Often translated as “Rule”, “Administration” comes from a word that means, “to stand before”, and is used concerning those in a leading position. This is not the type of ruling where a person is the final word on all matters, such as a king or lord, Matthew 20:25.
Those who have the Spiritual gift of administration are to lead with diligence, Romans 12:8. Within the assembly we should recognize the labor of those in a leadership position, 1 Thessalonians 5:12. Neither of these activities exercise lordship over others. The one with the Spiritual gift of administration will naturally take a leadership role in organizing and managing when fellowshipping and showing love towards other saints. Within the local assembly there can be lead positions other than the Pastor and Deacons. These types of positions would relate to teaching and the managing of the daily tasks, or events for the church, under the authority of the Pastor and Deacons.
“Ruling” is not the same as being the master or head of the household. The father is the head of the household, but the wife is the master (despot), 1 Timothy 5:14. As the head of the family, the father is responsible for knowing and following the desirous will of God for them, Ephesians 5:28-33. The wife manages the household where the husband is the head to give directions relating to God’s will and administers over the household. Therefore, the wife is placed into a proper position with the husband, who being the head, brings her alongside to rule with him, not under him, for she is a helpmeet, not a servant.
The man who holds the position of a pastor is to rule (administer) his household properly, 1 Timothy 3:4-5. In the same way the men who hold the position of a Deacon are to administer their households, 1 Timothy 3:12. This involves organizing and managing the household so that things are done in a proper manner. Within the position of a Pastor, one of the aspects of shepherding is being in a lead position. Those who lead well are to be counted worthy of double honor, 1 Timothy 5:17. This is not a position of lording over others, or in more modern language, being the CEO, 1 Peter 5:3, for Christ is the head of the Church, not the Pastor.
When it comes to the individual Christian, we all have some aspect of ruling or administering within the assembly, for we are to be careful to administer over our proper works, Titus 3:8, that meet the needs of the saints, Titus 3:12.
Therefore, those who are in a position of authority let them administer their position properly, being careful to maintain proper works and organization so the needs of the saints are met. Never exercising authority over those who submit to their leadership, but guiding, leading, admonishing, and caring for them so that all things are done in a proper way to the glory of God.
