Small membership church adminstration key ways to effective mission and ministry

• Main Author: Kincaid, J. LaVon, Jr.
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center 1985
• Subjects: Religion
• Online Access: http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/873; http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2499&context=dissertations

The purpose and thesis of this dissertation project is to develop a resource manual which will facilitate the effective administration and management of small membership and Ethnic Minority congregations in the United Methodist denomination. The manual is significant in that it is designed specifically to address the need of small membership and Ethnic Minority Local Churches’ congregations. The manual provides the basic steps in the administrative process, and outlines keys for effective mission and ministry. The dissertation is divided into the following sections: an acknowledgement, preface, glossary, introduction, six chapters, a bibliography, and statistical tables. The introduction defines the designs and aims of the project. The rationale for small membership church administration is also included in the introduction. Chapter I, “Theological Foundation of Church Administration,” outlines the foundational understanding of theological and biblically—based church administration. The goals of church administration, ecclesiology, history and practical aspects of small membership church administration are delineated. The fundamental question of why, what, who and how of administration are addressed. Also, a brief look at liberation theology and its relation to the small membership church and Ethnic Minority Local Church is highlighted. The chapter concludes by listing what effective churches do. Chapter II looks at the basic characteristics of the small membership church and Ethnic Minority Local Church. The several ways in which these churches are unique are listed. Analyses of these churches are offered, with descriptions. In Chapter III, ‘~Organization for Administration,” specific guidelines in organizing for the administrative task are spelled out. Chapter IV gives the “Keys” of administration. Three (3) key ways to vital and effective churches are highlighted in this important chapter. Chapter V, a “nuts and bolts” approach is taken, which includes several practical ways to effective church administration. If these ways and suggestions are carefully followed, assurance of accomplishment is apparent. This chapter is important to the day—by—day, week—by—week, month—by—month administration of the church, its program, mission and outreach. Included in this chapter are the important concerns of time management and blocks to administration. Chapter VI “conclusion” describes in summary fashion the appropriateness of administration within small membership churches and Ethnic Minority Churches. A future projection for administration and a challenge to all to become more efficient in administration is offered. The monumental challenge of church administration is presented in the manual. The appendix includes examples of a way to contemporary administration and communication. Charts, graphics and tables have been included to aid the reader in ascertaining the information presented. Included in the overall project is the writer’s theory of ministry. The focus of the dissertation is the equipping of pastors and leaders for the effective execution of their responsibilities and duties, as servants of God.