By International Office Communications
Peter Udall, an International Vice President, shares how using the gift of administration and investing in healthy infrastructure can help advance the Gospel and fulfill our Calling as Navigators.
WW: Can you share your journey of faith and connection to The Navigators, and then describe how you were guided to your current role as an Executive Officer for the International Executive Team (IET)?
Though raised in a Christian family, I truly grasped the Gospel at Christian summer camp. In college, I encountered The Navigators, seeking a richer understanding of discipleship. Post-graduation, my wife, Debbie, and I continued serving with The Navigators when our campus leader moved to a new campus in New Jersey. After earning degrees at Rutgers and balancing business and ministry, we transitioned to full-time Navigators staff. Following that, my path to the role of Executive Officer for the IET involved four more years in campus ministry and various roles at the US headquarters over 25 years before being invited to the International Office nine years ago—a genuine privilege.
WW: How has the Lord utilized your past experiences and administrative skills in serving the global partnership?
Within The Navigators, our Calling is the mission and at the center of what we give our lives to. In our work, where we focus on fulfillment of the Core, there exists a delicate balance between advancing our disciplemaking movement and the essential backbone of administration. I strongly believe in the transformative power of administration and draw parallels between its role and the essential purpose of oil in an engine.
As we navigate being a movement and managing organizational intricacies, prioritizing administration can help the impact of our ministry. An engine is designed for speed, efficiency, and reaching destinations swiftly. Without the lubricating force of administration, it seizes up, rendering the mission motionless. Giving adequate attention to the contribution of administration, finance, and infrastructure can help prevent our ministry from slowing, stalling or even declining.
Many leaders ascend to senior positions based on their fruitfulness in ministry and people skills, yet may not be adept at administrative details. Resourcing these functions appropriately increases the potential for ministry growth.
WW: How does administration contribute to the Kingdom, and how can those gifted in it, as well as those less inclined, develop in this area?
Strong and resourced administration may take time to set up, but will ultimately save leadership energy. The decentralized nature of our Worldwide Partnership allows each country to make its decisions, presenting both challenges and opportunities when it comes to administration. Embracing the necessity of administration and fundraising as integral parts of the mission ensures a balanced approach.
The identification of administration as a gift of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:28 underscores its importance to the Lord, calling for individuals specifically wired for these roles to lean into their gift for the good of others. For those who do not have this gift, it is still essential they ensure good infrastructure. Administration exists to honor the Lord and those alongside us in ministry.
In conclusion, the call to strengthen administration, finance, and infrastructure is not about overshadowing our Mission but ensuring that the engine runs smoothly, propelling our Mission forward. May all of our good stewardship ultimately enhance the collective impact of our Navigators Worldwide Partnership.
