Guidelines for effective Church administration National Leadership Conclave 09 -11 AUGUST, 2018 a

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION – MEANING & MANDATE Administration is concerned with setting objectives and organizing the means to achieve such objectives. The church needs God’s Administration because: The church is as an organism: interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole. Church resources are limited: necessary to utilize the spiritual, human, physical, and financial resources of the church to enable the church to move toward fulfilling its purpose and objectives. On the human plane, church resources are limited. The church is of God and people: essential partnership between God and persons in the life and work of a church.

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION – MEANING & MANDATE Church Administration therefore is the guidance provided by church leaders as they lead the church to use its spiritual, human, physical, and financial resources to move the church toward reaching its objectives and fulfilling its purpose.

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION – MEANING & MANDATE Three elements Fulfilment of the purposes of the church of God: glorify God (I Cor. 10:31) through loving the Lord and our neighbours (Matt. 22:37-40) by evangelizing people to Jesus, developing people to Christ-like maturity and equipping people for ministry in the church and world (Matt.28: 19-20). Comprehensive: viewing the administrative task as concerned with every aspect of church life and seeking to coordinate every experience toward one unified purpose. Involves all members of the church: both leaders and laypeople must be involved and not the concern only of the pastor and a few “key” lay people.

EFFECTIVE CHURCH ADMINISTRATION STRATEGY

An Effective Church Administration Strategy Church Administration Must Be God-Centered God-centered administration model measures it success by whether or not the activities, ministries or programs glorify God (I Cor. 10:31), and strengthen ones love for God and others (Matt. 22:37-40) rather than on attendance and neatly executed programs. Church Administration Must Be People-Oriented though the church is of God, it is for people; the model should be concerned with people and their needs.

An Effective Church Administration Strategy Effective church administration embodies: Doing the RIGHT things (1 Chronicles 13:5-6; Acts 6:2,4). focus on those things that get the church closer to achieving her mission. Doing things the RIGHT way – being effective. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10, 15:11-13; Acts 6:1,3). Doing the RIGHT things (mission focused) the RIGHT way (effective) at the FIRST (least amount of) time (efficient) (1 Chronicles 15:13).

A. Planning (Proverbs 24:27) An Effective Church Administration Strategy A. Planning (Proverbs 24:27) Planned ministries lead to progress instead of mere repetition. Planning builds continuity in the church’s program. Planning reflects unity of ministries supporting one another. Proper planning develops effective leaders and members, and brings others to Christ. A Sound Budget: Though money isn’t everything, it does solve many problems.

B. Good Organization (Kings 10:4-10) An Effective Church Administration Strategy B. Good Organization (Kings 10:4-10) ensures a structural church: functions must be well defined, activities must have meaning and be well executed. distributes the workload: “for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone” (Exodus 18:18). No one is strong enough or smart enough to do it all. places responsibility where it belongs: helps position the various gifts (gifted persons) in their proper places of ministry. helps avoid “unnecessary” duplication of effort. ensures harmony of various activities and services: order of service, time management, decency of ministers, the quality our PA system, discipline during the service, etc.

An Effective Church Administration Strategy C. Tracking & Reporting Tracking membership inflow and outflow and their welfare. (Proverbs 27:23) Keeping records of events and their contribution to overall growth. Taking stock of the list and state of Church property (II Chr. 24:4-7) Transparent communication of financial administration (Ezra 8:24-30) Accurate and timely reporting

D. Human Resource Management (Romans 12:3-8) An Effective Church Administration Strategy D. Human Resource Management (Romans 12:3-8) Get the right people: Kenaniah was in charge of the singing “because he was skilful.” (1 Chronicles 15:22). Use expertise of others whether far or near. Develop and mentor existing potentials: Have and use a home-grown base. Stay up to date – in legislation, innovation, technology, generations change, neighbourhoods change, etc. (1 Chronicles 12:32).

THE JETHRO COUNSEL: Every Leader Needs It! Pray for the people: represent the people before God. (Exod. 18:19) Teach them the guidelines: teach the people the statues and the laws. (Exod. 18:20) Show them the way: show the people the way wherein they must walk. (Exod. 18:20) Organize the people into manageable groups. (Exod. 18:21) Choose qualified men to lead each group. (Exod. 18:21) Give chosen leaders continuing authority. (Exod. 18:22) Bring “great matters” to the chief leader. (Exod. 18:22) “Move from being a mere Hardworking Leader with a following, to being an EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATOR.” (Exodus 18:23)

TIME TO PRAY!