A Management Model for Self-Reliance of Local Churches: A Case Study of the First District in Northern Thailand

บทคัดย่อ

This study aimed to examine the trends and develop management model for self-reliance of local churches in the First District, Upper Northern Thailand. The Ethnographic Delphi Futures Research (EDFR) technique was employed in three rounds to collect data from 28 key informants selected from the First District Church Committee and pastoral leaders. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. Quantitative analysis was performed using the median and interquartile range, while qualitative analysis employed inductive content analysis. The findings revealed that the management model for local churches to achieve self-reliance comprises four dimensions: (1) Planning, characterized by a clear structure, active member participation, and the integration of technology with income-generating activities; (2) Implementation, which emphasizes participatory organizational culture and collaboration with external organizations; (3) Transparent monitoring and evaluation;  and (4) Improvement based on evaluation results to develop personnel capacity and reduce external dependence. Furthermore, the results indicated that the overall trend of church management demonstrates a high level of feasibility (Md.=5, IQR=0.78) and aligns with the desired model for self-reliant administration. In total, 94.38 percent of the findings encompassed the four dimensions. The study suggested that local churches should apply strategic management aligned with community contexts and develop leadership to enhance sustainability and management effectiveness.