Business Manager and Associate for Ministry Development, Sam Bang

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”       1 Peter 4:10

I originally joined the Presbytery of San Gabriel 14 months ago as an organizer of a new worshipping community – Rowland Heights Presbyterian Fellowship – but have paused that work (for now) and transitioned to serving the Presbytery in different ways. As Wendy briefly mentioned in last week’s EP reflections, I’ve started a second role with the Presbytery as Business Manager. I appreciated that Wendy referred to the role of business manager as a “ministry” for that’s how I feel about the position. I know in principle that any work can be ministry, but in practice, administration (especially paperwork and filing!) can feel a few steps removed from the front lines of being a Matthew 25 church. It has, however, been my experience that administration done well – e.g. creating efficient processes and policies – is a concrete way to help others flourish in their work and that to me is the essence of ministry.

Hence, my priorities as business manager will be to develop simple and effective practices related to the presbytery’s business operation and to do so with transparency, accountability, and collegiality. I welcome your wisdom and prayers and look forward to serving the presbytery in this role.

My other role with the presbytery is that of Associate for Ministry Development, a quarter-time position I started in January. The primary purpose of this position is to support the development of current churches, leaders, and new worshiping communities, consistent with the Presbytery’s priorities. I will be consulting with churches and presbytery leaders in the areas of congregational vitality, leadership training, anti-racism efforts, and other subjects as needed. The Associate for Ministry Development also serves as the staff-liaison for the Education, Equipping, and Empowerment committee and works to support leadership development programs like Tapestry. Since this is a quarter-time position, I will work close with Wendy and Ally to identify and prioritize the most urgent needs within the Presbytery. Once again, I welcome your advice and invite you to contact me if I can be of service to you and your church in any of the above-mentioned areas. 

I am grateful for the privilege of working with a great team (Wendy T., Ally, Wendy G., Diane, and Steve) in a presbytery that is teeming with diversity and potential. I look forward to meeting many of you in person this year as we all pull together to serve the body of Christ through these challenging times.

Gratefully,
Sam Bang