What OAG Can Learn from Microsoft

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.” 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 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...

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...