Review: David Lohmann (2003). Das Bielefelder Diakonie-Management-Modell [The Bielefeld Deaconry Management Model]

Abstract

In six chapters, David LOHMANN makes suggestions for theological-ethical deaconry management, including a consideration of economic necessities. Through a qualitative comparison of documented sources, the author generates a theory of theological-ethical enterprise management. Following that, the author considers the theology of the deaconry in the context of TILLICH's model of believed realism and WICHERN’s theological concept of the inner mission. At the center of the examination lies a formulation of a cybernetic theory of deaconry theology. Of the available management models, the author favours the St. Galler model as the basic model of deaconry enterprise management. In doing so, the author lays out theological ground rules for the normative, strategic and operational levels of deaconry. In attempting to formulate this prospective deaconry management model through the consideration of the work of the two 20th century theologians and his own personal experience, the current needs and knowledge-base of specific deaconries are not considered. A systematic consideration of quantitative social research would have been a worthwhile supplement. In conclusion, the analysis develops a management model for deaconry enterprises that emphasizes the interdisciplinary aspects of theology and business economics. The book confirms the competitive value of a management model attuned to the theological and economic aspects of a deaconry. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0601356

Keywords

• management, St. Gallen management model, deaconry enterprises, ethic of economy, leadership, deaconry-theology, theory formation (generation of theory), theoretical sampling, documentary data capture, comparative analysis