Sometimes in churches we’re either negligent with record keeping or overly cautious and rigid. As leaders, its our responsibility to make sure they’re properly used. We do that by fulfilling our biblical leadership roles, even when it comes to record keeping.
How Our Biblical Leadership Roles Affect the Proper Use of Record Keeping
Think through each of our leadership roles in light of collecting, assessing, using, and storing records.
As examples, how can we exemplify Christlikeness in record keeping?
To start, we need the right objectives which we can glean by looking at Jesus’ example. Remember the grounds for expecting people to follow our example. — “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)
How will acknowledging our role as a guide keep us from micromanaging?
It helps us take the right approach to collecting and using records. We point people to the One whose character and ways we follow in all we do. — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:5-6)
In what ways does being a servant help with record keeping?
With the right heart, we will be more concerned about the benefits records provide people than the mere mechanics involved in collecting, assessing, and storing records. — “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Phil. 2:3-4)
What does shepherding have to do with record keeping?
It gives us the right motivation when it comes to assessing the records. We aren’t out to stroke our egos or puff others up. Nor is it about condemning people when records aren’t so good. We use them to nurture and build people up. — “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them …” (1 Pet. 5:2)
How does remembering our role as a steward promote the proper collection and use of records?
Having the right perspective about the One to whom we’re accountable makes a big difference in how we use records. We won’t gloat over our own accomplishments but rather acknowledge the faithfulness of God. — “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor. 4:7)
In time we will look at the effects of each of these roles in more detail. Subscribe for E-mail notice of new posts.
For More, Go To: Church Record Keeping Resources
All Posts about Records and Reporting:
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Measure Your Objectives
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Keep Pulse on Body
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Facilitate Ministry
- Record Keeping & Reporting: Assess Growth
- Church Records Management
- Transparency in Church Records Management
- Confidentiality in Church Records Management
- Responsibility in Church Records Management
- We’ve Been Hacked!
- Record Keeping & God’s Power?
- Record Keeping Based on Human Wisdom
- Records & Reporting Point Back to God’s Grace?
- Record Keeping & Reporting Kept in Check by God’s Grace
- Records Keeping & Spiritual Gifts
- Record Keeping That’s Not Mundane
- Lay It All Before the Lord
- Meaningful Record Keeping
- Whether Good or Bad, Make Records about the Name of the Lord
- Records and Reports from the Resurrection
- Record Keeping Precedence in the Word
- How Biblical Leadership Roles Affect Record Keeping
- Are You a Good Example in the Use of Church Records?
- Records Don’t Lie But …