Working for the Church

[WelchTC]

I've heard the same rumor but in that they equate working for the church as their testimony and if something at work rubs them the wrong way then the church must be false. Actually knew someone that worked in the temple as physical facilities that did exactly this.

I don't want to get off the topic of this thread. However I'm sure that there are individuals who leave activity in the Church after leaving employment. This is not unique to church employment but also happens in church attendance. People come for a while and then get upset about something or someone and stop coming. Just like church attendance, If you put into your job at the all that you can and should, you will have a wonderful experience. It is a big organization and we do struggle with being big and sometimes we don't move as fast as we would like but that is to be expected and also is why we need great people..to help us figure out better ways of doing things.

Tom

[brianc-p40]

Hi, tell me about this scenario: looking at early retirement after 25 years developing application software, including Java, C++, user interfaces, web programming, internationalization, accessibility. Looking for a place to contribute for 10 years or so before real retirement. Not looking to get rich, but keen on building the nest egg before retirement. How would the whole package compare? Benefits? Insurance? Vacation? Savings plan? Are there any considerations for late-career veterans joining the team.

[WelchTC]

Hi, tell me about this scenario: looking at early retirement after 25 years developing application software, including Java, C++, user interfaces, web programming, internationalization, accessibility. Looking for a place to contribute for 10 years or so before real retirement. Not looking to get rich, but keen on building the nest egg before retirement. How would the whole package compare? Benefits? Insurance? Vacation? Savings plan? Are there any considerations for late-career veterans joining the team.

I'm not sure if there are any specific or special considerations that late-career individuals get over early career other than pay will be based upon experience. I'm sure that our recruiting team can answer more specifically to your questions.

Tom

[wadeburt]

My experience with interviewing has been very positive. I have many years in technology. Mostly in Medical IT as a Consultant. I am admittedly an IT Generalist. I have been a member of the Church for 10 Years. Stake Computer Specialist most of that time. Now the Stake Clerk.
My son did his Mission in SLC and married a girl from there, brought her to Nashville. Another son lives in Payson now. Married a girl out there as well.
I had been told by many people that I should not consider Church employment because it would not pay well, they would never consider relocating me, etc. Several people told me I would need a strong testimony. I was warned my age might be a factor.
We have discussed salaries, and they are on the low end, but not so low I would not consider them.
Got a call from HR and took a "personality test"? The joke in High Council is I need a personality in order to pass. That leaves me out !

So far, overall it is a very positive experience. I think the Church is quite competitive and is willing to recruit against any industry.

[WelchTC]

I had been told by many people ... they would never consider relocating me, etc.

Don't believe everything you hear...unless it comes from an official source at the Church.

Tom

[nicholsjp-p40]

As an ICS recruiter the biggest rumors I still hear are about pay, benefits, and technology. We surprise people all of the time when they come in to interview and meet a sharp, up-to-date, group of people.

The projects our technologists work on can be very unique and usually very exciting, and our pay scale might surprise you. Much of the work has a global impact. We have a very decent benefits package that includes a pension plan AND a 401k as well as relocation benefits.

I also think people are pleasantly surprised with the overall philosophy toward maintaining a healthy work, life, church balance. We try to budget project length around a 40 hour work week.

Every company and job can present challenges and stresses and working for the Church is no different. I do think it is refreshing for me to know that my coworkers join with me in being committed to helping the Church succeed for more reasons than just a paycheck.

Justin Nichols
ICS Recruiting

[wadeburt]

Just got my "thanks but we picked someone else" letter from HR. As a postscript to my previous letter, I will have to say I agree with the previous post. This was a very positive, very enjoyable experience. I learned quite a bit, was able to speak with several individuals during my interview who clearly were leaders in their field.

All of the people with whom I interviewed were very open and positive and answered all of my questions. I am now able to dispel many of the rumors about Church employment as a result.

I don't know when, but when the right position pops up, I intend to take another swing at it!

[marianomarini]

I'm an italian member and I red with smiling this topic.
40 ours a week, pension plan, sanitary insurance are basic right for italian workers.
What we are not use to is being fired overnight for reorganization.
This happens here in Italy. and is very unfamiliar to us.
Otherwise I have one of my brothers (blood brother) who works for Church facilities office with many pleasant experiences.
So I suppose that perfection is a celestial matter.

[kh_design]

What I have seen many times in leadership meetings are church employees (from seminary teachers to security officers) expressing, "I am employed by the church." Reminding me of when the disciples were rectifying, “which of them should be accounted the greatest.”

Church unit leadership is volunteer time. From time to time the volunteer time is mishandled when new technology is implemented. For example, in fall of 2004 when MLS was deployed it did not import unit leadership, temple recommend information and so on. Stake Presidencies, Bishoprics, Executive Secretaries, Clerks, High Priests, Relief Society, Elders (I mention again, they volunteer their time) then spent an average of about 5 hours (it was more, I am being conservative) re-entering information into MLS that did not import from MIS. Multiply this by a conservative number of 10,000 ward and stake units is 50,000 man hours (obviously much more than this I am now being very conservative). More than 50,000 man hours of volunteer time could have been more prudently used for the benefit of mankind if data from MIS would have imported to MLS.

[dlongmore]

I have never worked as an employee for the "Church Headquarters". For me personally what I find to be the most challenging aspect when considering "church employment" is the stark contrasts between the ideal and reality. You might ask why I would say that? The reason I say this is because I have very high ideals when it comes thinking about the eternal aspects of my life. The Saviors injunction "be ye therefore perfect, even as I am" I feel was not meant to taunt us but to provide real day to day motivation. My expectation of the world (non church employment) is that it will not measure up to these standards of perfection. However, as I have made attempted to grasp the realities of church employment and compare that to what I feel are the ideal possibilities I have not been able clearly see a resolution to dealing with the gap. Maybe someone will propose that I try using faith to resolve the difference. That is where the test comes. What if my faith is not strong enough? Is that one of the interview questions. If so I have yet to be asked it.