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Ted W. Engstrom and Edward R. Dayton of their book, “The Artwork of Administration for Christian Leaders” mentioned that management could be checked out from many various angels. They went on to state three of those angles from which management could be checked out. They’re: i ) from the perspective of place, for e.g., leaders of firms or organizations; ii) from the perspective of motion: leaders are identified by the management acts they carry out. Whatever the totally different viewpoints from which one might look at management, it’ll all the time fall below three primary ideas.1
The three primary ideas of management recognized within the up to date world are as follows: the standard idea – from one’s social or ethnic background, the secular concept-from the view level of contemporary society usually and the biblical idea – from the teachings of scripture. In some instances, the standard idea. Nonetheless, within the African context, you will need to make the excellence. From the three ideas talked about above, all different ideas of management have their roots. Due to this fact in discussing the prevailing ideas of management within the African church, these three ideas had been examined. The format adopted on this chapter is as follows: the primary part was a dialogue on the Biblical idea of management, the second a dialogue on the secular idea of management and the third on the standard idea of management. Following these discussions, the prevailing idea of management, throughout the African church was decided by evaluating these ideas with precise practices within the church. From the comparability a conclusion is drawn.
The Biblical Idea of Management
The idea of management from the biblical perspective has been decided from the instructing of scriptures and from the examples of many who had been referred to as to management by God. On this part, the management teachings of Jesus and the life. The life he modeled as the perfect customary for Christian leaders can be examined. Following that, management ideas within the Previous Testomony can be mentioned usually, but in addition making particular references.
A. Management Teachings of Jesus
In his book, “The New Leaders: A Revolutionary Strategy”, Mytron Rush acknowledged his function of writing as, “to assist us rediscover the practices and ideas of management thought as utilized by Jesus”, He mentioned that Jesus Christ was not simply content material to have followers. By His teachings and practices, He redefined efficient management because the chief reproducing himself on the followers.2 Within the strategy of reproducing chief, Jesus revealed His primary idea of management as that of service. Gottfried Osei-Mensah agrees with Myron Rush when he mentioned, “the mannequin of management the scripture persistently command to the folks of God is as an alternative what we might name the servant-Ieader”.3 A number of passages of scripture can be cited to help the truth that Jesus’ idea of management was that of service. In Matthew 20:25-27, following a request for top place made by the mom of two of Jesus’ disciples, Jesus made this assertion: “Not so with you. As a substitute, whosoever desires to be nice should be your servant, and whoever desires to be first should be your slave.” Additionally in Matthew 20:28, Jesus mentioned, “The Son of man didn’t come to be served however to serve”. Osei-Mensah noticed that by His ministry, and particularly in His relationship with His disciples, Jesus additionally persistently modeled any such management. For instance, when Jesus washed the disciples’ ft, He clearly demonstrated this precept of humble service and present that it doesn’t take away any dignity from the chief. It was this servant idea of management, which was epitomized within the life and ministry of Jesus that produced the primary group of Christian leaders – the disciples of Jesus. This act of Jesus was additionally to indicate the disciples that true management is grounded in love, which should lead to service.
B. Management teachings of Jesus’ Disciples
Scripture reveals that lengthy after Jesus had gone, His disciples carried on His idea of management. The apostle Peter in I Peter 5:2-5 wrote to different Christian leaders: “Be servant of God’s flock which are below your care, serving as overseers not since you should, however since you are keen. Dress your self with humility towards each other.” On this assertion of the apostle Peter, it may be seen that his idea of management is only that of service. He didn’t solely settle for this idea as that of Jesus however noticed it because the norm for Christian leaders. For that reason, he was instructing them to undertake the identical idea of management. Additionally, the apostle Paul, in I Thessalonians 2:9 talked in regards to the form of chief he had been to the Thessalonians. He mentioned he labored night time and day amongst them and that his life and that of his colleagues had been examples of holiness, justice and blamelessness earlier than God. Paul’s idea of management was precisely that of Jesus – service. The Thessalonians weren’t serving him, however quite he served them.
Regardless of the truth that within the New Testomony, leaders see themselves extra as servants, but management positions are additionally acknowledged. In his writing, Paul instructed each Timothy and Titus to nominate elders within the native church buildings. Nonetheless, the New Testomony centered on the act of service of the chief and never on the workplace the occupied.
C. Management Idea in The Previous Testomony
It may be noticed from the Previous Testomony that every one the leaders that God used had been personally referred to as to their respective places of work. As well as, every one in every of them was given their particular ministry on the level they had been chosen. This was most likely a sign that God needed them to deal with service quite than their positions. For instance, in Exodus 3:1-10, when God referred to as Moses, He gave him clear instruction as to what He needed him to do. In verse 10, He says “… I’m sending you to Pharaoh to deliver my folks the Israelites out of Egypt”. When Moses left Median for Egypt, his focus was by no means on his new place, however quite on the duty he needed to carry out. One other instance is that of Nehemiah. In his book, “Excellence in Management”, John White made the next assertion: “Thus the book of Nehemiah serves primarily to unfold for us a part of God’s on-going plan for His folks. However all the time it’s the man, his character and his management that holds my curiosity. I current these reflections with the hope that they may assist Christians younger and outdated who face management duties”.4 John White was not involved about Nehemiah’s put up as governor, however quite on what he did. From the primary chapter of the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah had been involved with serving and he by no means strayed from that focus all through the account. At any time when chief adopts this idea of management, for instance, within the case of Nehemiah the chief is ready to accomplish his objective.
The Secular Idea of Management
Because the title implies, the secular idea of management is usually utilized in non-religious organizations and establishments. The Bible makes reference to this idea of management and quite a lot of authors who’ve mentioned it, level out its benefits and drawbacks. The secular ideas of management will due to this fact be mentioned from the biblical and secular viewpoint.
A. Biblical Perspective of The Secular Management Idea
In Matthew 20:25 Jesus mentioned, “you recognize that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them. And their excessive official train authority over them. Not so with you. On this portion of scripture, Jesus was making a distinction between the secular idea of management and that of the Biblical. The speedy context of the textual content talked about above provides one a greater image of the secular idea of management from the biblical perspective. The mom of James and John (the sons of Zebedee) was asking Jesus for particular excessive positions for her sons within the kingdom of God. In secular management, the main focus is on place and management. The upper the place an individual finds himself, the higher the management and authority he has. Additionally Jesus confirmed by distinction that this sort of management doesn’t deal with serving, however to be served.
There are additionally scriptural accounts within the Previous Testomony that painting the variations between secular and Biblical ideas of management. In I Samuel 8:4-6, the Israelites requested the Prophet Samuel to present them a king to rule over them and Samuel was displeased by the request. In accordance with Deuteronomy 17:14-20, God had plans for the nation to have a king, however that king should be distinguished from these of the Gentiles. However when the folks had been asking for a king, they mentioned that Samuel ought to appoint for them a king akin to all of the nations have. A detailed examination of the Deuteronomy passage talked about above reveals traits of secular management. God within the Previous Testomony made a transparent distinction between the management he approves of for his folks Israel and that of Gentile nations. It was a distinction between the secular and the Biblical ideas of management. From the biblical standpoint the next are typical of secular idea of management: i) the amassing of wealth, lack of reverence for God and a way of superiority to all.
The Bible didn’t solely mentioned the idea of secular management but in addition gave a vivid instance of the devastating impact such management idea may result to. In 1 Kings 12:1-7, the Bible information the circumstances that led to the division of Israel. Joyce Peel noticed, “Rehoboam sees royalty when it comes to privilege and absolute energy. He ignores the recommendation of older, skilled counselors and inspired by his smug associates, he returns a harsh reply. The result’s the cry, ‘to your tents, O Israel” The enraged Israelites marched out of Rehoboam’s” presence and arrange Jeroboam as their king.5 On this commentary, Joyce Peel has proven that it was Rehoboam’s idea of management that resulted within the division of the nation. His idea was that of the kings of different nations, who used their energy and place to power their topics to serve them. This was actually a sensible demonstration of the secular idea of management.
B. The Secular Perspective of Secular Management Idea
Most authors focus on management ideas when it comes to types. This strategy is nevertheless opposite to the Biblical idea which isn’t about types however about primary ideas. Engstrom and Dayton, of their book, “The Artwork of Administration for Christian Leaders”, mentioned 5 management types. These are as follows;
i) Bureaucratic
ii) Permissive
iii) Laissez-faire
iv) Participative and
v) Autocratic.6
These 5 management types could be put into two teams:
i) Domineering leadership-Autocratic and Bureaucratic types and
ii) Tolerant leadership-Permissive, Laissez-faire and Participative types. The
first group has been the main focus of secular management.
In explaining the secular idea of management, it’s essential to first give an outline of the 2 management types below the primary group. Within the autocratic type of management, the chief acts extra like a dictator. He makes all selections as to how issues ought to be finished and who will do them. He depends on his authority and sees himself as indispensable. The bureaucratic type of management is marked by continuous reference to group guidelines and rules. Choices are made by parliamentary procedures. These two management types could be seen as foundational to the secular ideas of management, which is a present of energy, status and place. One of these management is work-oriented and never people-oriented and is sort of totally different from the biblical idea of management.
The Conventional Idea of Management
This idea of management is being examined from a sociological perspective. It’s important to the dialogue of this paper as a result of it’s nonetheless strongly acknowledged in African societies. In African nations, the social and ethnic backgrounds of people do affect their complete perspective of life, which incorporates each the non secular and the secular. This idea of management can be mentioned from each the Biblical and Conventional views trying on the social dimension.
A. The Biblical Perspective Of Conventional Idea Of Management
From the biblical information, one can have the religious dimension of conventional idea of management. The Bible makes particular references to Jewish traditions in Matthew chapter 15 and Mark chapter 7. In Matthew 15:14, the Pharisees and lecturers of the law questioned Jesus as a result of His disciples had damaged the custom of the elders. In response, Jesus requested them – “And why do you break the command of God?” There’s a twist in Jesus’ response to the Pharisees. He didn’t deal with the problem however on management and authority. These elders have equated their human commentary or interpretation of divine legal guidelines with divine revelation. Jesus acknowledged their management however questioned their authority. Their management, despite the fact that not acceptable was acknowledged. Not like the western world, Africa nonetheless acknowledges conventional leaders despite the fact that their authority will not be acknowledged by many. Nonetheless, inside their very own sphere of operation, they aren’t solely acknowledged as leaders however their authorities are additionally acknowledged. The Bible additionally acknowledged the aspect of sturdy conventional management that had nice affect on folks.
B. The Social/Ethnic Perspective of Conventional Idea of Management
Magbaily Fyle made the next commentary about how leaders had been acknowledged in African societies or inside an ethnic group. He mentioned that an amazing hunter or a well-liked “moriman” (Quranic scholar) simply turns into a pacesetter. As he additional acknowledged, warfare was an important consider recognizing a pacesetter. One who had led folks in a victorious battle has the proper to guide.7 Additionally, F.Ok. Buah in his book, Historic World talked about that leaders had been acknowledged on the idea of age and the truth that it may be handed down from one member of the family to a different. F.Ok. Buah additional confirmed how this indigenous idea of Conventional Management has been influenced by western idea through the years. Tutorial schooling has additionally turn into an necessary consider Conventional management.8 Nonetheless on this idea of management, the followers often respect the leaders place and selections.
The present idea of management throughout the African Church
The present idea of management throughout the African Church could be decided by evaluating the three primary ideas of management with precise practices within the church. The comparability can be finished in two segments: first, with respect to the leaders and secondly, with reference to their activity or perform.
A) Management throughout the African Church
Within the African Church, there are laid down ideas as to how leaders are chosen or acknowledged. For many church buildings it’s by election. Such elections are often preceded by nomination; which might be finished earlier than or through the elections. When the method of selecting or acknowledging leaders is by elections, the plain query that arises is: ‘who’s eligible to face?’. Formal schooling in lots of church buildings has turn into a criterion for management. The truth is, many thought-about it to be an important criterion. For instance, aged folks within the main-line church buildings in Sierra Leone are searching for formal schooling, within the theological area in order that they are going to be certified to enter the pastorate. Many are also going by formal schooling by extension. In evangelical church buildings there are particular positions that one can’t maintain with out a college diploma. Alternatively, many unbiased church buildings thought-about spirituality or charismatic gifting as an important within the standards for management. Many charismatic leaders, by advantage of the truth that they planted the church assumed the place of chief and acknowledge different leaders by their presents. These leaders nevertheless don’t topic themselves to election.
If nevertheless they do, it’s sure that they’d have ensured the protection of their place by some clause within the structure. Nonetheless in each important line and evangelical church buildings, people aspire to management as a result of they’re satisfied that God has referred to as them. Charismatic and evangelical church buildings could be very welcoming in acknowledging these leaders, if their management talents are apparent. It ought to be identified that this manner of acknowledging leaders have opened the church to risks, As Oswald Sanders has noticed, “in lots of cultures immediately the place Christian management carries status and privilege, folks aspire to management for causes fairly unworthy and self searching for.9 Although some who had mentioned they’ve been referred to as to management have proved unworthy, it’s nonetheless value noting that church buildings acknowledge leaders in response to their private name. The facet of name remains to be very sturdy within the Roman Catholic Church. With out a private name, one can’t enter the priesthood.
Having mentioned the current practices of recognizing leaders within the African Church, it’s in place to see which of the ideas of management already mentioned, the current practices match into. Within the first place, leaders who had been acknowledged by election match into the secular idea of management. This idea doesn’t contemplate calling. It focuses extra on qualification and forms. Second, recognizing leaders due to their charismatic presents or management talents portrays extra of the standard idea of management. Conventional leaders had been acknowledged due to the particular talents or qualities they possess. They could proceed to be leaders till somebody with higher talents comes round. Third, the Catholics and another church buildings nonetheless contemplate calling to be the primary criterion for management. This reveals that within the African church, there’s a side of the biblical idea so far as selecting or recognizing their leaders is anxious.
B) The Process or perform of African Church Leaders.
To have the whole idea of management within the up to date African church, one wants to look at each the leaders and their perform or activity. The idea of selecting leaders has simply been examined. Now the idea of the duty and performance of leaders can be mentioned.
Most church leaders contemplate their place greater than their activity or perform. Many ended up doing extra administrative than religious ministry. They’re extra concerned in enterprise conferences and tasks, akin to constructing and aid. For some ministry has been principally church actions or particular packages. Thanksgiving providers have turn into the order of the day. Evangelical and charismatic church buildings nevertheless, appear to present extra time to the wants of their members. They do that by Bible Research, preaching, instructing and particular providers, therapeutic, breakthrough and deliverance, and many others. However at occasions the leaders appear to burden the folks with monetary calls for.
To some extent, members usually consider that their leaders should be concerned in nearly all the things so long as it has one thing to do with the church. On this method the leaders really feel that all the things needs to be below their private management. This has resulted in energy struggles in lots of church buildings as a result of leaders don’t need any competitors.
To find out the management idea within the African church on the idea of the features of the chief, one has to make comparisons with the three primary ideas already mentioned. Current day church leaders perform extra as conventional leaders, who’re in absolute management and tolerate no competitors. They need the followers to acknowledge their place and all the time be subjected to them. Additionally they perform as secular leaders who’re task-oriented and never people-oriented. They’re extra involved with the work to be finished or objectives to be achieved than with the wants of the folks. Nonetheless, some leaders perform as servants to the folks, as could be seen within the Biblical idea of management.
With reference to the perform or activity of the leaders, it may be seen that three primary ideas of management are evident. It’s clear that conventional and secular ideas of management are gaining firmer grounds within the church in Africa. Nonetheless, the church continues to carry on to the biblical idea in precept.
Conclusion
The process of the presentation was as follows: First, the biblical idea of management was mentioned; second, the secular idea and third the standard idea. Lastly the management practices within the current day church had been mentioned and comparisons made with the three primary ideas to find out what idea is prevalent in current day African church. It was famous that the secular and conventional ideas are prevalent. The biblical idea, which ought to be the norm for the African church has little or no recognition in follow.
Within the current day African church, formal schooling and spirituality have been seen as two totally different entities. The management idea of some church buildings has been influenced by formal schooling, which has been thought-about as pre-requisite for place throughout the church. The management idea of another church buildings has been influenced by spirituality or charismatic presents and the leaders perform extra like conventional leaders who don’t tolerate competitors.
Nonetheless, the management wants each formal schooling and charismatic presents, however the Church in Africa should return to the Biblical idea of management, which portrays leaders because the servant of the folks, leaders should observe Jesus’ precept and reproduce themselves in others. The African church could make use of the great elements of secular and conventional ideas of management, however the Biblical idea should all the time be the norm for the Church.
END NOTES
1Ted W. Engstrom and Edward Dayton, The Artwork of Administration for Christian
Leaders (Texas: Phrase book Publishers, 1976), p. 23.
2Myron Rush, The New Chief: A Revolutionary Strategy to Efficient
Management (Illinois: Victor books, 1971), p. 11.
3Gottfteid Osei-Mensah, Needed: Servant Chief (Achimota: Afrcian Christian
Press, 1990), p. 8.
4John White, Excellence in Management: The Patterns of Nehemiah (Leicester:
Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), pp. 10-11.
5Joyce Peel, A Journey By means of the Previous Testomony: The Story of God’s
Relationship with Man, Girl and the World (Oxford: The Bible Studying Fellowship, 1993), p. 84.
6Ted W. Engstrom and Edward Dayton, The Artwork of Administration for Christian
Leaders (Texas: Phrase book Publishers, 1976), p. 30.
7Magbaily Fyle, The history of Sierra Leone (London: Evans Brothers, 1981),
p. 5.
8F.Ok. Buah, Historic World (London: Macmillan Publishers, 1960), p. 79.
9Oswald Sanders, Religious Management (Chicago: Moody Press, 1994), p. 14.
