Management and Stewardship

Management is the art of co-ordinating people and resources to achieve defined objectives with efficiency and purpose. It bridges the gap between leadership vision and practical implementation.

The Essence of Effective Management

The success of any venture or business largely depends on the management – the function of which is to co-ordinate the efforts of people to accomplish defined objectives through using the available resources effectively and efficiently. Managers have varying levels of authority and control. When a leadership decision has been made, it needs to be intentionally managed by following through; implemented with discipline to bring about the beneficial outcome envisaged. In any form of management, there is an authority structure that includes respect and obedience (submission) to those in control.

When something is managed properly, there is a logical, reasoned, planned and disciplined approach that has clearly defined goals yet can adapt to adverse scenarios if required. It is not a haphazard, 'make it up as we go along' unpredictable 'whatever will be' reaction. Leaders by contrast, because they are driven by creativity and passion of vision, can tolerate chaos to bring about change.

Leading and Developing People

Good managers know their staff – their strengths, weaknesses and capabilities – slotting the various people into roles in which they will excel, yet always seeing there is an attainable challenge to keep them focused and develop beyond their current comfort level. Continual improvement and progress are vital monitoring guidelines to greater productivity.

How we manage or implement the decisions we make will determine their success or failure. Our own self should be the primary focus of our managing skills, for "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city" (Prov 16:32). We determine the outcome of our lives by our decisions and reactions, from the control of our desires and emotions to the use of our time.

Things are managed, but people are led by motivating and setting an example

Good communication, accountability and healthy relationships are all factors of sound stewardship and, when channelled correctly with motivation, bring outstanding results. Managers should provide clear guidelines, imparting direction and overseeing, yet giving room for creativity and initiative, besides delegating and providing ongoing training.

Responsibility and Care

Managers should care for their employees, treat them well and provide a fair wage for the workers, understanding they also are under authority and accountable (Lk 7:3; Col 4:1; Heb 4:13, 9:27; Jas 5:4). There are factors 'for' and 'against' everything we do in life, so harness your passions and desires so they serve your God-given purpose.

Fairness and Ethical Treatment

Fairness is the cornerstone of effective management – treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves. This principle, often referred to as the Golden Rule (Mt 7:12), should guide every decision and interaction. A fair manager does not show favouritism (Jas 2:1-4) but evaluates each situation with integrity and impartiality.

When we treat those under our authority with respect, dignity and fairness, we create an environment of trust and loyalty. Employees who feel valued and fairly treated are more likely to be engaged, productive and committed to the organisation's success. Conversely, unfair treatment breeds resentment, disloyalty and high staff turnover.

Consider your own experiences – when have you felt treated unfairly, and how did it affect your attitude and performance? Now consider when you felt genuinely valued and fairly treated. The difference in outcome is profound. As managers and leaders, we must constantly examine our actions through the lens of fairness, asking: "Would I accept this treatment if roles were reversed?"

Do to others as you would have them do to you

Fairness extends beyond interpersonal relationships to include equitable distribution of resources, opportunities for advancement, recognition of achievements, and appropriate consequences for failures. It requires wisdom to balance mercy with justice, and grace with accountability.

Everybody Answerable to God

Ultimately, all authority and responsibility flows from God. Whether we are in positions of leadership or serving under others, we are all accountable to Him for how we exercise our influence and fulfil our duties (Rom 14:12; Heb 4:13). This recognition transforms our approach to management – we are not building our own kingdoms but stewarding what belongs to God.

Those in authority must remember they will give account for how they treated those under their care (Heb 13:17). Equally, those under authority are responsible to honour and obey their leaders, as unto the Lord (Eph 6:5-7; Col 3:22-24). This mutual accountability creates a healthy dynamic where both managers and employees recognise their ultimate accountability to God.

When we view our work through this eternal perspective, it elevates even mundane tasks to acts of worship. Every decision, every interaction, and every policy reflects our reverence for God and our understanding that we will one day give account for our stewardship.

Reflection and Application:

Consider how well you manage your own time, emotions and resources before seeking to manage others.
Reflect on whether you lead people through motivation and example, or merely manage through control.
Identify areas where you can delegate and develop others, rather than doing everything yourself.
Pray for wisdom to steward well all that has been entrusted to your care and responsibility.