Where It All Began

Back when I was a student at Skidmore College, majoring in American Studies, I had no idea I would one day be overseeing church operations. I was drawn to the liberal arts because I liked asking questions, making connections, and learning how people and ideas shape one another.

At the time, I couldn’t point to a clear career path. But now, after years working behind the scenes at St. John’s Church, I’ve come to realize that the skills I developed as a liberal arts student are exactly what this work requires.

Running a church involves more than coordinating services and paying the bills. It’s about seeing the big picture, managing change with care, and helping people work together toward a common purpose. And that’s where liberal arts thinking comes in.

Why Big Picture Thinking Matters

In church operations, it’s easy to get buried in details. There are always emails to answer, maintenance requests to handle, and schedules to coordinate. But the real value comes when we can step back and see how all those pieces connect.

That’s something the liberal arts taught me early on. Whether I was studying literature, history, or sociology, I learned to think across disciplines. I learned to ask how systems, people, and ideas interact. That way of thinking helps me now as I look at how our ministries, staff, facilities, and finances all affect one another.

For example, when we consider hiring a new staff member, I don’t just look at the job description. I think about how that person will impact our community, how their role will grow with the church, and how they’ll contribute to the mission we’re trying to live out. That is a liberal arts mindset in action.

People First, Always

One of the most valuable lessons from the humanities is that people are not just roles or numbers. They come with stories, perspectives, and needs. That truth shapes how I approach everything from team dynamics to volunteer coordination.

At St. John’s, we try to build a culture where people feel respected and supported. That means taking the time to understand someone’s strengths, giving space for creativity, and recognizing that personal and spiritual growth matter just as much as professional performance.

In practical terms, this shows up in how we structure meetings, resolve conflicts, and even schedule events. We ask questions like: How will this affect the people involved? Are we creating space for everyone to contribute? Are we listening before deciding?

That focus on people-centered leadership comes directly from my liberal arts foundation.

Creativity Solves Problems

Churches face complex challenges. Budgets are tight, expectations are high, and the pace of change keeps accelerating. To meet those challenges, we need more than formulas. We need creative, flexible solutions.

That’s another gift of a liberal arts education. I learned how to look at problems from multiple angles and draw on unexpected sources for inspiration. That same approach helps me today when I’m tasked with solving facility issues, planning for growth, or navigating unexpected changes.

Sometimes, creativity looks like finding a new use for an underutilized space. Other times, it means reworking how a team communicates to avoid burnout. No matter the problem, liberal arts thinking reminds me that there is more than one way to move forward.

The Value of Questions

In the humanities, questions matter as much as answers. You learn not to rush toward conclusions but to dig deeper, challenge assumptions, and listen closely. That mindset is essential in church work.

Every day, I ask questions like:

• What are we trying to achieve here?
  
• Who does this program really serve?
  
• Are we being true to our mission?
  
• What is this decision saying to our community?
  

These questions don’t always have easy answers, but they lead to better conversations and stronger outcomes. They help us slow down and make thoughtful, values-based decisions rather than just reacting to pressure or tradition.

Planning with Purpose

Strategic planning in a church context is about more than growth metrics or five-year forecasts. It is about serving faithfully and sustainably, adapting to changing needs without losing sight of what matters most.

Liberal arts thinking helps with that too. It encourages us to think historically, culturally, and socially. It reminds us that institutions exist in a broader world, and that we must stay aware of what is happening around us in order to remain relevant and effective.

At St. John’s, we try to balance tradition with innovation. We want to honor our past while preparing for the future. That balancing act takes a wide lens and a willingness to engage with complexity, both of which I learned as a liberal arts student.

What It All Comes Down To

At the heart of it, church operations are about creating an environment where people can gather, grow, and serve together. That takes logistics and leadership, but it also takes imagination, empathy, and insight.

I’m grateful every day for my liberal arts background because it gave me the tools to lead with curiosity and compassion. It taught me that solving problems is never just about efficiency. It’s about context, connection, and meaning.

And while I may not quote my old textbooks during staff meetings, I carry those lessons with me in how I listen, how I plan, and how I lead.

Why This Still Inspires Me

If you had told my 22-year-old self that one day I’d be running operations at a historic church, I probably would have laughed. But life has a way of bringing things full circle.

Every time I help a program run more smoothly or guide a team through a transition, I see how those early years of broad, liberal arts learning continue to serve me, and serve our community.

So here’s to the wide lens, the open mind, and the quiet strength that comes from asking good questions and caring deeply about the people we serve.