Spiritual Gifts: Ruling — Administration

…he that ruleth, with diligence…

Romans 12:8

There are some people that God has given special talent and gifting and ability to manage the affairs of the local church administration. The little details which are important to the smooth running of the church, the minute details that sometimes that can get missed in the entire process of ensuring a well-oiled and effective ministry for the glory of GOD. It is a fallacy that we focus on the heart and relationship issues which are important, but there are the ‘tables’ that needs to be served and the practical needs of the local church that needs to be addressed. The biblical injunction for people with the gift of administration is to perform the duty of ruling diligently. They are to rule with the sense of eagerness and speed, not being slack or tardy in the jobs that are prescribed. What are some of the characteristics of an individual with the gift of ruling, or administration?

These people have the unusual ability to see the final result of a major undertaking, and has the ability to break down goals into smaller achievable tasks using the available resources that each have. He has the ability to delegate tasks and oversee the tasks to its completion. These Christians require loyalty and confidence in their ability to manage tasks. Their satisfaction is to see that the tasks that they have overseen come to fruition and become as a blessing to the whole.

Because of their motivation to organise, and mobilise people for the tasks, there is the temptation for themselves to manipulate others to complete the tasks. They see people as resources rather than people and therefore may become impatient when there is lack of activity and movement in the cause they are in. They are quick to dismiss suggestions that are contrary to what they have already predetermined, and will work quickly to ensure that tasks are completed. They perceive opposition to their tasks or proposals as threats. They can also be overconfident in their own perceptions and abilities and fail to see negative shortfalls in their work and character. Although these are not intentional, it is the corruption of the sinful heart that leads to the negative and hurtful aspects of this wonderful gift of GOD.

It is, therefore, very important that people with the gift of administration check their own hearts for pride and implore the Lord for patience as they utilise this gift of GOD, lest their good intentions be evil spoken of. They need to spend time to slow down and reflect on what they are doing, listen to inputs from others and not dogmatically insist on the rightness of the task although in their perception they may see their approach as the correct one. There is the need to work together with the people of GOD and Christians with other gifting so that the best can be brought out in that individual, and the blessings of God can fall on the church as they serve the Lord through it.

Do you have the gift of administration? If so, use it for the glory of GOD, the effective management of the church, as we work in the way the Lord has prescribed for us, in love, unity, humbly, and with consideration for self and others that the work of God may grow from strength to strength and that the souls of men, may see the glory of Christ in the church.