“And God hath set some in the church: first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracle workers, then those with gifts of healing, helpers, administrators, and those with diversity of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28 NKJV
The word for administration has a Latin origin meaning to steer. As if the administrator is the helmsman and the church is the ship. The Evangelist is the captain, but the administration helps steer the ship in the right direction!
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4
The only Gentile to contribute to the Holy Scriptures is Luke. He writes the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. With great accuracy, he writes about the life of Jesus and documents all of the conversions in Christendom we find in the Bible! One could say that Luke was the administrator alongside Evangelist, Apostle Paul. One trait of a great administrator is loyalty. At the end of Paul’s life, he writes in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Only Luke is with me,” that is, only his administrator was with him in prison!
Our administrators are incredibly loyal disciples who record everything that happens in the church. Attendance, visitors, kids, teachers, Bible studies, Additions, move-ins, move-aways, contribution, benevolence, missions, etc. Not only do they record the present, but they also budget for the future! Thanks to our administrators we have roadmaps for the movement to reach all Nations, and every state, and every city! With their planning, the 100 of hours of planning and praying, they keep people from starving and dying in the movement (Genesis 41:25).
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans 13:1-7
Just because we are God’s children and under God’s law, does not mean we are outside of the laws of our communities/country. When we have bills, we must pay them, or harm will come to us! We must do what is right and follow the laws God has set in place. State Incorporation, Federal Incorporation (IRS, 501c3), and Annual Reporting is a must for every congregation. Without following these procedures, we can be faced with large fines, and lose the ability to be an organization! We must all have the gift of Administration not only in our churches but also in our own lives; planning, managing, budgeting, etc.
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” 2 Corinthians 8:21
There are no shortcuts to do what is right. It takes great pain to be a great administrator. The first step is being in the know. Knowing your finances, your calendar, your priority list can be key to setting up a great plan. Being in the know has to deal with multiple facts. It takes time, energy, and sometimes blood, sweat, and tears to collect them all! But these pains are worth it as reporting them bring encouragement to the whole family.
“When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.” Acts 21:17-19
We need more who inspire to be Administrators! Many mission teams will be sent out over the next eight years as we evangelize the rest of the United States, and all of them need Administrators! Will you be like our brother Luke we need ones who have the heart to gather the facts, write them down, and share the knowledge? Let us report the good news of administration all around the world!
God be the Glory!
Coltin Rohn