Written by: David D. Rajh
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Church management is not new, but it is more vital today than ever due to rapid political, social, economic, and technological changes brought on by globalisation. Dr David Rajh recognises the complexity of managing multiple leadership teams within a congregation. One pastor admitted, “The biggest challenge for me is the skills needed to manage and lead the congregation,” while another confessed, “I feel that I was thrown in the deep end in this regard.” From his vast experience in church administration, David observed that the broader church culture often failed to see administration as a spiritual ministry. Administrators were not always celebrated in the same way as pastors and teachers, and their work was often seen as secular rather than spiritual. Yet, Scripture illustrates many examples where management was essential. In Genesis 11, building the tower of Babel required co-ordination and planning, while Nehemiah faced the immense task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall – a project that demanded clear vision, organisation, leadership, and control of resources.
Church vs. secular administration
Unlike profit-driven secular organisations, the church’s mission is to advance God’s Kingdom – making disciples of Jesus Christ. While businesses rely on management science, the church operates from a foundation of faith, Scripture, and theological conviction. This distinction highlights the unique nature of Christian leadership and administration.
The gift of administrative leadership
The Bible describes administration as a spiritual gift given to some within the Body of Christ. These individuals can translate the church’s vision and mission into practical strategies and actionable medium- and long-term plans. Their work ensures the apostolic mission is implemented with clear objectives while serving others. Administration, therefore, equips the church to carry out its ministry coherently and comprehensively.
Inseparable aspects of ministry
Scripture presents leadership and administration as inseparable aspects of ministry (Rom 12:6; 1 Pet 4:10; 1 Tim 3:1-13; Tit 1:7-9). Administration involves planning, organising, leading, and overseeing operations with the goal of serving people and stewarding resources wisely. Importantly, church administration is about more than systems and structures; it is about people. It influences every aspect of ministry – from worship and preaching to children’s programmes and pastoral care. For the church to fulfil its mission, its health should be evident not only in programmes, but also in the spiritual, financial, and numerical growth of its members.
Biblical foundations
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:28 that God has placed various gifts within the church, including “guidance” or “administration”. The Greek word kubernēsis means “to steer a ship”, pointing to the administrator’s role as a helmsman – guiding and governing the church’s affairs with direction and wisdom. Another term, oikonomia (used seven times in the New Testament), means stewardship or management, literally “the law of the household”. Together, these words emphasise administration as the spiritual task of guiding the church while building God’s Kingdom. Those with this gift are marked by their ability to set goals, create plans, motivate people, and co-ordinate activities towards a common purpose. When administration is exercised faithfully, it enables the church to flourish both spiritually and practically.
God-given role
Church administration is not optional, but a spiritual and practical necessity. It integrates sound management with the Spirit, ensuring leaders serve effectively while the church stays healthy and mission-focussed. For the church to thrive, its leaders must embrace the gift of administration alongside other spiritual gifts, recognising its vital role in fulfilling the vision and mission entrusted by God.
PRACTICAL ADMINISTRATION FOR MINISTRY SUCCESS
Who is David Rajh?
David is married to the beautiful Ronelle for over 31 years. Together, they have four wonderful sons, Jesse, Daniel, Luke and Nathan, and two daughters-in-love, Tarynne, married to Jesse, and Abigail, married to Daniel. David and Ronelle live in Kuilsriver, Cape Town, and have recently become proud grandparents to beautiful Sophia, the daughter of Jesse and Tarynne. David enjoys regular walks in the park, camping, and the outdoors.
Early beginnings in church administration
His involvement in church administration began in the early nineties as administrator of the His People Worship Choir. He later served in various administrative and operational roles within the local church. From 2000 to 2010, he volunteered as church administrator, overseeing operations in His People, Cape Town. This was a significant learning opportunity as they spearheaded new church plants and worked closely with volunteers.
Career in engineering and business leadership
As a chemical engineer, David worked for 20 years at a national glass manufacturing company in various technical and managerial roles, where he developed his leadership skills. During this time, he pursued further studies in management, completing a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). He later started his own business in the industrial chemical sector and is now the founder of Cape Silica Suppliers, a thriving family business.
Stepping into full-time ministry leadership
In 2010, David became the part-time chief operations officer (COO) at His People Cape Town Church (now Every Nation Church). His role later became full-time as COO and executive pastor at Every Nation N1 City, and as an EXCO member of Every Nation Cape Town. His involvement also opened opportunities to serve on the national Apostolic Leadership Team as COO for Every Nation Southern Africa, and as chairperson of Every Nation Resource Ministry, which provides administrative oversight for churches in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and supports new church plants in East Africa.
Doctoral research on the gift of administration
In 2019, David began a doctorate to examine the significance of the ministry gift of administration in furthering the church’s mission. Drawing on 25 years of hands-on experience, he integrated Biblical theology, management science, and analytical research. The insights gained from this work have strengthened his belief in the crucial role administration should play in the local church.
The South African Institute for Church Administration
In 2022, David started the South African Institute for Church Administration. The institute exists to help and support churches in the effective and efficient management of their organisation, which will ultimately contribute to fulfilling the mission of advancing the Gospel.
Training church leaders
David has recently completed three books adapted from his doctoral research that aim to equip pastors, leaders, and administrators with a Biblical understanding and practical tools for church leadership. His unique blend of business acumen and ministry calling has given him a distinctive voice on the role of administration in advancing the mission of the church.
PRACTICAL RESOURCES FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
ENDORSEMENT: The Ministry of Administration: A Theological Perspective
“I wish I had this book when I began teaching Congregational Studies 40 years ago! Without effective church administration, a congregation and a church will be like a car with a flat tyre. An outstanding asset of the book lies in aligning the importance of organisational structure with deep relationships, spiritual discernment, and prophetic vision. Students and pastors will feel safe and motivated to use the book because of its Scriptural basis. One can observe the principles and practices at work in the Biblical narrative. A church needs leadership at many levels, and leaders must form a team that trusts one another and remains focused on the Spirit of God guiding them. Something of the beautiful tapestry in the coming Kingdom is present in this publication.”
Prof Dr H Jurgens Hendriks – emeritus professor of Practical Theology & Missiology; University of Stellenbosch: School of Theology
Practical Handbook for Church Administration
This resource manual encompasses scores of church policies and procedures across the various management disciplines, such as human resources, financial, communication, operations, and legal compliance. David has collated and adapted generic resources which can be easily adapted and contextualised for each unique local setting. The concept of “Church-in-a-Box” is expressed in this handbook for both pastors and administrators to effectively implement best management practices.
ENDORSEMENT: Management Science For Church Administration: A Theological Perspective
“This book is a timely and significant contribution to the life of the church. Too often, congregations either neglect sound management practices in the name of ‘spirituality’ or embrace corporate strategies without a strong theological anchor. This book holds both dimensions together: It draws on tested business theories and management practices, while remaining firmly rooted in the Bible. David demonstrates that effective administration is not a distraction from ministry but an expression of faithful stewardship. By applying insights from organisational leadership, strategic planning, communication, finance, and human resource management, the book shows how churches can function with clarity, accountability, and sustainability. At the same time, each principle is carefully integrated with theological reflection. What I find most compelling is the balance between practicality and faithfulness. Leaders are given concrete tools for financial oversight, governance, and communication. Yet always within a framework that affirms theology, discipleship, and the missional calling of the church. This book will be invaluable for pastors, elders, administrators, and lay leaders who desire to see their congregations flourish in organisational health. It equips the Church to embody excellence not for its own sake, but to serve God’s mission faithfully. I wholeheartedly commend this work to anyone committed to strengthening the Church.”
Prof Mark Rathbone – professor in School of Management Science, Faulty of Economic and Management Science, North-West University
Where can you source or purchase the books?
Publications Every Nation Southern Africa
www.publicationsensa.co.za
Email: publication@enrm.co.za
Tel: +27 21 595 1221
South African Institute for Church Administration
www.sachurchadmin.co.za
Email: info@sachurchadmin.co.za
This article is featured in the November issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 26/10/2025
DR DAVID RAJH – founder and chief executive officer, South African Institute for Church Administration (SAICA)
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
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