What are the aspects of church administration?
The church can be described in many ways, a body, a family, or the bride of Christ. When we
look at the church today we need to recognize the need for leadership and organization. Without
leadership and administration, the church will struggle to fulfill the mission of God.
What is administration in the local church?
Church administration refers to the way that a church government is set up. There are three
common types of church administration: congregationalist, elder-led, and denominational.
Christians strive to have a biblical church government within their church. The church is very
important to God, we are his people and he loves us, we are also a very important avenue to
reach the world with Christ. As Christians in the church, we want to be effective hands and feet
of Jesus, and this starts with organization in the church through administration.
Administration happens in different ways according to the church or denomination.
What is Church Administration?
Church administration is the organization and leadership that happens in the church to help the
church to run effectively and on a mission. The church are more than just a business, we
sometimes have to act like one, but we as the Church have a global mission we are called to be
the hands and feet of Jesus. Church administration is the government of the church. The church
administration sets up rules and regulations to help the Church operate to its maximum potential.
Church administration is in charge of keeping the church building running, pay for those who
work, and scheduling, need planning events and church services. Essentially, they make the
church-run effectively. The administration frees the church to do exactly what the church needs
to do. This means that the church administration needs to be centered on God. There are
different views on exactly how to have an administration within the church. Most people see the
administration has a positive impact on how the church operates.
Different Views On Church Administration
We want church administration so we can serve our community and others around the world
effectively. To effectively function it is important to have an organization within the church
administration.
There is some disagreement on what this exact organization within the church should look like,
but we should be willing to work with what helps our church be most effective.
Congregationalism
Congregationalism is a type of church government that is mainly self-governing. They run
their own affairs and operate individually. Each congregation has the ability to govern
themselves, not depending on other churches and their decisions. There are many congregational
churches, but no power that is overall and makes decisions for all congregational churches. Each
member has an influence on how the church operates, they can call meetings and vote.
Congregational churches include some Protestant churches.
Elder-Led Churches
When a church is elder-led this means that there are specific people who are appointed to
make decisions on behalf of the church. We see in scripture qualifications for roles such as
these. For example, Paul writes to Timothy about qualifications for overseers and deacons. In
Titus we see Paul telling him qualifications for elders. Elder-led churches give the highest
authority to the pastors and elders in the church, not the general congregation. There are many
Churches that follow the elder-led administration, this includes churches in denominations such
as Baptist Churches and Presbyterian Churches.
Denominationalism
Denominationalism is where the church is organized with one person or group of leaders
govern over all churches of that denomination. This means decisions made outside the church
will affect the Church. There may be one person or group of people who has authority to lead all
Churches of the denomination. Churches in this category sometimes include Lutheran Churches
and Anglican Churches.
What The Bible Says About Church Administration
Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of communication, organization as well as other
key aspects to Church administration. We can look at these Scriptures to see a better picture of
how we can run our church administration today. Jesus said to them again,/‘Peace be with you.
As/the Father has sent me,/even so I am sending you.’
John 20:21
God sends us into the world to be His hands and feet. Church administration helps us to achieve
that goal. For/as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same
function,/so we,/though many,/are one body in Christ, and individually/members one of another.
Romans 12:4,5
We all have different talents and abilities within the church, and in the organized fashion of
administration, we can all use our own strengths to help everyone else. This is why I left you in
Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and/appoint elders in every town as I
directed you—
Titus 1:5
The Bible gives us so many examples of administration, we see some of the first churches as
they start. Paul writes to a lot of the new churches, many of which he helped plant. We read the
instruction that he gives to Titus and Timothy as he had left them in charge of churches in
Ephesus and Cyprus. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third
teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of
tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:28
In 1 Corinthians, we see how God has gifted us in different ways to serve him. This includes
those who are gifted in administration and other leadership roles within the church. The gifts we
have received from God we want to use in order to bring glory to God which can happen through
church administration.
Why Church Administration Matters
God uses the Church in powerful ways, but being imperfect humans means we make mistakes
that can affect the whole church body. Church administration is in place to help operate the
church in an effective way with accountability to help when things are not going as they should.
No matter if you are the Pastor or a member of your church, you have an important role to
play in your local church. Because we as humans are imperfect, working with others in the
church is key to building an effective Church. Proper church administration enables the church to
be who God has called the church to be.
We see from the early Church in Acts that we are called to reach the world and make a
difference for Christ. This can happen effectively with good Church leadership in administration.
If you are apart of a church, I would encourage you to take time to pray for your church leaders.
Pray they would have wisdom from God as they led your church. Pray they would be open to
changes that need to be made. Pray their ears would be open to hearing from God.
Church Administration
Church administration is spiritual service to the Body of Christ which involves the wise
stewardship of God’s resources for the accomplishment of the work of ministry. /Church
administration or management has to do with the organization of church ministry, and with the
operations that govern that organization. /Administration is not an end in itself, but rather it is a
means for serving people effectively, while making efficient use of resources in a manner that
glorifies God.
With regard to organization, we believe that the affairs of the church are to be guided by
biblically qualified elders who are nominated by the congregation, approved by the Board of
Elders, and affirmed by the congregation. /The elders work within the directions of the church
constitution, and of any bylaws the church adopts. /We believe that the church constitution and
bylaws are subject to the authority of the Scriptures. /The elders are to be assisted in their service
to the congregation by biblically qualified deacons who are nominated by the congregation,
approved by the Board of Elders, and affirmed by the congregation. /The elders are responsible
to oversee all aspects of the church’s ministry, including the service of administration. /The
Board of Elders must be informed and involved in important decisions, but the daily
management of church finances, facilities, equipment and ministry programs can, and most often
should, be delegated to deacons, administrative office staff, and other faithful church members.
In this way, the elders are able to devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer, and
church members are able to serve the Body of Christ in accordance with their spiritual gifts.
With regard to operations, we believe that the management of church affairs should ultimately
benefit people and glorify God. /Moreover, we believe these management goals are served by
having biblically consistent policies and procedures in writing and available for reference.
Policies and procedures that give direction and definition to the ‘how’ of ministry are desirable
for the following reasons:
1. they help insure that matters are handled effectively; that is, with the goals of biblical
ministry clearly in view;
2. they reduce the possibility of mismanagement and unethical behavior, particularly in
matters pertaining to employees and finances;
3. they save time in the decision-making process, thus enabling the ministry to function
more efficiently;
4. they help to clarify expectations, and enable people to work together in ministry with
greater understanding.
We believe that those who manage ministry are given a significant trust. /God is honored and
believers are encouraged when church affairs are administered well. /Therefore, church
administrators should be spiritually mature, and able to work well with others. /Also, they should
be able to plan, organize, delegate, oversee and evaluate ministry wisely according to biblical
principles and goals.
