Dear Friends,
Have you ever made a mistake and immediately felt that sinking feeling? That inner voice whispering, "What if…?" What if that email caused confusion? What if someone was hurt? What if I've let everyone down?"
If we're honest, many of us have been there. It's all too easy in the world of church administration - where precision, timing, and communication really matter - to feel overwhelmed when something goes wrong. And often, we are far harsher with ourselves than anyone else would be. We replay the moment, examine every detail, and imagine the worst possible consequences. We lose sleep. We lose peace. And sometimes, we lose heart.
But Scripture speaks directly into moments like this:
"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 4:1, ESV)
That verse is a beautiful reminder that our ministry - yes, your ministry of administration - is not something we earned by being perfect. It is a gift, entrusted to us by the mercy of God. He knows we're human. He knows we'll stumble. And He still chooses to work through us.
Just recently, one of our UCAN members shared vulnerably on our Facebook Forum about a mistake they had made - something many of us could probably relate to. What followed was a flood of encouragement and grace from fellow members. People didn't respond with judgement or criticism, but with truth: "We've all been there." "It's okay to make mistakes." "You are not alone."
What a beautiful reflection of the Body of Christ. And what a powerful reminder that God doesn't expect us to be perfect - He invites us to be faithful. He knows our hearts. He sees the countless hours, the hidden work, the care and prayer poured into the details. And when we get it wrong, He doesn't walk away. He comes close. He lifts us up, reminds us of who we are in Him, and helps us learn and grow.
Sometimes, the hardest person to show grace to is ourselves. We can extend it freely to others - but hold ourselves to impossible standards. Yet God's invitation is the same for you as it is for anyone else: Receive My grace. Accept My mercy. Let Me help you move forward.
If you're feeling the weight of a recent mistake - or even the fear of one that could happen - let me encourage you today: do not lose heart. You're not alone. You're part of a network of wonderful, gifted, real people who understand. More importantly, you are held by a God who gives strength to the weary, wisdom to the confused, and grace upon grace to His children.
So take a deep breath. Remember whose you are. And carry on - not in your own strength, but in His.
With appreciation for all you do,
Jules Morgan
Managing Director, UK Church Administrators Network