The Impact of Church Administration on Effective Management of Church-Sponsored Schools
Chapter One
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
- To determine the prevalence of church-sponsored schools in Nigeria.
- To examine the impact of church administration on the effective management of church-sponsored schools.
- To examine the administrative performance of church-sponsored schools in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Administration in the Early Church
Documentation of early biblical administration and organization dates back to the encounter between Jethro, a Midianite priest and his son-in-law Moses, God’s chosen leader. As described in the Exodus encounter, Moses was attempting to judge, mediate and counsel an enormous amount of people know as the children of Israel. This was taking an exhausting affect upon him and his family. It was Jethro’s successful intervention and wise counseling that brought a better structure and organization to Moses’ responsibilities and process. “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.” So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. So they judged the people at all times; the hard cases they brought to Moses, but they judged every small case themselves” (Exodus 18:21-26) A major part of the church administrator’s job is taking care of God’s people and although the Bible does not describe this Jethro and Moses discussion as church administration, it is here the comprehensive components of church administration can be seen. .Jethro’s relevant question and answer demonstrated his administrative abilities by instructing Moses how and what to do it with God’s people. (Welch, 2005). Church administration is defined as“spiritual service to the Body of Christ involving the wise stewardship of God’s resources for the accomplishment of the work of ministry. Church administration involves oversight and management of many church ministries and programs. It requires serving people effectively, and efficiently using resources in a manner that glorifies God” (The Bible Church of Little Rock) Other biblical examples of administrative practices and business operations are identified in the book of Genesis. From Abraham’s ancient sophisticated society in the country of Mesopotamia to Joseph conducting organized and extensive business dealings in the land of Egypt, we see administrative practices in use. (Genesis 11-50). The buying, selling and management of resources and various wages and payment systems have been uncovered in archeological excavations (Welch, 2005). Although many ancient administrative processes were vague and not well articulated they were sufficient for the leaders of that time. Their systems of taxation, military operations and religious activities reveals various forms of organized administrative methods. The official establishment of church administration is found in the New Testament. The Christians of this era often met in homes or open fields. They came together daily for praise, worship, the preaching of the gospel and eating their meals. This practice brought about a cohesive family environment. Any problems or concerns could be readily addressed, such as the case described in Acts. The apostles were preaching, teaching and making disciples and the church was growing however, a concern was brought to the attention of the Apostles, that some needs were being neglected. Certain church members were complaining because the widows were not being cared for in their daily needs and other things of comfort. In response to this problem, the Apostles called for support from other devout brothers, so that they would not be taken away from their primary 13 duties of teaching and spreading the gospel. This plan of organizing, directing and overseeing the work that needed to be done required an administrator, “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3). Good administration is getting others to work .
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the impact of church administration on effective management of church sponsored schools. Covenant University, Ota form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of church administration on effective management of church sponsored schools. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of the impact of church administration on effective management of church sponsored schools
Summary
This study was on the impact of church administration on effective management of church sponsored schools. Three objectives were raised which included: To determine the prevalence of church-sponsored schools in Nigeria, to examine the impact of church administration on the effective management of church-sponsored schools and to examine the administrative performance of church-sponsored schools in Nigeria. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Covenant University, Ota. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
From the findings and discussions above, it emerged that lack of proper definition of the role of the sponsor particularly in providing a conducive learning environment has contributed to poor academic performance of some sponsored schools. Today, the idea of sponsorship is understood differently. It consists of maintaining and fostering the religious traditions of the sponsor. The current understanding and implication of sponsorship has not been well comprehended by the school communities. The former understanding in terms of material provision by the sponsor is still persistent. High expectations are an important factor for both students and teachers as it builds self-esteem towards achievement. Teachers and students who are inadequately motivated are likely to perform poorly academically. This therefore, means that school sponsors should have high expectations for their schools in order to perform well academically. Therefore, the expectations of a school sponsor on teachers and students are predictors on academic performance of a school. There is a significant influence of a school sponsor on the academic performance of a school. In other words, there is a significant difference between the academic performances of students in schools that are sponsored by the winners, Protestant and the SDA Churches. This depends on how much a sponsor contributes towards the enhancement of the school learning facilities and resources.
Recommendation
- Sponsors might need to revisit their initial role of developing and providing facilities and resources to their schools. They need to respond to the contemporary emerging issues in the society. They would be in a better position to solicit funds and material support from wellwishers whom parents and local communities may not have access to.
- The sponsors need to evaluate the academic qualifications of persons holding the office of the education secretary. It needs to constitute persons who are able to read, understand and interpret the educational policies in the country. This approach will enable sponsors nominate competent representatives who will not be manipulated by some influential personalities in the education system. This will minimize the wrangles within the school environment which in many occasions destabilizes school operations.
- The Ministry of education needs to review the policy on sponsorship of public secondary schools. The education Act as of now is subject to misinterpretation.
References
- Aduda A (2003). Implementation of Free Primary Education in Kenya, Nairobi, University Press.
- Aduda D (2001). K.C.S.E Results were shocking. Daily Nation Newspaper, 13th, and the African Gospel Church in Kenya, Nairobi, World Gospel press.
- Aspinall T (2004). Religious Socialization and Educational Outcomes in Metropolitan Public schools. J. Sci. Study Relig. 49(5): 368-374.
- Banr J (1990). The Catholic Church in Kenya: A Centenary History, Narobi, Saint, Paul Publishers, Africa, Nairobi.
- Cheruiyot P (2001). Sponsor meddling affects schools, Special Report, Daily Nation Newspaper, 13 th March, 2001.
- Cheruiyot P (2004). Why invest in secondary Education? http; education independent.co.uk/schools/article 2181875,ece.
- Cheruiyot P (2005). Policy sought on changes in schools. Daily Nation Newspaper, 25th April, 2005.Nation Media Team, Kenya.
- Christian CSEK (2006). Memorandum to the Task force for the Review and Harmonization of Education ; unpublished.
- Fagan FP (1992). Why Religion Matters; The impact of Religious practice on Social Stability, New York, New York Press.
- Freeman RB (1985). The Relation of Church going and other Background Factors to the academic performance, New York. New York Press.
- Gikandi W (2005). Influence of school Boards and Sponsor Churches, The Standard Newspaper, May 18 th , 20p.
- Government of Kenya (1964). The Ominde Commission Report, Nairobi, Government Press. Government of Kenya (1980).
