The Administrator and the Pastor’s Vision
By Diana Reed

God already has a preferred future written for your pastor and your church. An administrator’s job is to support the pastor as he seeks for that vision, and then help him craft and communicate it. Although there is a spiritual side to vision, there is also a practical component. It is in this practical component that the administrator can play a key role. With a few basic skills, some hard work, and a great attitude, anything is possible!

Capture important moments of vision casting.
It is common for administrators to be in a meeting or session where the pastor shares his vision for an event, for a year, for a season, or perhaps even for the church’s projected future in the city. Be ready to write, and write quickly! Learn to take good notes. Capture the spirit and scope of the expression.

Sometimes a leader will articulate the vision and the details necessary to begin the actual work. However, many times a leader’s gifting lies in seeing the big picture or in communicating the vision, but not necessarily in outlining the details to execute the vision. Learn to listen to your pastor and truly support him by being the next step in the process. I live by Habbakuk 2:2, “Write the vision, and make it plain . . . that he may run that readeth it” Do not be afraid to ask questions and get clarity. When you leave the meeting, it may be your job to craft the wording for the vision and to set a plan in place to articulate it. The ultimate goal is to communicate clear vision and a plan for execution so that the goal can be achieved. You may be the bridge between the vision and implementation.

Think in details.
Great things start with great ideas, but as an administrator, your job is to think through the details. Some administrators are naturally gifted in this area; for others this type of thinking requires training and experience. Honing your skills in administrative detail is never wasted time. Picture the vision from beginning to end. Try to think like the saints or volunteers would think. What questions will they ask? When you find the answers, you will find the details needed to orchestrate and execute a plan.

It is helpful to define events, projects, or agendas in a one-page format. This will force you to simplify and clarify the scope of the event or project, and it will give you a way to clearly communicate the vision to others who will work with you. Include deadlines, budget information, volunteer or staff responsibilities, and resources needed.

While working to bring a vision to completion, you should reconnect with the pastor to be sure that you are on track. Sometimes you will need further clarification. These are important discussions that should not be overlooked.

Delegate.
One of the big challenges in the life of an administrator is the temptation to do everything yourself. You probably have organizational gifts that make it easier for you to just execute the plan without engaging others. Learning to work with a team, whether the staff is paid or volunteer, is important to the buy-in and execution of the vision. Team participation also helps to avoid burnout, which is a common problem for administrators. Think through the event or project with others in mind. What do you have to do? What can others do? Sharing the work of the vision will create unity and will build significant relationships. As the vision is realized, the reward will seem greater when it is shared by many.

Celebrate.
Have a party when you reach a goal! It seems that in the work of God we move from one thing to the next with such haste that many times we do not stop long enough to survey what actually has been accomplished and celebrate it. Celebration is important for the pastor, for your administration team, for your staff or volunteers, and for the church. It recognizes what God has done with and for you. Take time to assess the event or project. Debrief those who have worked with you and gather important insight for the next time you do the project or a similar one.

See your gift of administration as a gift. That is what it is. God has obviously put you where you are to serve leadership and to help bring a vision to full maturity. When you have served through this process, you will find great satisfaction in your calling. Give the kingdom your best.

From, “Forward Magazine”/November-December 2008/Volume 39 Issue 6/Page 8, by Diana Reed

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