For administrators and leaders
First published on this website in August 2011 and last updated in July 2023
Synopsis
The article first sets the scene by considering our duty to God to be reliable disciples. He is utterly true in all he promises - to be godly we need to be reflect his character.
It then takes as illustration a range of practical applications:
- for churches - being true to all that is claimed
- for Christian administrators - in the church office, delivering on time, attending to detail, etc.
- for Christian leaders - seeking out other leaders, keeping confidences, learning to say 'No'.
There is also a personal checklist for use by anyone covering
- delivery
- diary
- time-keeping
- recall
- confidences
- deskwork
- finances
- prayer
- planning
- life.
The article concludes with a group exercise checking out a case-study so that it can be used as a discussion starter as well as for individual study.
Download
Here is the link to this item: A27 - Reliability in ministry.pdf
Author's notes
Here is one comment received:
"Excellent breakdown of what is needed personally. But what if other people's systems are hampering your ability to deliver and your own cost effectiveness? Generally speaking the Bible teaches tolerance."
I replied:
"Good point about the environment in which we work which shows it can be a bit artificial to isolate one issue like this. Non-replies to emails etc. I find take up time, but I have to be careful about specks of sawdust v planks in all this. Reliability and warmth of personality don't always go together."
This article was last updated in July 2023 with minor changes throughout. Comments and ideas to improve it further are always welcome.