One crucial area that every serious servant of God must give attention to in this present age is the stewardship and administration of the local church. God is doing mighty and marvelous things among His people, yet poor church management has unfortunately hindered or distorted many of these divine moves. To effectively rise to the occasion and face the realities of leading God’s house in this 21st century, every pastor, overseer, and ministry leader must understand and embrace the following seven kingdom truths:
SEVEN FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS ABOUT CHURCH MANAGEMENT
1. THE CHURCH IS GOD’S HOLY HERITAGE ON EARTH.
The church does not belong to man—it is the body of Christ and the only institution established by God Himself to fulfill His eternal purpose on the earth.
2. THERE IS A DIVINE PARTNERSHIP: GOD HAS HIS ROLE, AND WE HAVE OURS.
If the church must grow into the full measure of Christ, leaders must play their roles diligently while depending wholly on the Holy Spirit.
3. POOR MANAGEMENT CAN SABOTAGE DIVINE VISION.
Even if God gives a powerful mandate, mismanagement can lead to stagnation, conflict, or collapse.
4. A THRIVING AND SPIRITUALLY ALIVE CHURCH REQUIRES EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION.
Just like the early church, our churches need structure and wisdom to remain healthy and grow.
5. CHURCH LEADERSHIP IS MORE SPIRITUAL AND MORE DELICATE THAN SECULAR LEADERSHIP.
We are not managing an organization, but the bride of Christ—souls purchased by His blood.
6. YESTERDAY’S METHODS CANNOT HANDLE TODAY’S REALITIES.
We must be open to Spirit-led strategies that meet the demands of this current generation.
7. IN KINGDOM LEADERSHIP, WE STEWARD RESOURCES BUT LEAD PEOPLE.
We must never forget that God’s people are not to be “managed” like assets—they are to be shepherded with love and wisdom.
WHAT IS CHURCH MANAGEMENT?
Church management is the Spirit-led coordination and administration of the church’s affairs to fulfill the Great Commission and nurture the body of Christ unto maturity.
It involves the godly stewardship of:
- People – the saints and ministers,
- Provision – financial and material resources,
- Purpose – vision and mission as directed by the Holy Spirit.
Scriptural Foundation:
- Exodus 18:17–23 – Moses was advised to delegate authority for more effective leadership.
- Acts 6:1–7 – The early church faced a logistical challenge in food distribution. By implementing Spirit-guided leadership and administrative order, the apostles solved the problem, and the church experienced explosive growth.
KEY ADMINISTRATIVE CHALLENGES IN TODAY’S CHURCH
1. THE PROBLEM OF CHURCH CONSTITUTION
Many ministry breakaways and internal conflicts stem from adopting constitutions that don’t reflect the spiritual and structural needs of the local church. For example, a Pentecostal church that adopts a Baptist-style congregational constitution—where decision-making lies with the congregation—will experience friction if its leadership believes in a theocratic or pastoral-led model. Every church must prayerfully craft a constitution in alignment with their doctrine, government structure, and Spirit-led vision. When a constitution becomes a constriction, it must be reviewed.
2. THE ABSENCE OR MISAPPLICATION OF CHURCH POLICIES
Policies provide biblical order for how a church functions—from employment to ordination, welfare, church planting, and pastor transfers. Without such clear direction, churches become political rather than spiritual. Wrong or outdated policies hinder growth; correct and Spirit-inspired policies create peace and progress.
3. THE ISSUE OF STAFFING
The people who work in the ministry—both spiritual and administrative—play a major role in its destiny.
There are:
- Ministry staff – such as pastors, teachers, evangelists (Eph. 4:11-12)
- Serving staff – like deacons and volunteers (Acts 6:1-7)
When unqualified or misaligned individuals are placed in sensitive positions, the result is confusion and decline. Many pastors serve for years without letters of employment or defined responsibilities. This is unwise and unbiblical.
4. UNBIBLICAL ORDINATION PRACTICES
Many churches today either ordain carelessly or withhold ordination unjustly, often based on favoritism or financial gain. Ordination should be a sacred act led by the Spirit of God. Misuse leads to bitterness, confusion, and rebellion in the church.
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5. ABUSE OF CHURCH TITLES
Titles like “Archbishop,” “Field Marshal,” or “Chief Apostle” are now more sought after than the mantle of God’s anointing. Where there is no biblical guideline for assigning titles, pride, confusion, and unhealthy competition arise. True spiritual authority comes from heaven—not human exaltation.
6. POOR MINISTERS’ WELFARE
If the church expects pastors and ministers to labor faithfully, their welfare must be prioritized. A church that neglects its workers will eventually suffer loss. Many pastors leave or start their own ministries not because of pride, but because of neglect. A well-supported pastor is more likely to stay committed and fruitful.
7. “HEADQUARTERS HEADACHE”
Many denominations suffer from centralized abuse, where the headquarters receives all the resources, while branches are left dry and struggling. When branches are over-taxed and under-supported, growth becomes difficult. There must be mutual honor, support, and fair accountability between headquarters and branches. As it is said: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.”
8. LACK OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING
A leader who is not trained cannot lead well. Training imparts knowledge, character, and direction. Sadly, many church leaders today occupy spiritual offices without proper biblical or leadership training. A training-less church will always remain a powerless church. Regular, Spirit-filled training should be a non-negotiable standard.
9. LACK OF DISCIPLINARY STRUCTURE
Discipline is part of discipleship. Where there is no correction, lawlessness abounds. A church without a spiritual and accountable disciplinary system will breed rebellion, division, and disgrace. Every church must have a mature, Spirit-filled disciplinary committee that handles sensitive issues in love and integrity.
CONCLUSION
The challenges facing church leadership and administration in the 21st century are enormous, and they cannot be handled with fleshly wisdom. It will take divine insight, the help of the Holy Spirit, and a firm commitment to biblical principles. May the Lord raise more wise, faithful, and Spirit-led shepherds who will manage His house in righteousness and prepare His bride for His coming.
“Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” – Matthew 24:46