The job of an administrator can be belittled in many cultures and some times in the church. The office of an administrator is not one that is immediately seen by the public or even given credit by those who enjoy the benefits. However, it is a very desirable role if I do say so myself. One of leadership, organising, coordinating, multitasking, directing, facilitating and the list goes on. An administrator can be seen as a gatekeeper; and one that determines whether the project is fruitful or fruitless. Our modern day project manager even. Now that may seem like a tall order; but administrators have a common objective which is to deliver (or support the delivery of) the goals and vision of the ministry.
An administrator in ministry is careful to ensure that all things are done decently and in order, that they are done to the glory of God and the growth of the ministry. Many times we have seen the failings of administrators (including secretaries) because either they or others around them, didn’t clearly understand the roles and responsibilities of the job or maybe even undermined their value. Administrators in ministry are a valuable asset to the ministry they belong to and shouldn’t quickly be overlooked.
The traits of an administrator in ministry includes one who is efficient, effective, self-motivated, meticulous, spirit filled but also able to discern and act on time and in the right manner. An administrator does not shy away from authority and is able to manage both his/her subordinates and leaders. Again, it is a role in ministry that is interested not just in the fruitful outcome but the means by which activities are achieved.
So who are “Model Administrators” and what can we learn from them? The bible had various people who were actually administrators and we can learn from their skills and characteristics. If you are an administrator or seek to understand the role of administration better, then I encourage you to study some of these biblical characters.
Here are three of my favourite from the bible:
- Joseph – from pit to prison ministry to the palace. We all know his story. He was a self-less man who had a righteous heart and stood out for the right reason. His hard work, tenacity and diligence took him from rags to riches, making him (an Israelite) a Prime Minister in the time of Pharaohs.
- Nehemiah – able to see the end from the very beginning. Not only did he have foresight but he understood the King. He had a heart for the people and with zeal completed the rebuilding of the wall. Every step of the way, God was included as he committed the whole project to God through prayer.
- Daniel – the bible records that he had an excellent spirit. He wasn’t the only administrator, but he stood out amongst his contemporaries for his “excellent works” that the others could find no fault in him except his love for the Lord (NLT).
Now I could write a whole sermon on each of these characters, but that is not the purpose of this blog. The work of an administrator is not easily done; but with hard work, a heart for God and a love for His people, seeing the journey of the project through to completion is made easy.
