CHPL 645 Chaplain Resilient Leaders

This course will examine in depth a biblical model for resiliency and resilient spiritual leadership for chaplains, introducing key characteristics and competencies which allow chaplain leaders to be resilient and set the conditions for successful performance, to lead through inevitable crises along the way, and to help individuals and organizations rebound from downturns to a brighter future. The course also addresses how resilient leaders stand the test of time, avoiding burnout and establishing essential disciplines of replenishment.

This course will prepare chaplain leaders to embrace the challenges of unique ministry experiences, enhancing personal spiritual fitness and exercise skills to meet the demands of changing environments. This will be done through selected disciplines of personal and professional ministerial practice, which will allow the chaplain to address his/her holistic preparation and provide the highest level of leadership to organizations and their personnel.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the students will complete five Discussions throughout this course. The student will provide an initial topic thread of 400 words, demonstrating course-related knowledge. The student will collaborate and converse with another student by replying to someone’s initial topic thread. Each reply must be at least 200 words in length. (CLOs: A, B, C, E).

Book Review Assignments (3)

As a scholar-student, it is vital to interact with the works of like-minded ministerial practitioners. The student will critique and apply three textbooks:  Resilient Warriors, Jesus-Driven Ministry, and Caring for our Shepherds. These reviews will be 900 words in length and comply with current Turabian format. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E).

Theology of Gospel-Centered Ministry Paper Assignment

Challenges require a perceptual review of ministerial practices. Chaplaincy must remain Gospel-centric in serving others. The student will detail their “Theology of Gospel-Centered Ministry” through a 5-6 page paper. The following sections must be included: Defining the Gospel, Remaining Gospel-Focused, Pluralistic/Ecumenical Challenges to the Gospel, and the Reward for Gospel Faithfulness. The student should cite 2 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLOs: A, D, E). 

Theology of Personal Resiliency Paper Assignment

Christian history provides innumerable accounts of the faithful persevering and rebounding from the most difficult of situations. In 5-6 pages, students will detail their “Theology of Personal Resiliency.” This research should include the following sections: The Reality of Tribulation, The Necessity for Resilience, Biblical Foundations for Resilience, Biblical Role Models of Resilient Leaders and Caregivers. Include a personalized plan that includes how the student as a person and leader will prepare themselves for resiliency in their own leadership endeavors. The student should cite 2 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLOs: B, C, E).

Final Project: Personal Resiliency Action Plan

Utilizing Caring for our Pastors, Margin and the Resilient Warriors Appendix, Write an 8-10 page paper to include an introduction and conclusion section with bibliography; discussing the need for healthy boundaries in ministry, importance of spiritual disciplines, and self-care.  Develop a self-care plan with at least 1 page dedicated to each of the following subtopics: Physical Care, Mental and Emotional, Spiritual, Relational/Social, Financial, and Recreational. Offer a final section with a 28 day schedule of daily routines and disciplines focusing on all areas and facets of self-care explored in the paper to include dedicated “white space” and uncommitted time for ministry and family emergencies creating “margin” to shift other priorities into the white space in light of ministry emergencies.  This schedule may be in the form of a monthly or weekly calendar, weekly planner, or written out in paragraph form with a detailed listing. . (CLOs: A, B, C, E).