The core values of Severns Valley Baptist Church are based on the Acts 1:8 church: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 becomes a reality when the commitment of staff and volunteers centers on Ephesians 4:16: “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Effective administration happens when policies and procedures compliment and undergird the work of the church in fleshing out both passages of Scripture.

The overriding principal of all we do as stewards of God’s resources comes back to the basic premise: “It is all about ministry.” The role of the church administrator is no exception and it carries the mandate to fairly and equitably blend fiscal responsibility with the ministry aspect.

The distinction should always be drawn between business and ministry, yet there will be little notice of where one ends and the other begins when ministry is the focus. The administrator must know when to hold the line, but also to accommodate when ministry necessitates. Ministry should be the litmus test when the hard decisions are made.

The overriding principal and function of church administration should be to support, undergird and encourage all areas and aspects of church life. Basically, the keys to effective church administration can be remembered by the four C’s:

Confidence. The cornerstone for effective administration must begin with well-defined policies and a fiscally sound operating budget adopted by the church. Clear policies will give the administrator the proper authority and explanation of boundaries, as well as guidelines and definition of expectations. The administrator should maintain clear lines of communication with staff and church leaders and share a commitment of working together to accomplish God’s purpose for the church.

Communication. Holding the trust of the congregation is a serious charge and one where integrity and character can never be questioned. Policy should be the guide for day-to-day operations and a practice of open communication should always be evident. Distributing information fairly must be a common practice to develop a sense of respect and trust.

Confidentiality. The church administrator’s job description often includes personnel supervision, budget oversight and facilities management. The church and her people have the right to expect the highest level of privacy and confidentiality related to personnel issues, personal matters, records management and distribution of resources. The bonds of trust are grown and nurtured through the relationship of administrator and church and that trust should be protected and never breached.

Commitment. The effective administrator must be organized, able to lead others, practice responsible fiscal management, and above all, possess a heart for God and His church. The best church administrator is the quintessential steward of God’s house and His resources. The question, “What Would Jesus Do?” should surface often. If shared ministry is the focus, the administrator becomes a partner in ministry and much more than just the keeper of the keys or the authority on budget analysis.

Spiritual gifts of leadership, administration and discernment are evident in a good administrator. Management, supervisory and organizational skills are a must; however, the buildings are not just about bricks and mortar. Employees and volunteers are not about self glorification or proving an agenda. Tithes and offerings are not about filling up the storehouse. Rather, all are tools to be used to further His Kingdom.

The administrator becomes more than an overseer, director or manager when biblical principals provide the foundation and Christ is the focus of the work. Effective administration happens when it really is “all about ministry.”

Linda Polley is director of administration at Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown