If you’re a pastor without a team or someone serving in the church admin role, you’re most likely enduring constant pressure because you are trying to do something you aren’t equipped for or enjoy doing. The church administrator has the opportunity to be one of the key people that you rely on as the vision of your church is implemented since they keep many wheels turning in the background, supporting what happens in your ministry each and every week. Some of the biggest challenges that church administrators have are also closely tied to why you need their giftings.
We’ve explored some prominent church administration challenges and would also like to share ideas to help circumvent them.
Lack of communication
Communication helps to determine the level of growth the church will experience. Without multiple forms of communication, the running of the church is compromised as the efficiency and effectiveness of the church will be drastically reduced.
Solution → The church is a living, breathing organism that’s evolving and changing every day. That’s why serving a multi-generational and multi-cultural community demands a multi-faceted approach anchored with the right digital tools and online resources. A church admin who implements a communication platform will equip a ministry to perform several specialized functions so the life and operations of the church operate effectively and cohesively.
Lack of process
This is where so many administrators become overworked and burnt out trying to do it all. If there are no internal processes in place, then the result of extending the arm of fellowship is disorganized and not fruitful. Anthony Hilder shares this benefit of structure, “It leads to good decision-making and governance processes, growth in individuals and ministries, and resources being maximized and used well. It creates a church structure that works.”
Solution → Having good process management practices or tools allows church admin, staff, leaders, and volunteers to follow a formalized, documented, and trackable action plan from the inside out. That’s called a win-win!
Lack of vision
This can be one of the most devastating challenges church administrators face as they can get caught up only in the to-do’s OR suffer a disconnect carrying forth the vision of the Executive Pastor.
Solution → The first step in bringing people along and helping them to create personal ownership for the ministry is to cast a compelling vision. Make sure they understand what God is doing in the midst of the church by asking them to reflect upon all that is happening. Be sure to listen carefully during these times of feedback. Honor each church admin and team member by taking their feedback seriously and helping them to feel valued. This will not only enable the ministry to move forward, but also realign their personal purposes and administrative callings.
Lack of adapting to technology
Sometimes, it can seem that tech puts a barrier between people. But the truth is when technology is utilized fully. It actually provides incredible opportunities to make better connections, inform, instruct, and communicate. Once that fact is realized, opting for a cleaner, smoother next version of ChMS can still be difficult. Updates are time-consuming and laborious challenges in church administration offices felt nationwide.
Solution → When it comes to a ChMS, there are features church admins want and features they have to have. In 2023, most of them are must-haves because people have arrived at a certain set of expectations of how they want to give, check in their kids, get connected, and be involved. Plus, there are certain functions church admin staff and leaders must perform to get their jobs done. Regardless of how awesome the new software solution is, there will be questions and unknowns. But, with a little adjustment to a new platform and constantly available customer support for the entire team, making the switch is a snap with the right ministry partner.
Lack of stewardship
The church needs safeguards and accountability in place all across the board to avoid scandal, eliminate temptation, and create trust with the congregation. A team effort (not just the church admin’s or treasurer’s shoulders) is needed for ministers and leaders to have a voice and ensure – together – that the money spent amounts to wise investments in ministry and not just good financial sense.
Solution → Money makes things happen because it is a tool. Jesus used money to fund His ministry, and in the same manner so should the church. The key for the church administrator is aligning the budgetary priorities with the vision God has given the church to ensure that people’s resources are protected and maximized. Shine a light on the financials to get everyone engaged in the money talks and offer multiple giving options like cash, checks, credit cards, debit, online, mobile, and text giving. The easier it is to give, the more people will do it. Seek God’s will, bring Him honor with the finances received and He will make ministry possible.
Conclusion
This excerpt from a blog adds a healthy perspective to keep in mind, “In most of our churches and organizations, there is a key leader who carries much of the responsibility for leading the direction and vision of the organization, yet most of us aren’t called to function in this 1st chair leader position. Especially in church situations, as a church grows there is an ever-increasing need for other leaders to be empowered, to carry the vision and be part of outworking it, but there are some unique challenges that these leaders face.” Church administrators are part of the body of Christ. Part. It takes each person (1 Corinthians 12:12-14) to do his/her part in the body to move forward together for real ministry to thrive and overcome challenges.
Dean is ACS Technologies’ VP of Corporate Operations. He is responsible for Information Technology and all campus facilities. Born and raised in South Carolina, he has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems Management. He serves on the board and leadership for a few local non-profit organizations. His passions include helping others succeed.
