A church must be operated “decently and in order” (I Corinthians 14:40). If this is to happen, then there must be administration. Church administration is that of managing the affairs of the church by working with and through people to get the work done. It is not a “one man show“! Indeed, it is a team effort, but there must be ONE leader in charge. Of course, this ONE leader in charge is the pastor.
We derive this responsibility from the Bible term, “BISHOP“. This word means overseer, and refers to a pastor’s practical, God given responsibility. The pastor operates and leads his congregation from this standpoint. If the pastor does not assume this role, then someone else will. One way we can understand the idea behind the word “BISHOP“, is that of a term we use a lot today… “ADMINISTRATOR”.
Listed below are 6 helpful suggestions to help a pastor become a better administrator. I am sure that everyone who reads this post will know these things, but it does not hurt to be reminded!
MARKS OF A GOOD ADMINISTRATOR
#1 – A Mark Of A Good Administrator Is That He Loves The People He Works With!
Love makes all the difference when making decisions and working with other people. Hostility and anger will hinder an administrator in more ways than he may realize.
#2 – A Mark Of A Good Administrator Is That He Has The Ability To Delegate Necessary Tasks!
A suggestion was made to me years ago by a great and well known preacher. He said someone told him to make a list of everything that needed to be done that day. Everything that only he could do is what he should do. If someone else could do it and was available, then let the other person do it. Of course, if there is no person to help, then train someone. (Important Reminder: laziness and the shirking of responsibility is not a reason to delegate! Exodus chapter 18 is a great passage on delegating responsibility)
#3 – A Mark Of A Good Administrator Is That He Has The Ability To Motivate People!
Inspiring people to do something is not in our power alone to do. God must burden people to do a particular task, but we can use everything within our grasp to help as well. The pastor was given to the church for many reasons. One of the purposes is the training of others. Training involves motivation!
#4 – A Mark Of A Good Administrator Is That He Is Efficient And Carefully Plans!
Impulsiveness, and spontaneity will reveal a lack of vision… at times. A good administrator will take time to count the cost and be sure to weigh all options. Consider Luke 14:28-32
#5 – A Mark Of A Good Administrator Is That He Makes Proper Use Of Time!
Time management can mean the difference in tasks accomplished, tasks done half way, or tasks left undone. An administrator must make wise use of time, talent and treasure. If he wastes time, then work will not get done. This can leave a bad testimony with the people he works with.
#6 – A Mark Of A Good Administrator Is That He Is A “GENERAL PRACTITIONER” Rather Than A “SPECIALIST”!
An administrator must know how to do many things well. This is so he can train people and have a working knowledge of how things are to be accomplished. When someone spends all their time specializing in one area, then there is the likelihood that the overall ability to lead will be hindered.
Conclusion
There is a big difference in a “preacher” and a “pastor”. Part of being a good pastor is being a great administrator. If one would endeavor to work on improving administrative skills, then I am sure it would help the functionality of the church as a whole.
Would you consider purchasing…
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Whatever Happened to Worship? |
By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers
Decrying much of contemporary worship as entertainment, Tozer says, “When we are worshipping…if the love of God is in us and the Spirit of God is breathing praise within us, all the musical instruments in heaven are suddenly playing in full support.” Originally preached as sermons at Avenue Road Alliance Church in Toronto, the chapters of Whatever Happened to Worshipconvey Tozer’s attitude and thoughts on Christian worship.
