Critical Issues in Ministry Leadership – CLED 325

Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to various issues that impact both local church and parachurch ministry leaders. The student will develop an understanding of the role of the Christian leader’s growth, priority of family in ministry, and contemporary issues related to ministry infrastructure.

Rationale

In this course, careful attention will be given to the many areas of responsibility that a Christian leader, who is called by God, must understand and balance. Careful instruction will also be given to practical methods of application, which will be beneficial in ministry duties.

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 designed to foster student interaction around the course material. The core topics for these threads, based on real-life situations include dealing with personal burnout in ministry, reflecting on the impact of evangelical "rock stars," and responding to a leadership crisis. Through each Discussion, you will demonstrate course-related knowledge using the reading materials and appropriate Scripture.  In addition, students will read and reply to classmates' threads as they post their personal insights. (CLOs: A, C)

Five-Year Personal Growth Plan Assignment

Since leadership requires personal discipline and organization, planning for success is a vital component. In this assignment, you will develop a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly plan relating to life and ministry - including personal goals, disciplines, and plans. Furthermore, you will highlight and summarize three books that you plan to read along with 70 Bible verses you intend to memorize over a five year period. (CLO: A)

Family in Ministry Paper Assignment

Family is not just important in ministry, it is, in many cases, a necessary qualification. To help you chart a path into the future, you will describe your personal philosophy of balancing family and ministry priorities. The paper must incorporate insights from the textbooks, as well as relevant Scripture in order to support the student’s thoughts and ideas. (CLO: B)

Ministry Leader Interview Assignment

Leaders learn from other leaders. In this assignment, you will write a 3–5-page paper in current Turabian format that includes a transcript and summary of an interview with a vocational ministry leader (full-time or bi-vocational)—such as a pastor, church staff member, camp director, denominational leader, etc. In addition to the provided questions, the student must create at least 5 additional questions for the interviewee to address related to topics covered in this course. (CLO: C)

Book Analysis Assignment

Developing a clear sense of success is a grounding moment for any leader. One of the textbooks will challenge popular notions of success in ministry. Working from that textbook, you will write a 5–7-page paper in current Turabian format that focuses on an analysis of this textbook including the following sections: summary, strength analysis, weakness analysis, favorite quotes, and personal reflection. (CLO: D)

Quizzes (3)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the specified Module: Week. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a 1-hour time limit.  (CLO's: B, C)