“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”                     I Corinthians 12:28.

The Greek word for the spiritual gift of administration or governments is a unique term that refers to a shipmaster or captain, one who steers a ship.  It is a gift of being able to guide people toward a common goal or destination.  The Holy Spirit enables those with this gift to organize and lead others in various ministries of the Church.  Someone with this gift is a good organizer with the ability to see the big picture of what needs to be done without overlooking the needed details.   Some believe that there are two separate gifts of Leadership (related more to developing the overall strategic plan) and Administration (related more to carrying out the details of the plan) and some think they are the same gift (see Romans 12:8 where the Gift of Leadership is mentioned).  However, a person with this gift would certainly be gifted both with good leadership and management abilities.

Persons in authority in the church such as pastors and elders would generally exercise this particular gift along with the related Leadership gift.  I Thessalonians 5:12 states – “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.  And be at peace among yourselves.”  Leaders with the Gift of Administration/Leadership are to be listened to for direction and held in esteem as they lead the Church.

The Gift of Administration is not limited just to pastors or elders but certain lay leaders can also possess the gift such as Sunday School teachers, persons who lead men and women’s groups, persons who work with youth, and persons involved in leadership in governing the finances of the church, etc.  In fact any person involved in administration/leadership of any church function should ideally possess this gift.

The Gift of Administration is a very important Gift of the Spirit without which the Church Body could not function effectively.