Spiritual Gifts, Administration

The permanent spiritual gift of administration or administrative leadership is sometimes called the gift of governments because it has delegated authority from the pastor-teacher. This gift is given to male believers only. Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 12:28.

"or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:8, NASB)

"And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues." (1 Corinthians 12:28, NASB)

In Romans 12:8, “administrations” is the present middle participle of προΐ́στημι (proistēmi) and means to stand before, to attend to, thus to lead. This is leadership with diligence which relates to authority while 1 Corinthians 12:28 mentions “administrations” which can also be translated as “governments.” Therefore, the spiritual gift of administration involves both authority and leadership in the local church.

This spiritual gift is held by the deacons in the local church who hold leadership positions such as the chairman and vice chairman of the deacon board. Some believers may serve as deacons without this gift, but must possess the gift of service. The spiritual gift of administration is also held by those who hold positions on missionary boards, leaders of Christian service organizations, and those who manage training of children in the local church. The gift of administration is, therefore, linked to the operations of the local church. Those who serve on committees must have the gift of service. See category on Service, Spiritual Gift.

Pastor-teachers are responsible for identifying men who have this gift and appointing them to appropriate positions in the local church. The very existence of this permanent gift emphasizes the fact that the primary responsibility of the pastor is not administration. One important point should be understood. A male believer may be good at running some business or organization, but that ability does not mean he has this spiritual gift. The gift of administration calls for more than simply effective administrative function. It is a spiritual gift which is sensitive to the needs of the local church and how they are best administered.

1 Timothy 3:4-5 and 1 Timothy 3:12 use προΐ́στημι (proistēmi) to mean “to manage.”

"He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)," (1 Timothy 3:4-5, NASB)

"Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households." (1 Timothy 3:12, NASB)

1 Timothy 5:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12 use προΐ́στημι (proistēmi) to mean “to rule” and “to have charge over you” in reference to pastors teaching Bible doctrine.

"The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17, NASB)

"But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction," (1 Thessalonians 5:12, NASB)

Titus 3:8 and Titus 3:14 use προΐ́στημι (proistēmi) to mean “to engage” in maintaining or administering divine good production. It also has a secular connotation to profess honest occupations, to make it their business to do good.

"This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men." (Titus 3:8, NASB)

"Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful." (Titus 3:14, NASB)

In Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 11:14, and Proverbs 24:6, תּחבּלה (tachbûlâh) in the Hebrew is used and means wise counsel, advice, and wise guidance respectively.

"A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel," (Proverbs 1:5, NASB)

"Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory." (Proverbs 11:14, NASB)

"For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory." (Proverbs 24:6, NASB)

In 1 Corinthians 12:28, κυβέρνησις (kubernēsis) means administrations and is listed as one of the spiritual gifts.

In Acts 27:11 and Revelation 18:17, a similar word κυβερνήτης (kubernētēs) is used as a pilot and as a shipmaster respectively.

"But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul." (Acts 27:11, NASB)

"for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!' And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance," (Revelation 18:17, NASB)

In 2 Timothy 2:15, the phrase “be diligent” is the verb σπουδάζω (spoudazō) in the Greek and means hard work, to exert one’s self, to endeavor, to give diligence. The believer with this spiritual gift is to perform his ministry with diligence. The word “accurately” is ὀρθοτομέω (orthotomeō) and means to make straight and smooth, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly. This noun involves perspiration and faithfulness. This is the ability to handle details decently and in order without getting entangled.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB)

In 1 Corinthians 14:40, “be done” is the present passive imperative of γίνομαι (ginomai) and means to let things become. The word “properly” is εὐσχημόνως (euschēmonōs) and means in a seemly manner, decently, properly. The word “orderly” is τάξις (taxis) and is in the locative case, locative of sphere in logical sequence. This would be the metaphorical use of the locative case and means in a right order, orderly. Therefore, spiritual production logically and chronologically. This has to do with outward spiritual maturity and refers to honest conduct. It also denotes the external quality of the Christian life. A translation from the Greek is; “and let all things, honestly, orderly, and according to their right order, come to be, or become.”

"But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner." (1 Corinthians 14:40, NASB)

Other meanings of the Greek word τάξις (taxis) are: an arrangement, a fixed succession in a fixed time in Luke 1:8, a right order in 1 Corinthians 14:40, an orderly condition, the post or task a person holds.

"Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division," (Luke 1:8, NASB)

In Romans 13:1, “established” is τάσσω (tassō) and means are established or to appoint, or to arrange, to place in a certain order.

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (Romans 13:1, NASB)

Other related words of tassō include τάγμα (tagma) in 1 Corinthians 15:23 and means that which has been arranged, things placed in order, certain bands, troops, or classifications and τακτός (taktos) in Acts 12:21 which means ordered, arranged, fixed.

"But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming," (1 Corinthians 15:23, NASB)

"On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them." (Acts 12:21, NASB)

In 1 Thessalonians 4:12, “properly” refers to not giving those outside of the local church a justifiable criticism of their honesty within. For example, paying of bills, etc.

"so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." (1 Thessalonians 4:12, NASB)

These verses above are in the present passive imperative thus indicating they are commands. Through an exercise of spiritual gifts, things become honest and in right order, i.e. administrations gift. The term honest or decent relates the ministry of the spiritual gifts to the outward spiritually mature life. This would include the business life, family life, etc.

As the things are brought into a “right order” or perspective, then they become honest and present a better Christian testimony. The passive voice of the verb means that they must become “orderly.” This relates to the divine good production in the spiritual life, primarily of spiritual gifts functioning to bring this to pass.

The spirit of 1 Corinthians 14:40 is indicated in this spiritual gift. This spiritual gift exemplifies a divine ability to control details, to handle details in the Angelic Conflict without getting overcome by them. They are the deacons of Acts 6. This, among other spiritual gifts, relieves the communicators of Bible doctrine (pastor-teachers and evangelists) of a multitude of details allowing them to study, pray, and teach. Acts 6:4.

""But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."" (Acts 6:4, NASB)

This spiritual gift is needed on a deacon board, in business, or as a politician in government. 1 Tim. 3, 1 Tim. 6. Your business is your full time Christian service. The premise is that a businessman is an administrator, where this spiritual gift enables him to be highly esteemed by his employees.

In 1 Timothy 6:1, the Greek word for “doctrine” is διδασκαλία (didaskalia) and means teaching, instruction. The phrase “worthy of all honor” means the mental attitude of the employer who is a believer generates a good mental attitude in their employees by keeping the application of Bible doctrine as it relates to business and in its proper place.

"All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against." (1 Timothy 6:1, NASB)

Administration Outside the Local Church

Spiritual gifts are not limited to so called Christian service. Your right job is your spiritual service. It is your full time Christian service. You are to have the proper prospective in your employees and employer relationships. 1 Tim. 6:2.

"Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles." (1 Timothy 6:2, NASB)

In 1 Timothy 6:2, “disrespectful” is the present active imperative of καταφρονέω (kataphroneō) and means to think down, to look down your nose, to not respect, esteem, or recognize their authority. “Serve them” is the present active imperative of δουλεύω (douleuō) and means to be a slave, serve, do service, to obey in a good sense, to yield obedience.

Businesses typically have three general divisions just as a local congregation is typically structured with the pastor-teacher, deacon board, and the congregation. Phil. 1:1.

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:" (Philippians 1:1, NASB)

One owner or chief executive. He is the general. He cuts through the red tape. He assumes all responsibility. He is the policy maker, vetoer. He has the highest authority. He pays the bills and wages. He hires and fires ultimately unless it is quite a large business. He is the enforcer, he keeps slop out of his business, and takes up the slack. He works hard, expects his employees to do so, but is a man of grace.

Several executives, officers, and managers/supervisors. They reflect the position of the chief executive. They get their delegated authority from the chief. They report and are responsible to the chief. They are a mediation between the employees and the chief, as they are employees, but they are more responsible to their boss than to lower level employees. Why? The employees never call the shots. However, what they think is important.

Pay is usually commensurate with the amount of authority, responsibility, and ability. Production is rewarded in business. Authority always gets its character from the higher rather than the lower. The chain of command is God (and Bible), then chief executive, executives or officers, managers or supervisors, and rank and file employees.

Danger areas to watch in any organization involve mental attitude sins of discontent and lack of authority orientation. Levels of authority and responsibilities must be defined. 1 Tim. 6:3-5.

"If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain." (1 Timothy 6:3-5, NASB)

In 1 Timothy 6:4, “disputes about words” is λογομαχία (logomachia). It is an interpretation term and means to wrangle about empty and trifling matters. The word “envy” is φθόνος (phthonos) and means jealousy. This is a mental attitude of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others.

“Strife” is ἔρις (eris) and means an overt manifestation of mental attitude, a language expression of discontent. The phrase “abusive language” is βλασφημία (blasphēmia) and means to blast authority, can be directed against God, but here is undermining the authority of the foremen or chief. The word “suspicions” is ὑπόνοια (huponoia) and means conjecture, surmising, often a personal attack on the chief, or foremen. These are evil machinations.

In 1 Timothy 6:5, “constant friction” is διαπαντός (diapantos) and means a constant, incessant wrangling and irritation. The word “deprived” is the perfect passive participle of ἀποστερέω (apostereō) means a pious fraud and refers to one robbed of Bible doctrine through the corrupt condition of the mind. The word “suppose” is the present active participle of νομίζω (nomizō) and means to deem, to think, to suppose. The phrase “means of gain” is πορισμός (porismos) and means making procurement or providing a way of life. His purpose in life is to provide for his family and he makes 1 Timothy 5:8 a way of life. His job is his religion. When he loses it, he loses all.

"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8, NASB)

In 1 Timothy 6:6, “godliness” is εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) and refers to the filling of Holy Spirit accompanied with contentment. The word “contentment” is αὐτάρκεια (autarkeia) and refers to the perfect environment in the soul.

"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment." (1 Timothy 6:6, NASB)

Principles of Administration

All believers administrate in some capacity. All must administrate even though some don’t have the spiritual gift. Also, all must do the work of an evangelist even though all do not have the spiritual gift of evangelism.

Proverbs 25:1-7 contains principles to use when in success. In Proverbs 25:2, “to conceal a matter” means that God often conceals a truth until the proper time. It is concealed in the mind then brought out at the proper time. The phrase “glory of kings” means a sense of responsibility. The king is an administrator. An administrator must be unbiased, unprejudiced, fair and impartial in the fulfillment of their responsibility. The word “matter” is דּבר (dâbâr) and means a word, a matter, a situation and refers to Bible doctrine.

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." (Proverbs 25:2, NASB)

An administrator needs a sense of responsibility toward God. This is spelled out through Bible doctrine. All believers are in full time Christian service. There is no such thing as dedication to full time Christian service. As long as you are in this life, you are in full time Christian service. You are to do everything as unto the Lord, not to just get ahead or because it’s the thing to do or because of approbation or power lust, it is the proper motivation.

An administrator must not judge on the basis of personal likes or dislikes. This is describing the mental attitude of anyone in responsible positions. They must look at life from divine viewpoint. Hezekiah is in view here, but he failed. He knew religion was wrong. He abolished it, but there must be doctrine and he didn’t have it. He didn’t get it from Isaiah, the greatest Bible doctrine man in the ancient world. He began to think human viewpoint. In pride, he stopped paying taxes to Assyria and went to Egypt for help. Isaiah 30-31.

An administrator is one in authority who must base his authority on something higher than himself. He is a human being simply like any other human being. He may have more determination or perseverance, more ability, better training, or better planning. Sometimes a general in the army isn’t any smarter than a sergeant. They must be anchored to a plan greater than they are. They can’t move their subordinates by saying, “I’d be pleased if you’d do that.”

An administrator must master the details of life by proper priorities, putting doctrine ahead of detail and by doing the unpleasant things first in a day. Do not procrastinate. Formulate a plan and then work the plan. An administration must have dignity and poise. Prov. 25:3.

"As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable." (Proverbs 25:3, NASB)

Anyone in authority is a human being. No such thing exists as a superman. Some people put others on a pedestal in their minds. They think in terms of background, prejudices, pressure, and concept. Some may not like their mannerisms or the way they part their hair. Anyone in command should never let on how they feel. The personal feelings of a leader should be just as obscure, just as unknown as the universe at large.

In Proverbs 25:3, the word “unsearchable” is חקר (chêqer) with the negative participle and means unquestioned. Leaders or administrators in a local church cannot cater to anyone regardless of who they are. Granted, someone has to keep the place running. But, a pastor can never cow-tow to any local family or group. He must have no partiality.

An administrator should never use his authority or high office to avenge his enemies. This is often done today where a man uses his office to take care of his personal vendettas. In other words, the mind of a king must be free from mental attitude sins, envy, spite, and hostility. His private life must be locked up in his frontal lobe.

A stabilized, mature, administrator leads to a stabilized nation, church, corporation, etc. In Proverbs 25:4, the phrase “Take away the dross” is an analogy and means anything that keeps the metal from being pure. Silver ore cannot be made into a vessel, at least not by ancient methods. For silver ore to be turned into a silver vessel of any kind, there must be a refining process to remove impurities. A silversmith will take the purified metal and mold it into a very beautiful vessel. The metal must be purified before it is usable.

"Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith;" (Proverbs 25:4, NASB)

Before the country of Judah could be rescued from their disaster situation, there had to be a national purification. Isaiah had a tremendous ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people were saved and began to learn and apply Bible doctrine. The dross was religion, legalism and apostacy. Only Bible doctrine in the soul can replace the dross of religion, legalism and apostacy.

In Proverbs 25:5, “wicked” refers to the current king’s state department. In Isaiah 36:3, these were the three frightened men worried, distraught, and in panic mode. Assyria had been undefeated in 2,000 years of battle. These men are phased out and Isaiah became the advisor at that point. In a time of crisis, a man of doctrine was needed. As a result, the kingdom of Israel was delivered from the Assyrians.

"Take away the wicked before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness." (Proverbs 25:5, NASB)

"Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came out to him." (Isaiah 36:3, NASB)

“Be established in righteousness” means to take away apostacy, false doctrine and human viewpoint. “Established” means to be stabilized in righteousness by the removal of the false state department in Isaiah 36:3. There was a maximum number of people with Bible doctrine.

An administrator must not be arrogant. In Proverbs 25:6-7, the failures of Hezekiah are in the past and he had confessed his sins and was stabilized. We are to not to try to put on a false humility before God. We are to confess our known sins to God the Father and move ahead in the spiritual life. Dispense with the apologetic manner.

"Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here," Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen." (Proverbs 25:6-7, NASB)

In Proverbs 25:6, this refers to standing in your mental attitude in a place of greatness. Pride, approbation lust, and power lust are the mental attitude sins involved here. Hezekiah made Egyptian policy. He wanted everyone to bow and scrape to him. This verse means to not display arrogance in the presence of the king and do not stand at a table with the seats of the greater people. In Proverbs 25:7, the best thing is to take a lower station and then be asked to come to a higher station rather than to be at the right hand of the king and be displaced to a lower station.

The administrator must oversee, troubleshoot, and occasionally “crack the whip” to keep the organization from getting sloppy and as such must demand respect. They must “keep their cool” through criticism. An administrator must have the ability to keep the communication lines open and have the ability to express themselves and to make themselves clear. They must have the ability to think through a situation and think ahead.