Abstract:
The purpose of this research paper is to identify a biblical model that describes the
existence of a People Management (PM) method in Paul s ministry at Ephesus. To achieve
this end, we established the following specific goals: What is PM? What is the real meaning
or the correct interpretation of Acts 19.1-10? According to the text and its context, is it
possible to identify a leadership management and training process during Paul s stay in
Ephesus? These questions and basic objectives shape the research as follows: The first part
addresses: the historic phases and progression of PM; its conceptual premises, explaining with
details what they are; its main objectives in relation to people management; and the processes
used to implement it in the context of organizations. Ten arguments supporting the relevance
of PM in church end this first part. It would be good to point out that the APPENDIX I
(historical critical exegesis of Acts 19.1-10) included in this research paper seeks to
substantiate the affirmations made in the second chapter and point out the biblical model of
PM in Paul s ministry. Historical critical exegesis is one of the most common procedures in
diachronic analysis of the Bible, and submits the selected text to forty distinct stages, which in
turn, permit different viewpoints and allow an exact, deep and wide interpretation of the
selected text. The second and last chapters are based on the conceptual elements of the first
chapter and link these with the exegesis (Acts 19.1-10) didactically building a bridge between
Paul s actions in Ephesus and the process of 21st century PM. This last part ends with the
identification of three of Paul s skills in the process of aggregating, applying and enabling
people to exercise Christian service. Within this perspective, this work intends to provoke
thought and provide tools to make PM implementation viable in the current ecclesiastical
context. It is believed that PM can align the interests of the church with those of its
collaborators and encourage greater interdependence between both.
