What the Church Could Learn From Microsoft
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, September 17, 2007
- Viewed 51
- (19) comments so far
1). Hire the Best People—(how many churches hire poorly and then really pay for it? Hire the best people the first time by doing your homework and searching high and low for your next staff member)
2). Bet the Company’s (church’s) Future On Big Opportunities —(that’s called ‘risk’… something many churches NEVER do!)
3). Expect People To fail & Learn from Their Mistakes—(many times, we don’t allow people to make mistakes; many times we don’t allow people enough authority and ownership to make mistakes. I think it has something to do with #2 (our aversion to risk))
4). Insure that Managers Can Do the Work of the People That Report To Them—(this goes to ‘competence’… again, hire well; hire competence… ministry should be a team effort; not a ‘that’s his area and I know nothing about it’ thing)
5). Evaluate People Only On Their Recent Performance— (boy, I see this often… when a staff person fails (see #3), he/she is doomed. Forgive and give another chance. Restore and encourage. Allow for growth and encouragement. You may be surprised what people can pull off!)
6). Spend Money Frugally—(Many churches are frugal because they have to be. Others spend money like it’s going out of style. Make sure your spending match’s your vision and purpose… otherwise you might as well throw it out into the street)
7). Manage A Large Company (church) Like A Collection of Small, Independent Companies (churches) —(I think we’re starting to see this happen more these days)
8). Know What Is Actually Going On In the Company—(again, ministry is a team thing… be sure you know what’s happening in other areas, not just your own.)
9). Establish an “esprit de cour” (a spirit of cooperation) to motivate People To Superior Performance—(isn’t this biblical?)
10). Never Make Your Employees Put Up with Stupid Rules—(ok… be honest… does your church have any stupid rules? Why?)
11). Create an Office Atmosphere That’s Like a Home Away from Home— (people always work best when they’re comfortable)
12). (a rule specific to Microsoft’s environment): Focus On Total World Domination—(OK… ‘world domination’ sounds a little strong; but in our ‘business’ it would be a great thing, wouldn’t it? To see the church and Christ’s impact on the world increase would be awesome.)
OK… that’s the end of my Microsoft rant…
Have a great day; Minister in a way today that would make Jesus proud!
Todd
I think I can read your mind right now. “There is SO MUCH wrong with this title… and we should not in ever compare the church to Microsoft.” (Some of you Apply folks out there aren’t able to utter ‘Microsoft’ and ‘church’ in the same sentence! I can just read the comments now… Some will immediately think something like, "The church is NOT a business" or "The church is already too much like business" or "We just need to preach the Bible and not ever bring 'business' into the church." Well, before you go off on me, please hear me out. I saw this list over at Casual Mondays, and thought that here are a few 'business' practices that many churches would be wise to adopt. Don't call them 'business' principles, if you like. Call them something totally different... but wouldn't more churches be healthier and accomplish more for the Kingdom if they adhered to some or all of the things on this list? (Also, please don't over-spiritualize this list... it's not a theological doctrine statement of a church... just a list of helpful practices). All those disclaimers out of the way, see what you think I'll put some of my comments in parenthesis). This is how Microsoft keeps going and growing into the world leader in computers...
Comments
if you want a Globally Recognized Avatar (the images next to your profile) get them here. Once you sign up, they will displayed on any website that supports them.
Daniel D. Farmer on Mon, September 17, 2007
I especially like the world domination bit. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/grin.gif
David E Thomas on Mon, September 17, 2007
On the customer end of Microsoft I have another observation. Last February I attended a MS-hosted workshop on Vista and the new Office 2007. Their communication with me between initial registration and the final event was awesome! They contacted me via email and telephone 3 times to make sure I was still coming. This was for an event that cost me NOTHING. I wonder if the church values those who sign up for our classes and training to this same degree.
Jay Zetterlund on Mon, September 17, 2007
I think this list is outstanding… Point #5 may be more about evaluating leaders based on their current performance and not based on their histrorical accomplishments… It keeps complacency from setting into leadership teams when they know we have to give our best to God and the people He’s called us to serve every day, in every service, every time we open our doors, answer our phones or encounter the community.
David Lyons on Mon, September 17, 2007
Good stuff Todd.
I haven’t figured out why some church folks think corporate america is evil. Corporations come up with the most effective ways to accomplish their “mission” because they know they will be judged for their performance (by customers, boardmembers, and shareholders). So, knowing this they spend countless hours determining the most effective way to carry their message to their consumer.
While our responsibility as church leaders is not that of consumerism, we have clear directives set out in scripture on how to carry the message of Christ, how to treat our neighbors, etc.
After looking at examples like Microsoft, it’s quite easy to see Biblical principles used to operate their business. In fact, our consultants are encouraging our clients to prayerfully consider non-church organziations as examples or resources for learning. Jesus often uses non-church examples for teaching…their may be something out their for us.
Obviously, there are bad companies such as Enron, Worldcom. However, there are companies that run with more integrity than some churches:
*better stewardship
*take care of staff
*establish a vision and actually carry it out…
Peter Hamm on Mon, September 17, 2007
I’m an apple guy, but I admire M$ as much as I can. Good list. I’d add a handful of “apple-ish” items to the list
1.) Yes, learn from your mistakes, but don’t make the same stupid mistakes over and over again, and don’t try to compete in an arena you can’t compete in. (What’s up with that stupid “Zune”.) In other words, if your church is great at doing a contemporary service, don’t try to do a traditional service if you can’t be good at it. Don’t be afraid to apologize, like Apple did with refunds recently for early-adopters of the (WAY overhyped in my opinion) iPhone.
2.) Innovate or die. Apple is on their SIXTH-generation of iPods. Never rest on your laurels. Make new successes. As someone said, I think it was Ed Young, “If it ain’t broke… break it, and then put it back together again in a new way…” or something like that…
3.) Know the future. Know what people will want next. I have NO idea how to do this… but Apple does…
4.) Create an unbelievable first-time out-of-box experience. How “accessible” are our buildings/programs/services/etc…
Carl on Mon, September 17, 2007
I hope you appreciate the irony that on the day you post this, Microsoft loses a humongous lawsuit in Europe for unfair business practices. There is a good reason people react to posts like this. Would you really want your church to boast that its growth and success is due to the fact that they have emulated Microsoft’s business practices?
How would John respond to your post? Maybe something like this:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” - I John 2:15-17
I much prefer John’s “business model”:
“This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. [...] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” - I John 3:11, 16
Leonard on Mon, September 17, 2007
Great list Todd, thanks for posting it. I just finished budget and gals for the next 12 months and there are some good principles in this list.
Lee Martin on Mon, September 17, 2007
I might love an individual and they might love me, but that does not mean they are the right person for the job. As a Children’s Pastor, I could put lots of people who “love kids” in positions, but that alone is not a good qualification for ministering to my kids. Point #1 is true, especially when hiring for a larger church. It makes sense to get the right person the first time, which will avoid many potential problems. I don’t see this as using a business model but simply using the discernment God has given me. I bet you could also find examples of Jesus using points #1, 2, 3 and 5 with the disciples. Jesus chose specific individuals and took the time to train them Himself. He allowed them to make mistakes and then built them up again. He forgave Peter and did not keep reminding him of his past mistakes. Did Jesus follow Microsoft, or did Microsoft stumble upon wisdom that Jesus portrayed 2000 years ago?
Steve Nestor on Mon, September 17, 2007
I’m not totally convinced I want to run the church like Microsoft runs its business. But, it is a novel approach and something to dwell upon. I think it would be nice if the Gates Foundation included churches on its charitable gifts list. I’d gladly take 10%.
Noel on Mon, September 17, 2007
Great post, Todd. And you know I am an Apple Fanatic. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
I was going to prove that I could use Microsoft and church in the same sentence, but then I realized I already did.
Phyllis on Mon, September 17, 2007
I love number 10, stupid rules. It has as much to do with risk as anything.
Richard on Mon, September 17, 2007
What do you do if the church did not follow #1 when they hired an associate staff during the interim before I came?
Eric Joppa on Mon, September 17, 2007
Todd,
How could you post something about Microsoft?!?! They are Satan!!!! Why should us apple users (christians) take our cues from ....I can’t even say it twice!
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little…
Just kidding, good stuff. (even if it is from the anti christ’s company)
Tye Male on Mon, September 17, 2007
Jesus did it this way. Think about it: I’m in a church that follows these principles and it is an awesome environment to serve in. Additionally, we have had steady growth over 10 years - 10% a year.
Great post Todd. Thanks!
Tye Male on Mon, September 17, 2007
One more thing. Focus on world domination:
“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” Looks like we are on the right track if we are focusing on world evangelization and making disciples.
Page 1 of 2 pages 1 2 >
Post a Comment