The Donut Theory
Meditations and Inspiration for the Church Office
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Finding Peace and Joy Do not forget all his benefits. Psalm 103:2 Jesus called his disciples to follow him. They didn’t have a clue what they were getting into—like me when I got my first job in the church. Before my children were born, I worked for the social service agency in our county and had daily exposure to child neglect, seniors struggling to stay in their homes, and single moms trying to live on a welfare check. Years later, when the pastor of my church approached me about a part-time job, I figured working in the church would be a cakewalk compared with working in a public agency. This might be a fun job and so peaceful! It didn’t take long for the honeymoon to end, and I began to wonder if this was the job for me. There was never enough time to finish everything in my in-box and not everyone who called the office wanted to tell me what a great job I was doing. The joy of working for my pastor dissipated a bit when I found out he was as human as my own husband, and just as disorganized. The first churches I served were single-pastor parishes. I loved the volunteers who religiously showed up and worked hard. I soon realized that the joy I found working in the church emanated from those who already had the peace I’d been seeking. When serving in the large church, my workweek was full of challenges and surprises. On Friday evenings as I left my office, I’d stop and look at the neatly stacked pile of worship booklets ready for the ushers. It always gave me a sense of pride and relief! I’d leave the church with Peace, and on the drive home, Joy lifted my spirits. By Monday morning, I looked forward to going back to work and doing it all over again. Lord, you make all things possible, over and over again, [comma invites the reader to continue to pray]
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About the Book
The Donut Theory is written not only for church staff members, but also for all who are familiar with church ways. Through firsthand experience, Linda Gillis shares meditative, folksy parables, and facts. If you wonder what goes on in the church office from Monday through Friday, you’ll find out in The Donut Theory.
“Church staff will identify with The Donut Theory, and church members will be entertained and enlightened.”
—Reverend Gerald W. Nelson, retired ELCA pastor
“These folksy meditations (part narrative, part advice) express the messy mix of human and divine in the church administrative experience, by one who’s been there.”
—Sara Dyrud Bryan, former church secretary and pastor’s wife
“After reading The Donut Theory, I gave it to my church secretary. The next time I saw her, she said, ‘I found myself laughing out loud … many of the stories could have been written about my office!’ ”
—Gwynne, Sun City, Arizona
“Linda’s meditations are rich in learning experiences and are reinforced by her faith and ability to find humor in any situation.”
—Shirley Cunningham, LCSWW,
spiritual director, and author of Chasing God
The Donut Theory is a compilation of Linda’s first three books released in 2009, 2010, and 2012, under the title Incidents (and Inspiration) from the Church Office I, II, and III—52 Meditations for Church Support Staff. Copies of all of Linda’s books are available through her website: http://souly4youbylindagillis.com.
About the Author
Linda Gillis, a retired church secretary, was first published in the August 2007 Guideposts magazine, after winning Guideposts Writer’s Workshop Contest in 2006. As a national conference and retreat presenter, Linda ministers to church support staff and to women and Stephen Ministry groups. She lives with her husband, Glen, in Sun City, Arizona.