By
Sunday Adeyemo ADEPOJU
+2348063235577
PhD Candidate, The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Abstract
Abstract
Training and development of staff are considered pivotal to the effectiveness of any organisation; therefore, their place cannot be overemphasised. It has been observed that innovations and shifts in administrative processes occasioned by technological advancement and modernization have brought new orders in the running of an organisation. Since Church administration is about working with people, its workforce must be abreast of the current administrative changes to bring about effectiveness. Therefore, this paper examines the prospects and challenges of staff training and development for effective church administration in the twenty-first Century. What possible benefits can be derived from staff training and development for effective church administration? What are the projections of church administrators in organising staff training and development for their workforce? What are the motivating factors for staff to engage and participate in staff training and development programmes organised by the church? What challenges can be encountered before, during, and after training, and how can challenges be overcome? The paper attempts to proffer answers to the questions raised by employing a descriptive research method and reporting the findings qualitatively. The paper, therefore, argues that the quality of its staff largely determines the effectiveness of church administration. And this can be achieved by the training given to ministerial and non-ministerial staff in the church.
Word Counts: 226
Keywords: Staff, Training, Development, Organisation, Church, Administration Prospects, Challenges.
Introduction
Staff training and development are pivotal to organisational development. The efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation’s staff correspond to the kind of training and development received. This consequently affects organisational outputs either positively or negatively. Jehanzeb & Bashir (2013,243) maintain that the achievement of any organisation in terms of performance depends on its staff. Motlokoa, Sekantsi & Monyolo (2018, 16) also avow that for an organisation to achieve its goals, it needs to invest heavily in its workforce for skill and knowledge development. The assertion presupposes that the growth and development of any organisation in terms of outputs is a function of the competence of its workforce.
Linking the above assertion to the church situation, the subject of staff training and development is essential for the effectiveness of church administration. We live in a fast-paced world orchestrated by civilisation, modernisation, and information and communication technology advancement. There are new approaches to how things are done that necessitate acquiring. Hence, the need for staff training and development to acquire new knowledge and skills to engender growth and development in the church’s ministry.
In view of the above, the church needs staff training and development to meet the trends and challenges and maximise opportunities presented in the 21st Century. The paper explores the concept of training and development in an organisation, the Biblical foundation for staff training and development, and the church’s need for staff training and development. And finally, the prospects and challenges of staff training for effective church administration in the 21st Century.
