The Latin word administrare combines ad (“toward”) and ministrare (“to serve”) — literally “serving toward” ministry. In practice, administration is the groundwork of clearing the field; it is not the ministerial work of planting seeds, tending the crop, or gathering the harvest. The administrator — whether the father, pastor, grand knight or executive — handles the quiet work of planning, organizing and coordinating so that those under his charge can flourish in their lives and mission.
Weak administration hampers ministry. Excellent administration expands the capacity for the grace of God to flow through, with and in our ministry — drawing souls closer to God. Much administration remains hidden, seen only by the Father in heaven. By carrying out these quiet duties with courage and diligence, administrators cooperate with the grace of their state in life, making them good and faithful servants. The fruit of this labor is peace, and Jesus Christ calls peacemakers the children of God.
To excel in administration, reframe your routine. Treat administration not as a distraction from the “real work” of ministry, but as the hidden spiritual labor at the heart of saving souls.
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FATHER ANTHONY J. STOEPPEL is associate professor of church management at The Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business. He is a former chaplain of St. Patrick’s Seminary Council 16688 in Menlo Park, Calif., and Our Lady of Victory Council 7696 in Paris, Texas.








