Did You Catch the Double Meaning?

The title of this blog is probably the most succinct way to capture my responsibilities as Business Manager. While I wear many hats, the two words, each with a deliberate double meaning capture the essence of what I’m supposed to do day in and day out.

Administering Grace
ad∙min∙is∙ter (əd min´ə stər, ad-) To manage or conduct, as public affairs; to direct or superintend the execution, application, or conduct of; as, to administer the government or the state.

grace (grās) n. Grace Church, Grace Brethren Church of Lititz. A fellowship of believers located around the greater-Lititz area of Pennsylvania.

I am charged with managing and conducting the business of our church. Jokingly, I’ve often described myself as being responsible for all the non-spiritual aspects of the church, though you’ll see that that’s actually far from a true description of what I do. The business of the church involves overseeing the facility, managing the finances, managing the church office, running the computer department and handling the benefits of our employees. I have the privilege of representing the church with our business contacts, of implementing new initiatives to keep our systems up to date and equipping our ministries with the tools they need to remain effective. Part of the business of the church is also setting policies and procedures to make things work smoothly. And it’s in this context that Administering Grace takes on a second meaning.

Administering Grace
ad∙min∙is∙ter (əd min´ə stər, ad-) To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament.

grace (grās) n. (Theol.) The divine favor toward man; the mercy of God, as distinguished from His justice; also, any benefits His mercy imparts; divine love or pardon; a state of acceptance with God; enjoyment of the divine favor.

In a vain attempt to follow Christ’s example, as I manage church operations the challenge I face is to do so with grace. Each day is filled with opportunities for me to extend grace in the way we conduct business. The business world is accustomed to absolute deadlines, strict policies, heavy precedents and unbending rules. The challenge is to meld the black and white world with a grace-centered world in how we relate to others, to our ministries and all of our relationships. Not to say we’ll be pushovers for there are absolutes, but to identify and seize the grace opportunities afforded in each situation.

And so we take on the challenge each day. Hopefully this blog has and will continue to give you a glimpse into our attempts and our progress in our endeavor to Administer Grace.