CLED 820 Leadership and Management Theory

This course provides a critical examination of historic and contemporary leadership theories, principles and practices. This course also includes an analysis of each theory’s worldview assumptions, scientific worthiness and potential contribution to the leadership and management of faith-based organizations. Authentic, transformational, and servant leadership theories are in light of biblical examples, principles, and theological understandings of leadership.

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

Due to a Christian worldview perspective, Christian leadership and management should be distinguishable in practice as well. While Christian leaders seek to understand, integrate, and apply diverse management and leadership theories within their organizational context, to do so in a Christian manner, leaders must first process those theories through a Christian worldview perspective. This course is designed to assist the Christian leader in the hard work of critically examining and appropriately integrating theory into practice within the faith-based and market place context in an approach that is consistent with a Christian worldview.

Textbook readings and video presentations

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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 student will participate in 5 Discussions. The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and include 1 scholarly source and 1 Scripture reference. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. Current APA format is required. (CLO: A, B, D, E)

Theorist Paper and Presentation Assignment

This assignment requires the student to select a major leadership or management theorist and analyze that individual’s life, core ideas, and scholarly influence, followed by a biblical evaluation and practical ministry application. The project combines biographical study, theory analysis, theological reflection, and ministry-focused synthesis, culminating in both a 10-12-page research paper and a 5-6 slide presentation for ministry leaders. The paper should utilize a minimum of 10 academic quality references, not including biblical passages or textbooks. Current APA format is required. (CLO: D, E)

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly shaping how leaders think and solve problems, and this assignment uses that reality to guide a focused, multi‑layered evaluation of Servant Leadership Theory. The student will generate AI responses, assess them through personal reflection, verify their accuracy with scholarly research including at least 8-10 scholarly sources, and then offer a biblically grounded critique of the theory. The project develops critical discernment by requiring the student to compare AI‑generated ideas with academic sources and Scripture while forming a well‑supported perspective on Servant Leadership in Christian ministry. The paper must be 5-7 pages in length not including front matter or bibliography. Current APA format is required. (CLO: A, B, D) 

Personal Philosophy of Leadership and Management Paper Assignment

This assignment requires the student to present a clear, integrated philosophy of leadership and management shaped by both scholarly research and a Christian worldview. The student will articulate the theological and theoretical foundations that inform his/her approach, evaluate relevant leadership models, and synthesize them into a coherent personal framework. The paper ultimately demonstrates how the student’s convictions and the broader leadership literature together guide his/her practice, especially within ministry contexts. The paper must be 2000-3000 words in current APA style, and utilize a minimum of 10 academic references, not including biblical passages, textbooks, and commentaries. (CLO: C, E)