Document Type
Article
Abstract
This paper explores covenantal environmental administration as a significant framework for contemporary public governance within faith-based environmental nonprofits (FENs). As New Public Management (NPM) reforms increasingly shape nonprofit administration through efficiency and performance metrics, covenantal governance emerges as an alternative rooted in mutual obligation, ethical leadership, and spiritual stewardship, concepts deeply embedded in Judeo-Christian traditions exemplified by loving fulfillment. Contrary to perceptions of incompatibility between ethical-spiritual values and data-driven accountability, this study argues that integrating covenantalism with New Public Management practices can enhance organizational performance, stakeholder trust, and ecological outcomes. Employing theoretical analysis and empirical tools (notably the Covenantal Empowerment Diagnostic) this research demonstrates that covenantal governance not only complements secular administrative strategies, but also actively enriches them. This paper further illustrates the transformative potential of covenantal principles, suggesting their broader applicability in addressing complex environmental and administrative challenges, such as environmental impact, moral stewardship, and community resilience. Moreover, the covenantal framework positions nonprofit leaders and public administrators as accountable stewards guided by relational ethics and sacred obligations, offering a robust model for a just, sustainable, and compassionate approach to public administration.
Recommended Citation
Berry, Jacob
(2026)
"Bridging Covenant and Efficiency: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Faith-Based Environmental Nonprofits Under New Public Management Reform,"
Journal of Law and Government: Vol. 1:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/jlawgov/vol1/iss1/6
