Spiritual Gift of Administration

The spiritual gift of administration is a divine ability God gives to some to steer the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising others.  It is an enablement to understand what makes an organization function and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry. The church is an organization, and it must have leaders and organizers.

spiritual gift of administration

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  (Acts 6:1-4 NIV)

Getting Things Done

The gift of administration shares similarities with the gift of leadership but serves a distinctly different role. While leadership focuses on setting goals and charting the overall direction for the church body, administration takes charge of the execution—steering the course and coordinating the moving parts needed to achieve those goals. This gift thrives in the details, allocating resources effectively and organizing tasks to ensure progress. Administrators focus on the present, striving to accomplish each task at hand with precision, and eagerly preparing for the next challenge. Their exceptional organizational abilities and talent for motivating others make them an indispensable part of the church body. Without their guidance, long-term goals might be set but achieved only slowly or with difficulty.

As illustrated in Acts 6, those with the gift of administration played a crucial role in ensuring the practical needs of the early church were met, freeing others to focus on preaching and teaching. Administrators find spiritual fulfillment in witnessing the results of their efforts, knowing their work supports and enables other ministries to thrive. Their ability to manage resources and identify individuals with complementary spiritual gifts ensures the church operates effectively and collaboratively to fulfill its mission.

Martin Luther on the Spiritual Gift of Administration

Martin Luther did not specifically focus on the spiritual gift of administration in the way he addressed gifts like teaching or prophecy, but his teachings and understanding of the church and its functions can provide insight into how he might have viewed the gift of administration.

Luther emphasized the importance of order, structure, and the proper organization of the church. He believed that the church needed to be well-ordered and that every believer had a role to play in the body of Christ. While Luther may not have explicitly named administration as a spiritual gift, he likely would have recognized the need for individuals to manage the church’s resources, structure, and operations effectively to support the ministry and work of the Gospel.

In Luther’s time, the church’s physical and administrative needs were important for maintaining its function, especially as the Reformation led to changes in church governance and structure. He would have understood that the gift of administration, as a practical gift, was crucial in ensuring that the church could carry out its mission. It would have been seen as a gift that helps sustain and support the ministry, allowing other gifts like preaching, teaching, and evangelism to flourish.

John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Administration

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, did not specifically outline or focus on the spiritual gift of administration in the same way that some modern theological traditions might. However, Wesley’s writings and teachings emphasize the importance of leadership, organization, and effective management within the church, which align with the principles of administration as a spiritual gift.

Wesley believed that the Church was a community of believers united in the work of spreading the Gospel, and he placed significant importance on the effective management of church resources, leaders, and ministries to ensure the flourishing of this mission. He recognized that for a movement to grow and for the church to fulfill its calling, good governance and clear organizational structures were necessary. In this sense, Wesley would have seen the gift of administration as essential for the Church’s health and effectiveness.

As a pragmatic leader, Wesley introduced a system of class meetings, circuits, and itinerant preaching that required effective organization, oversight, and management. The structure of Methodism relied heavily on administrative skills to ensure that leaders could care for congregants, maintain church operations, and coordinate widespread ministry efforts. He recognized that effective leadership and governance were necessary for maintaining order and enabling the movement’s rapid expansion. This practical approach to church leadership and organization reflects a recognition of the importance of administration, even if not explicitly categorized as a distinct spiritual gift.

Wesley’s commitment to both spiritual and practical aspects of ministry suggests that he would have valued the gift of administration as essential for supporting the work of evangelism and discipleship. In his view, leadership, management, and organization were not separate from spiritual work, but integral to fulfilling God’s mission through the Church. Therefore, those who possess administrative abilities were seen as crucial to the vitality and growth of the church.

The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Administration

In the Catholic Church, the gift of administration is often recognized as a crucial charism, sometimes referred to as the gift of governance or leadership. While it may not be explicitly listed among the seven traditional gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord), administration is understood as a vital spiritual gift that supports the Church’s mission and structure. The gift of administration involves the ability to organize, lead, and oversee various aspects of church life, ensuring that the physical and practical needs of the community are met while maintaining a focus on its spiritual goals.

This gift is seen as essential for leaders within the Church—such as bishops, priests, deacons, and lay ministers—who are entrusted with overseeing the daily functioning of the Church’s ministries, managing resources, coordinating activities, and guiding others toward the fulfillment of God’s will. It is believed to be a divine enablement to lead and serve the Church in a way that fosters harmony, order, and effective action, allowing the broader community to flourish in its mission of evangelization, worship, and service.

The gift of administration is also viewed as a means of supporting the other spiritual gifts within the Church. Those with this gift are often called to recognize and develop the talents of others, ensuring that each member’s charisms are used effectively for the collective good. It involves a balance of practical wisdom, organizational skill, and a servant leadership mindset, which are all integral to advancing the work of the Church in a world that is constantly changing.

Ultimately, in Catholic teaching, the gift of administration is considered a valuable charism that enhances the Church’s ability to fulfill its divine mission. It allows the Church to remain orderly and focused on its spiritual mission while managing the material aspects of ministry, creating an environment where other gifts can be exercised to their fullest potential.

People with this Gift:

  • Develop strategies and detailed plans to achieve identified goals, ensuring clear direction and effective execution.
  • Help ministries and organizations become more effective and efficient by optimizing processes and workflows.
  • Bring order to organizational chaos, transforming complex challenges into manageable tasks and streamlined operations.
  • Manage and coordinate multiple responsibilities, overseeing various aspects of a task to ensure completion.
  • Organize people, tasks, and events, often acting as project managers to ensure smooth execution and alignment of efforts.
  • Assign roles, set priorities, and ensure team members work cohesively toward shared objectives, maintaining focus and organization.
  • Provide a structured framework that allows teams to thrive, maximizing productivity and progress toward goals.

Bible References

Acts 6:1-7Disciples chosen to administer to the needs of the widows
1 Corinthians 12:28Paul mentions the gift of administration
Hebrews 13:7, 17Exhortations for your leaders
James 2:15-17Faith without works is “dead”
1 Timothy 3:1-5The qualities required in church leaders who are responsible for managing and overseeing the church,
Titus 1:5-9Putting in order and managing the church

References

  • Stanley, 83-97
  • Graham, 200-202

Other Gifts