MD 1 Church & Mission Management
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOR LEADERSHIP STUDIES
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CHURCH MANAGEMENT
Introduction
Management is very important in church ministry. Every Pastor and Christian Leader must have the basic knowledge of Management.
Objective of the Course
This course is designed to demonstrate the relationship between the theoretical and practical aspects of ministry philosophy of church.
to demonstrate the relationship between the theoretical and practical aspects of ministry philosophy of church.
to challenge the student / Pastor / Leaders to think strategically about Christian ministry.
to equip the Christian workers for providing managerial leadership for the ministry of the local church.
(PART – A) – Ministry Philosophy
Ministry Philosophy is important for every ministry. The principles of ministry philosophy are the guideing-Posts of ministry. The following are the important principles of church philosophy.
(i) Purpose of church
(ii) Membership Principle of Church
(iii) Ministers Principle of Church
Qualification of Ministers
Full time Ministers and Volunteers
(iv) Growth Principle of Church
by Body-Life Principle
by Using Spiritual gifts
(v) Leadership Principle of Church
(vi) Discipling Principle in the Church
(vii) Mentoring Principle in the Church
(viii) Mission Principle of Church
(ix) Funds of Church
(x) Discipline in the church
Let us discuss these principles in detail.
Purpose of Church
The primary and foremost purpose of every church must be glorifying God (1 Cor. 10 : 31). We must glorify God because of He is the creator, sustainer and protector of His creation (Is. 40 : 25-28). He is above all (Phil. 2 : 9-11). God will not give His glory to others. None is equal to Him (Is. 48 : 11). Since He is above all and almighty, He forgives the sinner who accepts Jesus Christ as his only Saviour (Act 4 : 12). His forgiveness has everlasting effect. We must glorify God by acknowledging His Love Megestic, Holiness, Omnipotence, Grace, Unfailing mercies etc. True worship is always done by magnifying His attributes, like love, Holiness etc. Hence church must exalt Him (Ps. 8 : 1 ; Phil. 2 : 11).
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
This church exists to glorify God for forgiveness in Christ through its worship, ministry and through all its activities (1 Cor. 10 : 31).
Membership Principle of Church
The New Testament church began on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came on the hundred and twenty people, assembled at Jerusalem (Act 1 : 15 ; 2 : 1-2). On the same day, Peter preached about the forgiveness that is available in Christ (Act 2 : 38). He called the people “to be saved” (2 : 40). Following his invitation and testimony about Christ, many received (believed) what he preached about Christ. Those who believed his words about Jesus Christ were baptized (2 : 41). Three thousand people were baptized on the same day. Those who believed and got baptism were added into church (Act 2 : 40,47). We see such practice of baptism after believing Jesus Christ in the entire New Testament, especially in Acts (Act 5 : 14 ; 8 : 37-39 ; 9 : 18 ; 10 : 47 ; 16 : 14-15 , 31-33 ; 18 : 8 ; 19 : 5). Those scriptural evidences teach us that those who believed Jesus Christ as their only Saviour were baptized (Act. 4 : 12 ; 2 : 40,47) and those who were baptized were added in the church. The early church baptized those who believed Jesus Christ. First is “believing on Jesus Christ” and then “baptizing in water”. So we understand that the early church of Apostles period baptized the believers after believing Jesus Christ. It is also known as “believer’s baptism”.
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall baptize those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to add them into church membership (Act 2 : 40, 47 ; Rom. 6 : 1-10 ; 10 : 9-10). The baptized members are eligible for the Lord’s supper (Mt. 26 : 26-30 ; 1 Cor. 11 : 23-26 ; Act. 2 : 41-42).
Ministers Principle of Church
The early church had many ministers of God’s word. They were Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers (Eph. 4 : 11-12), These ministers taught the church in order to edify and to equip. The Lord gave the twelve apostles and the prophets as the foundation to the church. Jesus Christ is the Chief cornerstone, and the apostles and the prophets were foundation of the church (Eph. 2 : 20 ; 1 Pet. 2 : 4-8).
Evangelists were members and deacons of church but they preached the gospel wherever they went. Philip was a deacon and evangelist (Act. 6 : 5 ; 8 : 5, 26 ; 21 : 8). Evangelists often went one place to another in order to preach that salvation is through Jesus Christ. The Pastors and the teachers stayed with the church in order to shepherd and to teach the members. However, the believers also preached Jesus Christ wherever they went (Act 8 : 1, 4). The ministry was done by all including the believers. All were trained in God’s word (Act 17 : 11 ; 1 Tim. 4 : 13-16 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 2).
However, some ministered by the financial support of church. Generally apostles were supported financially by the church because they fully involved in preaching gospel (Act 4 : 34-37). Apostles involved in praying and ministering (Preaching) God’s word (Act 6 : 4). Paul was supported by the church at Antioch and later by the church of Phillippi, although he worked to support his own ministry (Act 13 : 1-4 ; Phil. 4 : 10-19 ; Act 20 : 34-35). However we see no evidence in the scripture that the church financially supported the deacons or volunteers (believers ministry in church). This makes us one thing clear that the early church had ministers – some were paid because they fully devoted their time for ministry of God’s word; but some were unpaid since they ministered as they had time to spare for ministry. So there were paid ministers and unpaid volunteers.
Principle applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall appoint ministers who are biblically qualified, spiritually matured and theologically trained (1 Tim. 3 : 1-13). The church shall pay to the full-time church worker / minister / Pastor as they devote their time for ministry (1 Thes. 5 : 12-13). However, it may give reasonable honorarium or travel expenses for volunteers who serve for the growth of church.
Growth Principle of church
The church is basically “Living Spiritual Organism”. It has got its life from Christ who is its head. Hence the church is spoken as the body of Christ. The church receives everything from its Head, as the body received every thing from its head (source of command). Since church is the body of Christ, it has two more supporting principles-namely Body-Life Principle and Spiritual Gift Principle. These both are related one another.
Body Life Principle
The church is compared to body of which head is Christ. (1 Cor. 12 : 14-27). Every member is united together with Christ, the Head through the baptism of Spirit (1 Cor. 12 : 12, 13). All believers are united with Christ regardless of their colour, caste, race, and language. This union happened at the time of conversion (Eph. 2 : 7-9 ; 4 : 4-6). Hence, the body (church) must move / grow toward maturity (Eph. 4 : 13-16). The body is called to progress to a point of conformity to Christ (Rom. 8 : 29).
Although it is one body, it has many members. One member of the body exists for the benefit of another member. Eye is existing for the body, not existing for itself. Members are many but the body is one. Every member is contributing for the growth of the body. So also, every member of the church must contribute for the growth of the church (the body of Christ).
Spiritual-Gift Principle
Every members of body has at least one function for the benefit of body, so also, every member / believer of church has at least one spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit gives that Spiritual gift to a believer at the time of His Spiritual birth. The spiritual gift is distributed according to the will of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12 : 11). The Spirit graciously gives gifts to believer in order to produce a fully functioning body (1 Cor. 12 : 7, 11 ; 1 Pet. 4 : 10).
The Spiritual gift is given with the purpose of ministering and edifying one another (1 Cor. 12 : 7 ; 14 : 12 ; 1 Pet. 4 : 10). If a gift is not used for the benefit of another member / church, it will not produce any fruit. Hence every believer must identify his / her true spiritual gift and use it for the growth of the church.
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
The church is the body of Christ. Every believer is the member of Church and he is given at least one gift by Holy Spirit. Each believer may have different gifts. He / She must identify his / her true spiritual gift and use it for the growth of the church (Body of Christ) (1 Cor. 12 : 13-27 ; Rom. 12 : 6-8 ; 1 Pet. 4 : 10).
Leadership Principle of Church
God raises leaders for His ministry. The Lord Jesus Christ trained apostles to build His church (Mt. 16 : 18). He used the apostles and the prophets as the leaders in order to put the foundation of the church (Eph. 2 : 20 ; Act. 2 : 41- 42). Having the foundation was laid by Apostles and Prophets God uses the pastors, the teachers and the evangelists to build on the foundation. The church leaders must have the attitude of servant leadership (Mk. 10 : 43-45). The general qualification of Christian leadership is explained specifically in the New Testament (1 Tim. 3 : 1-13 ; Tit. 1 : 5-9). Every leader has a gift as the Holy Spirit has given to him. He should use his leadership ability for the development of ministry. Every matured leader must grow spiritually more and more until he gets himself into the image of Christ (Rom. 8 : 29). The mark of leadership is maturity spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically (Age factor).
Every matured Christian leader must train and teach the new emerging leaders. The basic training tools for leadership training are the Bible and prayer. Every leader must train new leaders as to How the Bible must be used and as to How we must pray according to God’s will.
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
The church must raise new leaders. The matured leaders must take the responsibility of training young leaders (2 Tim. 2 : 2), by using the Bible (2 Tim. 3 : 16-17) and Prayer (Phil. 4 : 6-7). The church shall identify potential leaders in order to train the young leaders in God’s word and in ministry.
Discipleship Principle of church
Jesus said “I will build my church” (Mt. 16 : 18). In order to build His church, He prepared disciples. He, before ascending to Heaven commanded to His disciples “to make disciples all over the world: (Mt. 28 : 18-20). Jesus by making disciples intended the church shall grow all over the world. Hence making disciple is in the plan of God.
The question is who can be a disciple.
The answer is as following:
One who has trusted Jesus Christ as His Master (Rom. 10 : 9-10)
One who has become a member of local church (Heb. 10 : 25 ; Act. 11 : 26)
One who is committed to Spiritual growth (Eph. 3 : 19 ; 4 : 15 ; Rom. 8 : 28-29)
One who is involved in church ministry (1 Pet. 4 : 10-11)
One who has desire to make others as disciples through mission (Jn. 17 : 18 ; Lu. 19 : 10).
One who glorifies God among his own community of people (Jn. 4 : 23-24).
These characteristics must be found in a disciple of Christ. Discipleship begins in one’s life by receiving baptism and it progress through teaching (Mt. 28 : 18-20). As Jesus commanded, the apostles made many new disciples. The disciples were called Christians (Act 11 : 26). Paul advised Timothy to make more disciples by teaching (2 Tim. 2 : 2). Every disciple must be faithful. The faithful man shall be rewarded with many blessings. Every disciple must give account to God for his life and ministry (Rom. 14 : 12).
So a disciple is “faithful, committed, follower of Jesus Christ, the Master”. He should be faithful to God, to God’s word, to fellow God’s people and be committed to ministry by maintaining Christian fellowship (Heb. 10 : 25).
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
As the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the church will strive hard to make faithful and committed disciples through evangelism. The new disciples shall be added into church by baptism and be taught toward maturity in the image of Christ (Mt. 28 : 18-20 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 2 ; Rom. 8 : 29).
Mentoring Principle of Church
Mentoring is one of the greatest task of Discipler / Mentor. This Christian term has secular equivalent “Adviser”. However, the term “Mentor” has more significant responsibility than an adviser. The term mending is similar to mending a fishnet by a fisherman.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the greatest mentor. He mended His disciples so that ordinary fishermen could become great fishers of men. Among the apostles, Paul was a good mentor. He mended many in the ministry (Ex. Luke, Timothy, Titus).
A Christian mentor must be qualified biblically and matured spiritually and theologically trained. Having many years of experience in ministry will make one an effective mentor. Mentor must have the attitude of loving, helpful and heartfelt toward his disciple / protege. Jesus lovingly appealed to Peter. (Jn. 21 : 15-19). At the same time, mentor must have the authority to rebuke the disciple, when the disciple go away from God’s plan or mentoring process. Jesus rebuked Peter, when Peter acted against God’s plan (Mt. 16 : 23). Hence true mentoring involves “admonishing, warning, and instruction” (1 Thes. 5 : 12, 14 ; 2 Thes. 3 : 15 ; Rom. 15 : 14 ; Col. 1 : 28 ; 3 : 16). The authority must be used lovingly not with hatred. Paul used his authority over erring Corinthians lovingly but strictly (1 Cor. 9 : 1-2 ; 2 Cor. 13 : 1). Moreover, mentor must be a good example, when he uses his authority (1 Cor. 11 : 1). Then only the disciples will accept his authority.
Principle Applied in the Church Philosophy
The church shall give priority in mentoring. Spiritually matured leaders will do the role of mentors, so that young leadrs can be mented, edified and equipped for ministry. The church shall appoint the model leaders (like Paul) to be mentors (1 Cor. 11 : 1).
Mission Principle of Church
God, Himself is the author of Mission. God promised the Saviour (seed of woman), when Adam sinned (Gen. 3 : 15). This promise says not only about the coming saviour but also about the beginning of Mission plan of God. Noah was a missionary for his generation. Moses was sent on a mission to redeem the people of Israel from the bondage of Egypt
Jonah was a prophetical missionary to Nineveh. Like this, we can see many mission programmes of God in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, God began His programme of Mission with John, the Baptist. Jesus Christ completed the Divine Mission on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. After His resurrection, but before His ascension He began His great mission plan for world by commanding His Great Commission to the disciples (Mt. 28 : 18-20). Apostles continued the greatest mission by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and by establishing churches. (Act. 2 : 40-47 ; Act 8). The early churches sent missionaries on missions (Act 13 : 1-3). Not only the apostles but the believers also involved in mission activities.
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall have mission to reach the sinners in order to fulfill the great Commission of Jesus Christ (Mt. 28 : 18-20).
Principle of Fund of Church
God is the creator of all. Every thing in the world belongs to Him (Ps. 50 : 12 b). God has blessed every believer according to His richness of grace (Eph. 1 : 3 ; Phil. 4 : 19). Having recognized the blessings of God, the early Church financially supported the ministries and missions of Apostles (Act 4 : 32-37), the poor widows of church (Act 6 : 1-7) and the relief works of the suffering churches (Act 11 : 27-30 ; 1 Cor. 16 : 1-4 ; 2 Cor. 8-9). The churches sent special support to Paul, when he was in Roman prison (Phil 4 : 10-19). These passages make us one thing clear that the early churches met their own financial needs and helped the apostle’s missions as well as the poor churches, under suffering.
Principles Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall raise funds from its members in order to support its own ministries, to pay for full-time ministers and to help for relief works for suffering Christians. If funds are limited within the church, the necessary funds shall be raised by faithful men from the Christians of other churches. (Act 4 : 32-37 ; 6 : 1-7 ; 11 : 27-30 ; 1 Cor. 16 : 1-2 ; 2 Cor. 8-9).
Principle of Discipline in Church
The church began on the day of Pentecost in Act 2. However, we see indiscipline in the church in the matter of Ananias and Sapphira (Act 5 : 1-11). Throughout the New Testament records we see that indiscipline in the church was severely dealt with by the apostles and the churches as well. The New Testament also teaches about “Church Discipline” (2 Cor. 13 : 1-3).
Three types of disciples are taught in scripture ; First is self or personal discipline, second is mutual discipline and third is church discipline. In the self- discipline, the believer corrects himself by confessing his / her own sins (1 Jn. 1 : 5 – 2 : 2). In the mutual discipline, a brother / sister helps to a fellow believer to come out of sin (Gal. 6 : 1-2 ; Jam. 5 : 16, 19, 20). The purpose of every discipline is to produce righteousness and to be free from sin (Heb. 12 : 11). Every discipline must be done with love (Pro. 13 : 24 ; Heb. 12 : 6-8 ; Jn. 13 : 34 ; Eph. 5 : 17 ; and with gentleness (Gal. 6 : 1). Here we are going to discuss more about church discipline.
Importance of Church Discipline
Church discipline is important to maintain the purity of church and to reveal the superior teachings of the Bible. The church discipline seeks to promote obedience of Christians to the word of God. Sin must be dealt (Mt. 18 : 15). Church discipline helps to restore an erring brother (Gal. 6 : 1). Church discipline helps to guard its testimony before the unbelievers and public (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13). The church discipline provides a spiritual protection to church against sin (Pro.19 : 25 ; 1Tim. 5 : 20)
Matters of Church Discipline
The church should take disciplinary action for three specific reasons. They are Doctrinal Deviation, Divisiveness and Disorderly conduct. Let us discuss three in detail.
Doctrinal Deviation
Doctrinal Deviation means “turning away from confessed faith and truth revealed in the scripture” (1 Tim. 1 : 20 ; Jude 3 ; Tit. 1 : 9 ; Gal. 1 : 8 ; 1 Jn. 4 : 3 ; 5 : 10). It should be dealt severely by the church and believers. The believers must mark those who deviate from truth (Rom. 16 : 17 cf Mt. 7 : 15 ; 1 Tim. 1 : 19, 20 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 15-18). After identifying them, believers must avoid the doctrinal deviants as cammanded in scripture (2 Tim. 3 : 5) (Old Testament parallel – Amos 3 : 3). Then the believers must reject them and their doctrine of falsehood (2 Jn. 9, 10).
Divisiveness
It is also another area for which the scripture advocates for the exercise of discipline (Tit. 3 : 10 ; Rom. 16 : 17). After identifying the ones who have divisive spirit in the fellowship of bretheren, exhortation must be given to them at least three times in order to restore them. If they do not obey, a warning must be given to them. If the warning are not heeded, then the church must strongly reject the person / persons who is having divisive spirit.
Public disorderly Conduct
There are many types of disobedience or disorderly conduct. (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13 ; 2 Thes. 3 : 6-15 ; 1 Thes. 4 : 11-12 ; 5 : 14). Public disobedience demands public discipline (1 Tim. 5 : 20). They should be excluded from intimate fellowship for it is less serious (2 Thes. 3 : 6, 14). If it is a hideous sin like Corinthians, he should be excluded from fellowship and removed from the church (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13). Paul initiated this discipline in three levels, first by oral teaching, then by written warning (1 Thes. 4 : 11-12 ; 5 : 14) and finally by withdrawal of fellowship (2 Thes. 3 : 14-15).
Note : The private disobedience should be dealt privately first (Mt. 18 : 15-17). If he does not heed, then take two witnesses. If he rejects those witnesses, he can be dealt publically (Deut. 19 : 15 ; 1 Tim. 5 : 19).
Principle Applied in Church Philosophy
The church shall take disciplinary action against sinning brothers in order to restore them into fellowship (Gal. 6 : 1). Public disobedience will be dealt publically, Private sin will be dealt privately (1 Tim. 5 : 20 ; Mt. 18 : 15-17). If an erring brother refuse to correct his ways, he shall be removed from the church fellowship initially, ultimately from the church. (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13).
Based on these principles, every church must have its philosophy of ministry. Every church can elaborate or add more biblical principles to suit its own environment.
Model Philosophy of Church Ministry
This _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Name of church) exists to glorify God for His majesty and for the forgiveness in Christ, through its worship, ministry and through all of its activities (1 Cor. 10 : 31).
The church shall baptize those who believe Jesus Christ as only Saviour in order to add them into Church membership (Act 2 : 40, 47; Rom. 6 : 1 – 10 ; 10 : 9-10). The baptized members are eligible for the Lord’s supper. (Mt. 26 : 26-30 ; 1 Cor. 11 : 23-26 ; Act. 2 : 41-42).
The church shall appoint ministers (Pastors) who are biblically qualified, spiritually matured and theologically trained (1 Tim. 3 : 1-13). The church shall pay to the full-time church workers / Pastors as they devote their time for ministry (1 Thes. 5 : 12-13). However, it may pay reasonable honorarium or travel expenses according to financial availability for volunteers who serve for the growth of church.
The church is the body of Christ, every believer is the member of church and he is given at least one gift by Holy Spirit. Each believer may have different gifts. He / She must identify his / her true spiritual gift and must use it for the growth of the church (1 Cor. 12 : 13-27, 1 Pet. 4 : 10).
The church must raise young / new leaders. The matured leaders must take the responsibility of training young leaders (2 Tim. 2 : 2) by using the Bible as training tool, (2 Tim. 3 : 16-17) and prayer (Phil. 4 : 6-7). The church shall identify potential leaders in order to train the young leaders in God’s word and in ministry.
As the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded, the church will strive hard to make the faithful and committed disciples through evangelism. Every new disciple shall be added into church by baptism and be taught in the scripture toward maturity in the image of Christ (Mt. 28 : 18-20 ; 2 Tim. 2 : 2 ; Rom 8 : 29).
The church shall give priority in mentoring. The spiritually matured and experienced leaders will do the role of mentors, so that young leaders can be mended, edified and equiped for ministry. The church shall appoint the model leaders like Paul to be mentors (2 Tim. 2 : 2 ; 1 Cor. 11 : 1).
The church shall have mission to reach the sinners in order to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ and make them disciples (Mt. 28 : 18-20).
The church shall raise funds from its members in order to support its own ministries, to pay for full-time ministers and to help for relief works for suffering Christians. If funds are limited, the necessary funds shall be raised by faithful men from the Christians of other churches (Act 4 : 32-37 ; 6 : 1-7 ; 11 : 27-30 ; 1 Cor. 16 : 1-2 ; 2 Cor. 8-9).
The church shall take disciplinary action against sinning brother in order to restore him into fellowship (Gal. 6 : 1). Public disobedience will be dealt publically; private disobedience will be dealt privately (1 Tim. 5 : 20 ; Mt. 18 : 15-17). If an erring brother refuse to correct his ways, he shall be removed from the church fellowship initially; If he does not repent, he shall be removed from the church (1 Cor. 5 : 1-13).
Based on these biblical principles, every church / ministry can write its own philosophy. In order to achieve the purpose of ministry through these principles, effective management and good plans are necessary.
(PART – B) – Ministry Management
Philosophy of Christian Management
As we have known about philosophy for church, we must know what is the philosophy of Christian Management / Administration. Management is a skill / art which has to be learnt and practiced well in order to get the best result. The right philosophy of Christian Management must be derived from God’s word.
Authority of Management
God created the world. He also created Man. After creating man, God gave him the chance to manage His creation. “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Gen. 1 : 28 – NKJV). In this verse, the word “Dominion” includes the idea of management. So we understand “Managing authority is given by God to man”. God is the source of every authority. God appoints the rulers to rule the nations (Rom. 13 : 1-7). Hence the authority of church Management is also granted by God to us.
Foundation of Christian Management
The very foundation for Christian Management is God’s word. (2 Tim. 3 : 16-17). The word of God teaches that God is both creator and sustainer. By His sustaining work, God manages the affairs of world (Heb. 1 : 3). He has given man the authority to rule the world. He appoints all the authorities (Rom. 13 : 1-7). Through them, He rules the civil affairs of world. In the same way, God appoints Pastors and deacons, and other leaders to manage the church. (I Thes. 5 : 12-13 ; 1 Cor. 16: 15-18 ; 1 Tim. 5 : 17,18 ; Heb. 13 : 7, 17). Since God is the ultimate source of all authorities, we should manage the church according to His will revealed in His world.
The Biblical Need of Christian Management
The church must be managed well for the following reasons. The church is an ordained institution of God for the world today (Mt. 16 : 18).
God wants order and peace in the church. In order to avoid confusion, the church management is necessary (1 Cor. 14 : 33).
Accountability is necessary in the church (Rom. 14 : 12).
There will be reward for right management (2 Tim. 4 : 7-8).
What is Church Management
Pastors have two important responsibilities – namely, exposition of God’s word and the equipping of the believers. However, they may have some other duties like maintaining the records and planning. Hence, the church management is the process of bringing these things together, especially the exposition of God’s word and the equipping of the believers through careful planning and executing.
The Functions of Church / Ministry Management
The philosophy of Ministry can be effectively executed only by proper management. Ministry / church management always includes the following:
Planning
Budget
Staffing
Records Keeping
These are necessary to achieve the purpose of church / ministry. After clarifying the purpose, the principles must be identified. Principles are the Guiding-Posts to reach the purpose. Then the goals (priorities) must be established for accomplishing the purpose. Hence accomplishing the puspose is possible through careful planning, organizing, staffing, Directing etc. Let us discuss these things briefly.
A. Planning
The planning is very much important in ministry. The word of God teaches about planning for personal life and for building a house (Prov. 21 : 5 ; 24 : 27). The Lord, Himself taught parables regarding planning (Lk. 14 : 28-30).
Every church and mission organization must plan their ministry. Planning involves, strategies, funds and budgets organizing, staffing etc. Good planning helps the church to carry on its ministry effectively. Planning helps organizationally as following (Course : DBTS)
Builds Relationship within organization.
Enhances communication among staff.
Enables the leaders to exercise legitimate control.
Provides strategies to handle issues that arise.
Minimize the conflict.
Re-inforces the church’s purpose and principle.
While planning a project or programme of ministry, there should be an evalution before executing it. Both the strength and weakness must be evaluated. Jesus also taught about evaluation through a parable (Lk. 14 : 31-32). If the programme has more strengths than its weakness, it can be executed. However, every programme / project must have a goal.
Church should not conduct programme without any specific goal. Unfortunately churches often have programmes without goals. Before organizing a programme, the planners must fix a goal first for that programme. It is popularly known as goal setting. While establishing a goal, “SMART” technique can be applied. (Hersey and Blanchard gave this acronym SMART).
S – Specific goal
M – Measurable goal
A – Attainable goal
R – Relevant goal
T – Trackable goal
Specific : A specific goal must be established for every programme / project of church. Example “The church will share the gospel to one thousand houses around it in one year. This goal is specific about reaching 1000 houses.”
Measurable : The goal that is established must be measurable. Hersey and Blanchard say “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”. (DBTS). Measuring is related with Time and achievement / performance.
Attainable : Every goal must be attainable. A goal must not be every low nor be very high. Having low goal is useless extreme goal is ridiculous. Example sharing gospel to ten houses is very low to a town church: sharing gospel to 1,00,000 houses, by a small church is a high goal. Hence a goal must be realistic. Sharing gospel 1000 houses by a Town church in a year is an attainable goal and realistic goal.
Relevant : The goals should be always connected to relevant areas of ministry. “Reaching 1000 houses with gospel” by a town church is relevant to its location, environment and population. This goal is also relevant to the ministry of church. A goal such as “building a factory” is not relevant to church ministry.
Trackable : The last aspect of SMART technique is that the goal is trackable that is, progress toward final accomplishment can be monitored. Interim goals can be established in order to monitor the progress. (Ex.) Reaching 1000 houses in a year is main goal; Reaching 250 house in every quarter is a sub-goal. So we can monitor the progress in every three months. Hence “Reaching 1000 houses with gospel in a year” is a trackable goal.
Summary
In the planning process, the strength and weakness of every project / programme must be carefully evaluated and analysed before establishing the goals with the help of SMART technique.
The obstacles of ministry planning
There are some obstacles in planning.
Lack of clear ministry values / philosophy and goals.
Lack of mission mindedness.
Failure to anticipate obstacles in ministry.
Lack of ministry Responsibility (Ministry ownership).
Lack of commitment to do God’s will (Commitment to excellence)
Lack of organizational freedom (of thinking and executing).
Lack of people / staff involvement in ministry.
Lack of legitimate resources (Human Resource Development – HRD – and trained staff in planning.)
Overcoming these obstacles will help us to make planning well.
Financial Planning (Budget for Ministry / Church)
Financial Planning is very important in any ministry. The Lord Jesus has also taught about financial plannings of building a house (Lk. 14 : 28-30). As financial planning is important in building a house, it is so important in ministry as well. Hence every church or ministry must plan well about its finance. Poor financial planning will affect the ministry of church. The church must have definite strategy to raise funds and have defined system of spending. This arrangement will help the church to limit the expenses within the income of church.
In order to raise funds, every church must first teach about the importance of giving to ministry and supporting mission activities of church. Teaching about giving to ministry must be based on God’s word. Proper teaching from the Bible about giving will motivate the believers to give more for Lord’s work.
Church must be careful in spending. We are accountable to God for all our resources, including funds. Hence church must not waste its funds. Expenses must be limited within the income. Unnecessary expenses must be avoided by careful financial planning. Making a church budget every year will help to have proper control over church funds. Maintaining the expenses within the budget head is known as “Budget Control”.
Note : Every church can make its budget either monthly or annually.
Model Budget for Town Church
Item No. | Budget Head | Per Month | Per Annum |
1 | Pastor’s Salary | ||
2 | Assistant Pastor’s Salary | ||
3 | Other Staff (if any) | ||
4 | House rent allowance | ||
5 | Volunteer’s allowance | ||
6 | Travel Allowance | ||
7 | Electricity | ||
8 | Water | ||
9 | Building Maintenance | ||
10 | Evangelism | ||
11 | Support for the Poor | ||
12 | Deposits / Savings | ||
13 | Hospitality | ||
14 | Special Trainings (Staff) | ||
15 | VBS | ||
16 | Church Retreat / Camp | ||
17 | Special Gospel Meeting | ||
18 | Printing Tracts | ||
19 | Auditing Charges | ||
20 | Publicity | ||
21 | Christmas Gift to Staff | ||
22 | Land / Building Taxes | ||
23 | Missionary Support | ||
24 | Relief Work Fund | ||
25 | Festival & Celebration |
Note : The church must maintain cash book, so that the income and expenses can be recorded on daily basis.
C. Staffing
In the ministry management, appointing staff is very important and it must be done with much care. Right staff must be selected and appointed. The selection procedure must be strictly based on biblical principles. Persons who are unfit for the particular position should not be appointed for it.
Ex. Person who is unfit to be a pastor should not be appointed as pastor.
Before selecting a staff, his / her job “Position Descriptions” must be defined. His responsibilities, duties, authority and relationship with other staff must be well defined. Based on these, the name of the position must be given. According to the position and responsibility, the qualification for the particular position must be determined. (Ex.) If your church or mission appoint a pastor, it must first define his job description, duties, responsibilities, his relationship with other staff etc. Then, it must look for a suitable person for the “Position of Pastor”. While selecting a staff or pastor, his qualifications, experience, leadership abilities, skills, his faith / beliefs etc. must be considered. If he is suitable for the post, he should be appointed.
The following chart (in the next page) can be used as a model for position description and selecting a staff through an interview. Before selecting a staff, his / her responsibilities must be defined. To whom he / she should “report to” must be also decided as well.
Responsibility
Responsibility here means the work, and duty of an appointed person. Ex. Pastor’s responsibilities are conducting church service, worship, preaching, and teaching God’s word, Training others for ministry, house visitation and prayer for needy, counselling etc.
Reporting to
“Reporting to” here means to whom a staff must report about his / her duty, ministry etc.
Ex: Pastors must report about his ministry to church board or committee or to bishop. If he is junior, he should report to Senior Pastors.
CHURCH STAFF SELECTION INTERVIEW CHART (MODEL)
Position | Job Responsibilities and Duties / Relation to other staff etc. | Biblical Qualification (Is he scripturally fit?) | Educational Qualification (Is he academically fit?) | Leadership Abilities (Is he Spiritually matured?) | Experience in ministry (in years) | Faith/ belief (Denomi-national back-ground) |
Pastor | Responsibility:Preaching / Teaching God’s word, visiting houses, conducting worship, Counselling, Training New Leaders etc.Reporting to:to Church Board | |||||
Assistant Pastor | -do- | |||||
Sunday School Teacher | Responsibility:Reporting to: | |||||
Youth Director | Responsibility:Reporting to: | |||||
Music Director | Responsibility:Reporting to | |||||
Bible Woman | Responsibility:Reporting to: | |||||
Missionary | Responsibility:Reporting to: |
Note : The Church Board or Committee can interview the people who have applied for the post. It can appoint a person for the particular post, if he / she is suitable with necessary qualifications, leadership abilities, and necessary experience.
Warning
While you interview a person for a particular post in church, you interview him / her about his / her faith and beliefs. If his beliefs are contrary to the biblical teaching, he should not be selected for appointment. You should appoint a right person with right qualification and right beliefs for the right ministry.
Team Work
The church is the body of Christ. Every member has a specific function for the growth of church. Hence the staff of church must work as a team for the promotion of ministry. Team mentality is necessary among the staff of church or mission. Team mentality comes only when there is oneness of mind. Love for God can only bring oneness of mind among staff.
Basic Qualifications of a Team Leader (Christian Team Leader)
He should be biblically qualified.
He should be spiritually matured.
He must be able to lead the people with love.
He must be able to motivate others.
He should be ready to appreciate others for their success.
He should not look for money, fame and self-glory.
He should have balanced mind to evaluate the matters and issues through discussion.
He should not be partial toward team members.
D. Records Keeping
The church must have proper records about its function and progress. The records are the source for church progress and ministry progress. Every church must have the following records.
Family Records (Family Register)
This book will have the details of every family of the church. As soon as a member is baptized, his family is included in the family record. Each family is recorded in number (Family Number). This record will contain the details of family, including address, names of members of family, their date of birth, date of baptism, date of marriage,etc. One cannot claim membership certificate, If his / her name is not found in this register.
Baptism Register
This book will have only the names and address of all members who are baptized. All those who are baptized and attained the age 18 (Eighteen) will have the right of vote. Since baptism register has the names of voters, this register is also known as “Voters Register”.
Note : Every church must decide about its voting system and the age limit for voting according to the church environment.
Property Register
This register has the details about the articles in the church. It includes about the number of chairs, benches, tables, vessels, public Audience System, Fans etc. It includes the details of both movable and immovable properties. This register is also known as “Infrastructure Records” or “Articles Register” or Store Register.
Salary Register
It records about the salary or support to staff. The staff must put his signature, when he receives his / her salary / support.
Announcement Register
This register will record all the official announcements made in the church. The announcement and the date of announcements are recorded and signed by the pastor and a deacon every Sunday.
Minutes Book
This book will record all the decision of church committee. The church committee may assemble either every month or week. Every decision the committee decides must be recorded properly in the minutes book.
These are the important register books that have to be maintained in the church. However, some churches have “Planning Register” which records all their plans for every year. The financial records like cash book, Ledger book are also maintained.
Note : The churches can have their own Records and Register Booksii as they need in their local context. Here, we have listed the important registers only.
Rights of Members
One who has got his / her name in the family register has the right to claim membership. The member has the right to have his / her marriage service in the church. They have also got the right to get a burial ground, when they go away from this world to be with the Lord. A stranger or a visitor can not claim these rights, just because he visited the church.
However, a person can ask for marriage service conducted officially by the church, for him / her or for his / her relatives (son / daughter), after six months atleast from the date of becoming a member of church. If he asks for marriage service in the church, after a few days he joined, the church committee must decide his / her request. If his request is genuine, committee can decide in favour of his / her request. If committee is not satisfied about his / her request for marriage, it can ask him to wait for six months. Or it can reject his / her request, if there is any falsehood associated with marriage (Example of falsehood: Polygamy, Illegal marriage, child marriage, unbelievers marriage etc.)
Voting Right
Every baptized member of church will have voting right at the age of eighteen years old. (Note : Only believers who accept Jesus Christ as their saviour must be baptized.)
Note : Every church can have its own voting system without violating the principles of God’s word.
Conclusion
This subject has dealt about the important principles of church Management. However, every church can form its own management system based on God’s word. May God Bless Your Ministry.
Student’s Assignment
What is the foundation of Christian Management?
Write about the Biblical need of Christian Management.
What is church Management?
Make an annual budget for your church / ministry.
What are the basic qualifications of a Team Leader?