community, and a shared reminder that the work of ministry support is kingdom work, and it is valued by God and his people.