LSTC Students Explore the Vital Role of Administration in Ministry Leadership

Behind every vibrant ministry is an infrastructure of strategic planning, thoughtful leadership, and administrative precision. For Lyndsay Monsen and Shemiah Curry, students in the 2025 J-Term Ministry of Administration course, these skills came into sharp focus in exploring the unseen work that fuels impactful ministry.

Both Monsen and Curry were drawn to the course by its reputation. Monsen noted that she “had heard great thinga about the course from previous students,” and enrolled with the aim of strengthening her knowledge of finances and human resources. Curry, a graduating senior, saw the course as an opportunity to deepen her understanding of leadership and add to her theological library.

“I hoped to learn more about effective leadership management in parish ministry and I was interested in adding books to my personal resource guide for future ministry,” she explained.

The course approaches administration as an integral component of ministry rather than a separate or secondary task.

“[We learned that] good ministry is impossible without effective administration,” Monsen said. “When the behind-the-scenes of a church is functioning well, all of its other programs are able to happen. I appreciate this mindset because administration is often viewed as boring or detached from ministry, but it’s quite the opposite.”

For Curry, the class offered an introduction to the Bowen Family Systems theory, which examines the emotional dynamics that influence church settings.

“The system suggests that there are 13 universal triggers for anxiety, and they are almost always present in churches… it is important for pastors to keep in mind how they respond to a member’s anxiety,” she said. “The goal is to be responsive versus reactive.”

Monsen observed that practical application of administrative skills was a recurring theme throughout the course.

“Administrative skills are everything when it comes to effective ministry leadership… if a church does not have any policies, it completely lacks a framework for their ministry to happen,” she said. “Similarly, learning how to address conflict appropriately allows our interpersonal relationships to flourish, which is ultimately where ministry happens.”

Curry echoed this sentiment, adding that “Whether the parish pastor is trying to create the annual budget or navigate a meeting with council members, administrative skills are essential if you want the church to run smoothly.”

The course highlighted the balance between the practical and pastoral, with Monsen noting how intertwined the two are.

“Youth programs can’t happen without a balanced budget. Worship doesn’t happen without proper oversight of the worship committee,” she said. “I have learned that often the practical and the spiritual are intertwined.”

One key takeaway for both students was the importance of self-care and boundaries in ministry.

“The class made me think about] how saying no can sometimes allow us to serve others better,” said Monsen.

For Curry, navigating conflict emerged as a vital skill.

“This course has made me think about conflict more and how pastoral leaders can navigate it. Conflict can arise because of financial issues at the church, new leadership, divorce, or even the selling of church property,” she explained.

The course also underscored LSTC’s commitment to preparing leaders for diverse ministry contexts.

“In this class, we each interviewed a pastor of a non-white, struggling, or rural congregation,” recalled Monsen. “Hearing my classmates share about those interviews brought a great deal of depth into the classroom and reminded me of just how diverse the church is.”

Curry appreciated the diversity within the class itself.

“Our cohort included students from four different seminaries and various religious backgrounds. Being able to hear perspectives from students whose experiences are very different than my own continues is a great introduction to the diversity in the world,” she said.

Both students encouraged other seminarians to prioritize courses like this in their formation.

“I have heard from a lot of pastors’ sentiments of, ‘they didn’t teach me this in seminary…’ and I do feel like taking this course has prevented me from having some of those moments in the future,” said Monsen.

Curry agreed, pointing out that the foundational knowledge of topics like property taxes or nonprofit status can make a significant difference in ministry.

Ultimately, the Ministry of Administration course equips future church leaders to embrace the behind-the-scenes work that sustains vibrant ministries. By integrating practical skills with theological principles, it reflects LSTC’s mission to prepare leaders for impactful service in an ever-changing world.