RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR SUNDAY 17TH OF DECEMBER, 2023

[13]And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening.

[14]So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?”

[15]And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.

[16]When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

[17]So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good.

[18]Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself.

[19]Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God.

[20]And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

[21]Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

[22]And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.

INTRODUCTION: There are many gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the church (1Corinthians 12:8). Among these gifts, the gift of administration is sometimes overlooked but it is as important as the rest (1Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:8). Other translations used for the gift of administration or administering are ruling and government (KJV), leadership (NLT), and guidance (NIV). God gives some the gift of administration to help organise those with other gifts and keep the church functioning at its most efficient best. We need to pay some attention to the attributes of administrators with biblical references.

Having a sound administrator in an organisation is a blessing from God because his/her roles cannot be overemphasised. Administrators must possess some of these traits:

1. COMMITMENT TO VISION: They are committed to their organization’s vision and mission while realigning others to the same. They stick to the organisation’s code of conduct.

2. ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Administrators see the big picture of the organisation and think strategically. Effective administrators pay attention to details.

3. DELEGATING: Administrators do not only assign tasks but set clearly defined spheres of influence.

4. HIRING SAVVY: Administrators set their agency or organization up for success from the very beginning by hiring the right people, for the right jobs, at the right time.

5. EMOTIONAL BALANCE: Great administrators funnel emotions, such as rage, anger, and happiness, into positive action that drives change.

6. CREATIVITY: Sound administrators are able to come up with creative solutions to complex problems, usually by seeing an issue from a new perspective or by innovating a new approach to the solution.

7. COMMUNICATION Skills: Good communication skills help administrators to communicate information and expectations clearly, both internally and externally.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss the skill they think should top the list of an administrator and why.

The Bible has records of some sound administrators who helped their leaders or nations achieve great success. These biblical characters include:

JOSEPH: He was the overall head of administration in Potiphar’s house. Through his outstanding performance, his master’s businesses prospered (Genesis 39:1-4). Also, Joseph’s administrative gift rescued Egypt from famine (Genesis 41:47-57).

Moses: He became a good administrator after he was schooled by Jethro, his father-in-law. He raised new leaders to counsel and judge the people of Israel (Exodus 18:19-26).

DEBORAH: She was one of the sole administrators (judges) of Israel before the reign of kings (Judges 4:4-5). She led Israel to a victorious conquest through her skills (Judges 5:6-7).

SOLOMON: Through the wisdom of God in his life, he administered the right judgement (1 Kings 3:23-27). He achieved a peaceful co-existence with terrifying nations through his conflict management skill (1 Kings 4:24-25).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Are there people in the New Testament who manifested the gift of administration? Name them and discuss what they did.

CONCLUSION: The spiritual gift of administration is a valuable asset to the church.

QUESTIONS:

* What are the traits administrators should possess?

* Mention three Bible characters that are administrators.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Phil. 2:2. MON: Psalm 72:11. TUES: 1 Chron. 22:11. WED: Jer. 45:5. THURS: Rom. 11:25. FRI: Prov. 3:7. SAT: 1 Peter 3:7.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) lessons that can be learned from Joseph as an administrator (2×5=10 Marks).