Introducing the Management Education Programme for FMPB Secretaries

FMPB and CIM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 6, 2025, marking a key milestone in leadership development within FMPB. The MoU signed by Rev. John Berlin, General Secretary of FMPB, and Dr. Aby Alexandar, Executive Director of CIM, aims to enhance the organisational capacity of FMPB’s leadership.

This collaboration marks the beginning of an eight-month Management Education Programme—a carefully crafted certificate course designed to equip FMPB’s Zonal and Regional Secretaries with management concepts and practices. This will unfold in three stages, blending online and in-person learning experiences. This approach ensures flexibility, catering to the diverse learning styles of participants from various regions.

Stage 1: Immersion into the Foundation

The programme commences with a five-day on-site immersion. Participants are introduced to fundamental management principles through lectures, interactive workshops and case studies. Subjects to be covered are organisational behaviour, financial management, human resources and strategic planning. 

Stage 2: Collaborative Learning and Practical Application

The learning continues through an engaging six-month online phase where knowledgeable facilitators will be guiding discussions and providing valuable insights tailored to the unique challenges faced by FMPB’s leaders. 

Stage 3: Learning Consolidation

There will be a three-day on-site session focused on advanced management tools and methodologies. Participants will gain hands-on experience in project management, performance evaluation and data-driven decision-making. The interactive sessions would evaluate the learnings gained in the previous months. Certificates of the candidates who successfully complete the course will be distributed at the end of the this residential workshop.

In three batches, the programme intends to strengthen the leaders’ abilities to navigate the complexities of their work effectively. The first batch commenced their learning with a residential workshop in Jhansi from March 17 to 21, 2025, that served as a preface to the eight-month programme.

Under the leadership of Dr. Mercia Selva Malar, Director of Management Programmes, Research and Publications, the programme illustrated how Biblical principles can be integrated into management practices. Later, Dr. Michael Sundersingh emphasised the significance of stewardship and servant leadership in service organisations.

The programme also focused on human resource management, guided by experienced consultant Mr. Ebenezer Raja Julius. His discussions on teamwork and conflict resolution engaged participants through role-playing and case studies. His emphasis on emotional intelligence and effective communication highlighted the importance of healthy relationships.

Dr. Janakiraman from the Department of Management at the Noida Institute of Engineering educated the leaders on human resource planning and auditing. His insights into aligning corporate objectives with human resources provided participants with the tools needed for comprehensive HR audits, talent management and effective hiring strategies, ultimately aiming to maximise organisational vitality.

Mr. Vinoy, CEO of Shikar Microfinance Private Ltd., addressed resource management and strategic accountability. With his extensive experience in the finance sector, he encouraged participants to make informed decisions that would impact their organisations through strategic financial planning.

Dr. Sonajharia Minz, a Professor of Computer Science at JNU and former Vice-Chancellor of Sido Kanhu Murmu University, led sessions on management information systems and data analysis, teaching participants to leverage data for strategic planning and operational efficiency. 

The residential immersion programme fostered an engaging learning environment with case studies and group discussions, creating a collaborative atmosphere that facilitated the exchange of expertise and peer education. The diverse backgrounds of the Zonal Secretaries enriched discussions, providing a multifaceted perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing their organisation. 

The participants have entered the next phase of the Management Education Programme—the eight-month training. The foundational knowledge from the 5-day sessions will be built upon in this later phase. 

This management education initiative signifies a crucial investment in the leadership capabilities of FMPB’s Zonal and Regional Secretaries. By equipping these leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge, CIM aims to enhance FMPB’s ability to lead effectively and drive significant organisational change.

The collaboration between CIM and FMPB demonstrates a strong commitment to empowering leaders for a brighter future, setting the stage for transformative leadership towards the fulfilment of FMPB’s mission.