The Spiritual Gift of Administration
Service Gift — 1 Corinthians 12:28
κυβέρνησις (koo-ber’-nay-sis) — steering, government, administration. From κυβερνάω — to pilot a ship. English derivative: cybernetics. The root picture is a helmsman — not the ship’s owner, not the captain, but the one with hands on the wheel keeping the vessel on course.
Administration as Defined
- Steer (like a ship’s captain) — ACS 27:10-11
- Guide — 1CO 14:33
- Influence — COL 2:5
- Advise — PRO 1:5
- Maintain — PRO 11:14
Administration as Named
Jesus organized five thousand men into groups of fifty before feeding them (LUK 9:14). Titus was left in Crete to set in order the things that were wanting and ordain elders in every city (TIT 1:5). The seven chosen to oversee the daily distribution in Acts 6 demonstrate Administration serving the Body.
Administration as Ministry
Administration keeps the church moving toward God’s goals without confusion. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1CO 14:33). The gift organizes people — it does not control them. It advises — it does not dominate.
Serving in Administration
Avoid organizing things for no reason — be still and know that God is God (PSA 46:10). Avoid drowning people in process and procedure. Avoid manipulation — convincing people to follow your plan instead of God’s.