In His Hands International Bible College

"Management" is the process of accomplishing plans through human, material, and spiritual resources.   "Management by objectives" is a procedure for planning and implementing ministry in an orderly, effective manner.  The Bible states:   Let all things be  done  decently and in order. (I Corinthians 14:40) From the beginning of the Biblical record, God made plans and communicated them to men and women who carefully recorded and obeyed them. God had Moses prepare a written plan for the construction of the tabernacle.  He gave David plans for the temple.  He had Hezekiah write down his vision in a clear and orderly way.   This lesson introduces "Management By Objectives.”  You will learn what it involves, its importance, and how to deal with any opposition which you may encounter.   MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES "Management by objectives" is exactly what the title reflects.  It is management of ministry by objectives.  "Management" is another word for "stewardship.” "Stewards" or "managers" are responsible over something entrusted to them by someone else. As a believer, you are a steward of spiritual resources God has given which include:    The Gospel: Every believer is a steward of the Gospel.  We are to share its message with others. Finances: Every  believer is a steward of the money God gives to him personally.  Those who handle ministry funds of a church or Christian organization are also stewards of these funds. Material Resources Of Ministry:   Such as church buildings, property, and equipment. Spiritual Gifts:  Each believer has at least one spiritual gift. You are a steward of your spiritual gift and your place of ministry in the Body of Christ.   Other Believers:  God uses people, not programs, to  build His Kingdom.  Management or stewardship involves people.  If you are a leader, you are responsible for the people who work with you in ministry.  You are to help them grow spiritually and develop their own spiritual gifts for the work of the ministry.   You are to be a good steward of these resources.  The main requirement of stewards is that they are to be faithful: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.   (I Corinthians 4:2) To  be  a good manager or steward, you must make plans. The word "objectives" is another word for "plans" or "goals.”  So, management by objectives means "making plans to be a good manager of the spiritual resources God gives you.” Jesus told a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 about servants whose master gave them resources called "talents.”  They were told to be good stewards and use the funds wisely.  Every man but one had a plan and successfully followed it.  The one who did not make a plan for his resources and did not use his talent was judged an unfaithful servant.   Jesus encouraged planning: For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  (Luke 14:28) When we speak of planning and management in this course we are not talking about planning as it is done in the secular world of business.  We are talking about planning under the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of effective ministry. Because God knows the future, He can give you wisdom in making plans. Management by objectives will make you a good steward of the Gospel and the ministry God has given you.  It will help you work with God to accomplish His purposes.  The Bible confirms that when people begin to step out and act in faith on a plan, God works with them.   Management by objectives involves:  -Formulating a purpose for ministry in harmony with that of God. -Making plans to achieve the purpose. -Organizing people and procedures to implement the plan (implement means to put it into action). -Perfecting the plan through evaluation. Good stewardship and planning is hard work. It takes time and effort. Spiritual works of wood, hay, and stubble are easier to produce, but are perishable.  Gold and silver takes more effort, but is lasting. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest:  for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  (I Corinthians 3:12-13)