Your Gift Administration

In his First Letter to the Corinthians Paul cites “administrators” as one of God’s gifts to the Christian community (1 Cor 12:28). But many who serve in administrative service today have difficulty seeing how their everyday work is an expression of discipleship. This book, written by an experienced administrator and noted biblical scholar, shows how the various functions of institutional administration are deeply rooted in the Scriptures and are a genuine expression of our call to discipleship. Leadership, mission statements and planning, finances and fund raising, personnel issues, communications, and public relations—all of these seemingly “secular” activities serve to build up the Body of Christ and deserve to be recognized as authentic Christian ministry. To see administrative service as a biblically rooted gift can help those involved in this way of life to find deeper and more satisfying spiritual meaning in what they do.

You are focused, motivated, and believe all things should be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). Your ministry is very important in the church, as well as in the business world. Because of your God-given gift, and the skills you have likely developed, you should be able to exercise your gift in the organizational end of any ministry setting. Find out more about the gift and the ministry of Administration in this book. Topics include: “What Is Administration?” “Establishing Personal Goals and Priorities,” “Preparing and Implementing Effective Plans,” “Involving and Motivating Others in Ministry,” “Delegating Responsibility and Authority,” “Making the Right Decision at the Right Time,” “Finding Your Place on the Ministry Team,” “Identifying Your Giftedness in Administration.” In addition, you will find “A Two-Year Plan to Begin Thinking Like an Administrator.” Consists of seven chapters and two appendixes to help you develop and use your gift of administration.

In his First Letter to the Corinthians Paul cites "administrators" as one of God's gifts to the Christian community (1 Cor 12:28). But many who serve in administrative service today have difficulty seeing how their everyday work is an expression of discipleship. This book, written by an experienced administrator and noted biblical scholar, shows how the various functions of institutional administration are deeply rooted in the Scriptures and are a genuine expression of our call to discipleship. Leadership, mission statements and planning, finances and fund raising, personnel issues, communications, and public relations--all of these seemingly "secular" activities serve to build up the Body of Christ and deserve to be recognized as authentic Christian ministry. To see administrative service as a biblically rooted gift can help those involved in this way of life to find deeper and more satisfying spiritual meaning in what they do.

Have you ever asked yourself: "Why am I here?" Made for a Mission offers a biblical informed, strategic method to help you answer this all-important question. "Ever wonder what it was like to have been on the ground floor with Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com or Pierre Omidyar of eBay.com? Wonder no longer. Join Dave Posthuma and hold on -- the future of the church is forming right before your eyes and under your feet." Leonard Sweet, Author and Futurist "Dave Posthuma and E-Church Essentials share my passion to train and inspire leaders to live authentic lives of great impact. Rarely do you meet someone as passionate about the church with the technological genius of Dave..Pay attention to what he is doing and access his outrageous resource. It will help you as you both grow and organize your church." Dan Webster, Author and Founder of Authentic Leadership

Ann Garrido’s 2009 article in America magazine on the spirituality of administration in Catholic settings created a wave of demand in this successful academic administrator’s already full speaking schedule. Garrido admits that she sometimes finds administration draining, even boring, as it fractures her days into “tiny shards of time” that make it impossible to focus on “the big ideas.” And yet she has found spiritual gifts in her many years as a theologian, parish minister, and administrator in higher education. In Redeeming Administration, she reveals those gifts by examining twelve spiritual habits for Catholic leaders in parishes, schools, religious communities, and other institutions—presenting a saint who embodies each habit—and showing readers how to experience their administrative work as a crucial ministry of the Church. A brief prayer and questions for personal reflection, group conversation, or spiritual direction complete each chapter. Free downloads to accompany Redeeming Administration include a small-group guide and prayer resources.

You are focused, motivated, and believe all things should be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). Your ministry is very important in the church, as well as in the business world. Because of your God-given gift, and the skills you have likely developed, you should be able to exercise your gift in the organizational end of any ministry setting. Find out more about the gift and the ministry of Administration in this book. Topics include: "What Is Administration?" "Establishing Personal Goals and Priorities," "Preparing and Implementing Effective Plans," "Involving and Motivating Others in Ministry," "Delegating Responsibility and Authority," "Making the Right Decision at the Right Time," "Finding Your Place on the Ministry Team," "Identifying Your Giftedness in Administration." In addition, you will find "A Two-Year Plan to Begin Thinking Like an Administrator." Consists of seven chapters and two appendixes to help you develop and use your gift of administration. Includes: 71-page book in PDF format. Also available as a download (item #908). THE CD IS NOT AUDIO. It contains the book in PDF format for viewing on your computer. We recommend that you also read How to Find Meaning and Fulfillment through Understanding the Spiritual Gift Within You, to gain a better understanding of spiritual gifts and how they relate to your daily life and ministry. How to Find Meaning and Fulfillment... is available in a revised edition as a PDF downloadable file (#904) or CD (#904C) or in the original printed edition (#405K).