I’m learning that studying the Torah is only one small aspect of being a congregational leader in a messianic community. While it is a rabbi’s first and most important duty, it is rarely one that can take place uninterrupted.

I’ve been working in the office of my messianic rabbi of late, and I’m deeply impressed by the business aspects of running a modern ministry. The CD ministry requires proficiency in editing audio files, burning and packaging audio CDs, Web expertise, some financial knowledge and good customer service kills. This is not like selling personalized pens. One is handling recordings of messages that some people rely on to take the place of church attendance for the purpose of recharging their spiritual batteries, and so the task requires dedication, passion and professionalism.

Even simple tasks require expertise in advanced computer skills, such as putting together the church bulletins or children’s ministry support materials. Preparing to transform old ministry messages into tightly edited radio programs is also a daunting challenge. One must also be good at keeping a paper trail of what’s been done, what still needs to be done and what’s been left in the middle of the task and still needs finishing up.

It’s a lot of work, and that’s why the rabbi of any decent-sized ministry needs help, because all of that is enough to take up an entire week, and the list above hasn’t even begun to touch on the actual, felt ministry needs of attendees. It’s a broader endeavor than I knew before working at my messianic synagogue’s business office, but doing so has left me feeling more invested and energized in the ministry than ever before. Unlike some of my temp assignments, at this job I finally feel I’m doing work that matters and makes a difference.