Chaplain Leadership for Religious Freedom – CHPL 640

Course Description

This course is a comprehensive study of chaplain leadership as it pertains to providing for the free exercise of religion and defending that constitutional liberty. This study will evaluate the chaplain's calling to servant leadership, examine biblical models of servant leadership, discern the internal and external dangers of chaplain leadership, and explore the unique opportunities and challenges chaplains face while seeking to provide spiritual ministry in secular and pluralistic settings. Special attention will be given to the spiritual leadership traits necessary for successful chaplain ministry. On Campus Intensive Only.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The chaplaincy places ministers in secular and pluralistic settings where they are expected to lead spiritually, while navigating structures and cultures vastly different from traditional church and Christian ministry settings. In order to prepare the student for this role, he/she must understand the biblical nature of servant leadership and how to apply that leadership in secular and pluralistic environments in which he/she is called to minister.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Book Review Assignment

The student will complete a practical Book Review on 1 of 2 provided texts. The Book Review must be at least 800 words, focusing on the author’s approach in describing and defining Christian leadership and the task of a Christian leader. Citations must be in current Turabian format. (CLOs: A, C, D)

Critical Concerns Paper: Bibliography Assignment

The student will submit a title and bibliography page of at least 6 sources, published within the last 5 years, in current Turabian format. At least 2 of the sources must be from professional journals. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, G)

Personal Leadership Presentation Assignment

The student will develop a PowerPoint presentation of 15–18 slides on his/her personal leadership style. The presentation will assess various areas of the student’s personal leadership style and growth. The presentation must include a minimum of 5 current sources, published within the last 10 years, in current Turabian format. (CLOs: E, F)

Philosophy of Ministry Paper Assignment

The student will write a paper of 1,800–2,400 words in current Turabian format that focuses on the student’s philosophy of ministry. The paper must include at least 8 references, published within the last 5 years, in addition to the course textbooks. (CLOs: A, C, G)

Religious Liberty Paper Assignment

The student will write a 900–1,500-word paper in current Turabian format that focuses on how religious liberty affects chaplaincy and its work in the future. The paper must include at least 5 references, published within the last 5 years, in addition to the course textbooks. (CLO: H) 

The student will present a thorough investigation of a particular critical concern in leadership and religious liberty. The paper must include a description of the issue, an identification of why it is a concern for the chaplain, a theological presentation of the issue, and a theoretical discussion of the concern. In addition, the paper must contain an application of the information in order to enhance personal and professional readiness to minister to those affected by the concern in the student’s chosen field of chaplaincy. The paper must be 3,600–4,500 words, not including the cover and reference pages. The paper must also include a minimum of 10 sources, published within the last 5 years, in current Turabian format. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, G)