12Nov 2009 by Nigel Ring

Biblical Administration part 5 – Knowing the Leader’s heart

Administration in the Church, Administrative Skills, Christian ministry, Conference Administration, Equipping, Planning
The right context Knowing the Leader’s heart is a vital key to effective administration. When we looked at the spiritual gift of administration in 1 Cor 12:28 we saw how the Greek word kubernesis, the root of ‘administrating’, equated to the pilot of a ship in New Testament times. He was responsible for the ship’s welfare and a successful voyage but was also physically close to the merchant who had hired him as he was travelling on board. Just picture how, during the voyage, much discussion would have taken place, the vessel being small, and the ‘pilot’ would have learnt much about the Merchant’s business and expectations. Maybe he was even able to suggest helpful ways of increasing the Merchant's trade from the knowledge he had gained during his sea-faring…
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09Nov 2009 by Nigel Ring

Biblical Administration part 4 – The fruit of good Administration

Administration in the Church, Biblical Administration, Christian ministry, Equipping, General, Leadership
Act 6:1-7  (1) Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (2) And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (4 ) But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  (5) And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and…
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02Nov 2009 by Nigel Ring

Biblical Administration part 3 – Administration in the Early Church

Administration in the Church, Biblical Administration, Christian ministry, Cross-culture, Equipping, Leadership, Poor
Birth of the church Pentecost must have been an exciting time! The 120 had been in the Upper Room when the Spirit fell and they rushed out into the street beside themselves with excitement, so much so that people thought they were drunk, despite it being just after breakfast. They were speaking ‘nineteen to the dozen’ in their excitement – even though they were using languages from other nations which they had never formally learned! Following Peter’s sermon in the open air several remarkable things happened: 1. The listeners were deeply convicted of their sin and wanted to know how to be saved. 2. 3000 were baptized and added to the church – no mean administrative exercise in itself! 3. They ‘devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship,…
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29Oct 2009 by Nigel Ring

Biblical Administration part 2 – The Gift of Administration

Administration in the Church, Biblical Administration, Christian ministry, Equipping, Leadership
1Co 12:28  And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. As we can see from this verse administration is placed alongside spiritual gifts which build up the church and demonstrate the Lord’s power and glory. It is more than being highly skilled e.g. having an MBA or a degree in economics, valuable additions though they may be to the exercise of the gift. It is a serving gift, an enabling, equipping and facilitating gift for the body of Christ. In 1 Cor 14:12 Paul tells us that we should seek the gifts of the Spirit as they edify or build up the church. They are like a tool-kit to get the job…
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29Oct 2009 by Nigel Ring

Biblical Administration part 2 – The Gift of Administration

Administration in the Church, Biblical Administration, Christian ministry, Equipping, Leadership
1Co 12:28  And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. As we can see from this verse administration is placed alongside spiritual gifts which build up the church and demonstrate the Lord’s power and glory. It is more than being highly skilled e.g. having an MBA or a degree in economics, valuable additions though they may be to the exercise of the gift. It is a serving gift, an enabling, equipping and facilitating gift for the body of Christ. In 1 Cor 14:12 Paul tells us that we should seek the gifts of the Spirit as they edify or build up the church. They are like a tool-kit to get the job…
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26Oct 2009 by Nigel Ring

Biblical Administration – part 1 – My Personal Story

Administration in the Church, Administrative Skills, Biblical Administration, Christian ministry, Conference Administration, Equipping, General
As I move into a series on my understanding of Biblical Administration I feel that my personal testimony may be helpful. Being an Armour Bearer At the Newfrontiers TOAM Conference in July I felt God prompt me to testify at the end of Joel Virgo’s talk on Jonathan and his armour bearer about my being an ‘armour bearer’ to Terry Virgo. Several have generously said this was helpful and Adrian Warnock kindly invited me to contribute to his blog (http://adrianwarnock.com/) so here is what I wrote. First meeting with Terry Virgo [caption id="attachment_525" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Terry Virgo"][/caption] In 1968 Janita and I wanted to start a Bible Study group in our Sussex village with another young couple. This couple knew of a good visiting speaker to open our first meeting –…
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