Church Administration Theology and Time Management

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/theology-church-administration

Introduction

**Course Review: Church Administration Theology and Time Management on Coursera** As the complexities of church leadership and administration continue to evolve in today’s fast-paced society, the course "Church Administration Theology and Time Management," offered by Duke Divinity School on Coursera, emerges as a vital resource for church pastors and leaders. This non-credit course provides a multifaceted approach to understanding how theological underpinnings can shape effective church administration, ensuring that the spiritual integrity of church practices is maintained even in the face of modern management challenges. ### Course Overview The primary goal of the course is to explore the intersection of Christian theology and effective church administration. It confronts the pressing questions: How should church administrators make decisions that are faithful to Christian principles? What role does theology play in practical management? Not only does the course seek to impart practical skills, but it simultaneously emphasizes the importance of a theological framework in church leadership. Through this holistic approach, participants are encouraged to see church administration not merely as bureaucratic functions, but as vital church practices deeply embedded in the ministry’s mission. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Church Admin as Church Practices** In the first module, participants will grapple with the fundamental question of what makes church administration distinctive. By invoking the teachings of theologian Stanley Hauerwas, the course unfolds a compelling argument for why church administration is inherently a matter of church practices. The assignment that involves polling congregational members about their perceptions offers a valuable opportunity to foster dialogue and understand community values, while simultaneously grounding course participants in the complex relationship between theology and administration. 2. **Church Admin as Pastoral Leadership** The second module delves into the correlation between administration and pastoral leadership. It draws insights from the practices of the early church, highlighting essential characteristics of effective church leadership. Here, participants will engage with crucial aspects of pastoral credibility and the importance of aligning administrative roles with their pastoral priorities. This section empowers participants to articulate their leadership visions, promoting a collaborative environment with their church leadership teams. 3. **Time Management to Time Stewardship** Transitioning from theory to application, the third module tackles one of the perennial challenges faced by church leaders: time management. Participants will explore both practical time management techniques and the theological dimensions of time stewardship. This balance encourages a thoughtful reconsideration of how time is utilized in ministry, direct confrontation of ineffective time use, and the creation of a strategic time stewardship plan. 4. **Delegation and Meeting Stewardship** As the course concludes, participants will focus on practical skills related to delegation and meeting stewardship, which are vital to effective church administration. Learning to say "no" and to prioritize tasks allows church leaders to align their daily activities with their theological convictions and pastoral priorities, thereby realizing the vision of a faithful church. ### Recommendation "Church Administration Theology and Time Management" is not just a course; it is an invaluable journey into the heart of church leadership that combines theological insight with practical administration skills. It stands out for its robust theological foundation paired with practical managerial techniques, which are essential for modern church leaders striving to create ministries that reflect their faith values while navigating contemporary challenges. I highly recommend this course for church leaders, aspiring pastors, and anyone involved in church management. Whether you are seasoned in administration or just beginning, the insights offered here will help you approach church management with confidence and faithfulness. This course may occupy a non-credit category, but the wisdom and skills you will gain are sure to contribute significantly to your personal and professional development as a steward of God’s ministry. ### Final Thoughts In a time where churches often face the tension between maintaining spiritual integrity and executing effective administrative processes, "Church Administration Theology and Time Management" provides an essential framework. By enrolling in this course, you'll not only enhance your management capabilities but also deepen your understanding of the theological dimensions that underlie effective church administration. As you seek to lead your community faithfully, this course will equip you with the necessary tools to do so with clarity, purpose, and inspiration. Don’t miss the chance to invest in your growth and that of your congregation.

Syllabus

Church Admin as Church Practices

What’s distinctive about church administration? We will examine this crucial question by establishing why theology should matter in church admin. First, we will introduce the course by delineating our overall theological approach to church administration, namely, appropriating management tools as a means to achieving theological ends of church admin. Then, we will draw upon Stanley Hauerwas’s insights on Christian ethics to unpack why church admin constitutes church practices and what this means for its theological goals and stewardship. Closer to home, you’ll poll people in your church to discover their perceptions of “theology” and “church administration.” In doing so, you will better appreciate why Hauerwas’s critiques and insights are relevant for your church. Lastly, we’ll take some time to make sure you have a clear picture of how this course works and where it fits in the Church Administration Specialization.

How important should church admin be to your pastoral role and leadership? To address this question, we will begin by looking at the wisdom of the early church to glean what characterized effective church leadership. We will then examine why church admin is critical to pastoral leadership and competence and, therefore, why it’s crucial for your pastoral credibility, trust, and authority. As an important course assignment, you will identify your key pastoral priorities as the basis for a clear, shared understanding with your church leadership team.

Given the theological foundations of church admin from Weeks 1 and 2, we turn to a concrete application of your time management. Time is one of the most precious resources we have, and in particular for pastors (and lay leaders), time management perennially ranks as a top ministry challenge. This week, you will learn key time management principles, a theology of time stewardship, and how these principles can be used as a tool for stewardship of time. Correlatively, you will examine how you actually spend your time and develop a plan to better steward the time God has given you.

Now that you’ve developed a plan to steward your time according to your theological convictions and your pastoral priorities, the challenge is to follow through and align your schedule with the intentions expressed in your plan. This week, you’ll develop the skills you’ll need to get and stay on track by exploring the power of “no,” the art of delegation, and principles of meeting stewardship.