What the Bible Says about Management

Bible-Based Best Management Practices

Urban planners can learn from several best management practices found in the Bible. One practice is to select capable and trustworthy team members, as advised in Exodus 18:21. In Exodus 18:21, Moses' father-in-law advises him to select "capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain" to help him govern the Israelites. Urban planners can learn from this example by selecting a team with the right skills, values, and integrity.

Additionally, planners should seek to understand and empathize with the community's concerns, as Christians are called to do in Romans 12:15. In Romans 12:15, Christians are called to "rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." This suggests a constant state of engagement and unity between public service workers and the clients and constituents they serve. There should be no separation in terms of identity, community, heart, mind or spirit. Urban planners should listen to the concerns of the community and seek to understand their emotional experience.

Clear communication is also essential, as Proverbs 15:22 suggests that plans succeed with many advisers (Fields, 1998). Proverbs 15:22 states that "without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." For that reason, urban planners should foster transparency, openness, trust, and honesty in their communication with the community and stakeholders.

Effective leaders must also set an example for their team and the community, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:3. This is called leading by example: In 1 Peter 5:3, Christian leaders are called to be "examples to the flock." Thus, urban planners should take responsibility for their projects and set an example for their team and the community.

Delegation is another important aspect of management, as shown in Exodus 18:17-23, but it's essential to maintain oversight of important matters. The Bible teaches us that one should delegate wisely. In Exodus 18:17-23, Moses is advised to delegate some of his responsibilities to capable leaders, but to keep oversight of the most important matters. Urban planners should delegate tasks only to the extent that they can effectively oversee them. If they cannot do this, they risk losing sight and command of their projects.

The Bible also teaches us to be positive and constructive in our discourse. Timely and constructive feedback is also necessary, as advised in Colossians 4:6, which encourages gracious and respectful communication. In Colossians 4:6, Christians are advised to "let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Urban planners should provide timely and meaningful feedback to their team and the community, while maintaining a positive and constructive attitude.

Finally, planners should encourage innovation, as Ecclesiastes 11:4 warns against over-analyzing and failing to take action. In Ecclesiastes 11:4, the writer advises "whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." Urban planners should, therefore, encourage their team to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and pursue innovative solutions.