GOD’S KIND OF ADMINISTRATION FOR SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY

Introduction.

Many of us struggle with a crucial mistake: neglecting the involvement of

our souls and relying solely on spiritual guidance. Often, we prioritize

spiritual direction that may not align with logical reasoning (Judges

13:15-23).

In Judges 13:22, Manoah expresses his fear of impending death after

encountering God. However, his wife reassures him in verse 23, saying

that if the Lord intended to kill them, He would not have accepted their

offerings or revealed such things to them.

Frequently, we disregard the use of our intellect and rely on visions,

revelations, or prophetic messages before taking necessary and

important actions.

The topic of administration in the church, particularly among

Pentecostals, is a contentious issue. It is often seen as worldly and

lacking spirituality, despite administration being the backbone of any

organization. Without effective administration, information gets lost,

goals are delayed, and sometimes forgotten entirely.

The church requires competent administrative management, including

planning, coordinating, directing, and controlling various departments.

Our God is a superior Administrator. To be effective in ministry, one must

study church administration and develop leadership skills (1 Timothy 4:6)

in order to become a good minister of Jesus Christ.

Bernard Baruch, a businessman and adviser to US presidents, once

stated, "Whatever failures I have known, whatever errors I have

committed, whatever follies I have witnessed in public and private life

have been the consequences of actions without thought."

1. Leadership and Administration Leadership is often mistaken for

administration.

Leadership is the art of inspiring and motivating followers to achieve

their individual and collective goals. It involves encouraging oneself and

others to reach their full potential. Leaders guide teams and collaborate

with them to develop strategies that align with organizational objectives.

Leadership plays a central role in our mission.

1. Nothing happens without leadership. Leaders establish

administration.

2. Nothing succeeds without leadership. Leaders generate ideas, but

it is crucial to remember that personal ideas and philosophies

 outside the Bible are not acceptable.

3. Nothing is altered or transformed without leadership. Newton's

first law states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in

motion continues at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an

external force. This law emphasizes the preservation of the status

quo. Unless individuals or groups think differently, circumstances

typically remain the same, uncoordinated, or worsen.

4. Nothing develops without leadership. Leaders take initiative to

implement innovations, build upon previous accomplishments,

and expand on past successes.

5. Nothing advances without leadership. Leaders are enterprising

and forward-looking.

6. Nothing improves without leadership. Leaders identify potential in

situations where others see no hope and lack vision for progress.

7. Nothing is corrected without leadership. Leaders take

responsibility for addressing gaps and challenges, ensuring

appropriate adjustments are made.

These seven issues cannot be managed without a defined administrative

structure. A good administrator needs leadership skills to earn the

respect of their followers. Leadership and administration work hand in

hand to ensure the efficiency and realization of the ministry's vision.

Administration involves the efficient management of people, resources,

and information to achieve the organization's objectives. We cannot

fulfill the church's mission without PEOPLE, RESOURCES, and

STRUCTURES. To ensure a smooth operation of the church, we must take

church administration seriously, as leadership without administration

leads to chaos, mistrust, mismanagement of people, and loss of

direction.

Let's explore the four domains of administration.

1. Define Vision and Mission Habakkuk 2:2 states, "And the LORD

answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon

tables, that he may run that readeth it."

What is the church's vision? In other words, what is the grand purpose of

the church? Let's consider a verse from the scriptures: Colossians 2:2-3:

"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and

unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the

acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of

Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
2. Develop Policies and Procedures A church without direction is

likely to become stagnant and eventually disintegrate. Every

member should have a common pursuit and a purpose they are

living for. A church cannot grow beyond the capabilities of its

personnel. Establishing structures, procedures, and subsequent

capacity building are essential.

3. Structures The church's structure is depicted in the organizational

chart, illustrating the interrelationships among the personnel who

form the working team of the church. This is followed by detailed

job descriptions that not only outline what each position entails

but also help in selecting suitable individuals for those roles. As

stated in 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, the body is composed of multiple

members, each with a unique function.

4. Standard Operating Procedures Church administration governs the

church by establishing rules and regulations that maximize its

capacity.

 Maintaining the church building: This involves physical upkeep,

including electricity, illumination, maintenance of generators,

pews, public address systems, decorations, and more.

  Record-keeping and archiving: This includes membership records

(names, dates of birth, places of birth, baptismal dates, current

addresses), marriage records, financial and budget reports, local

publications, religious activities, church accounting (gifts, tithing,

pledges and vows, fundraising programs/events, thanksgiving,

grants and donations, investments), and church assets.

By focusing on these aspects of church administration, we can ensure

the efficient operation of the church, promote trust among members,

and maintain a clear sense of direction