Biblical Foundations of Leadership – LEAD 510

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course explores the topic of leadership from a biblical and theological perspective. Essential biblical principles bearing on the purpose and character of leadership will be examined. Instances of leadership in the Old and New Testaments will be analyzed within their biblical context, and in terms of contemporary understanding of leadership, with a special focus on the leadership of Jesus Christ as seen in the New Testament.

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

Rationale

Outstanding leadership is important if organizations are to succeed. This course examines the leadership examples found in Scripture. We will study the leadership style of Jesus and see how the early church interpreted the teachings of Jesus related to servant leadership. The goal of the class is that each student would develop servant leadership habits in his or her life with the aim of serving/equipping others to follow Christ.

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 (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will submit a 300-word thread to the question posed. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 3 other classmates’ threads (minimum). Each reply must be 100 words and include at least one footnote or citation. Each Discussion must be formatted in the style pertaining to the student's degree program. (CLO: A, C, D)

Mentor Interviews Assignments (2)

Mentor Interviews: Confirmation Assignment: The student must submit the name and email addresses of the interviewees as well as the time and place for each interview.

Mentor Interviews: Report Assignment: Using a list of questions, the student will interview 2 Christian ministry leaders who have mentoring relationships (currently in practice). The student will create a 5 page report comparing and contrasting the 2 mentor interviews. The report must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document and in the style format pertaining to the student’s degree program. (CLO: B)

The 4-MAT Review system is a way of responding to readings, lectures, and life experiences, requiring the learner to interact with new ideas on several levels. Each of the 2 required papers must be at least 1800 words (6 pages) (see grading rubric for details), submitted as a Microsoft Word document, and follow the format for the degree program in which the student is enrolled. (CLO: A, B, D)

Leadership Development Plan Assignment

The student will create a 12-page (with a minimum of 10 footnotes/citations) ministry plan that will explain the process for developing Biblically grounded, healthy, growing, multiplying leaders. The student's plan must include a title page, 1-page introduction, 10 pages covering the five essential areas below, 1-page conclusion and a bibliography/reference page. The paper must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document and in the style format pertaining to the student’s degree program. The five areas are:

1. The Biblical passages for leader/leadership (Theology).

2. The Biblical principles related to leader/leadership (Philosophy).

3. Examination of different leadership styles for individual leaders and leadership at the organizational level (Methods and Models).

4. How to create a healthy ministry/work environment that equips people and leaders to explore/successfully accomplish the mission and new initiatives (Culture).

5. The student's plan, written in the first person, of how the student is going to develop people and leaders who fulfill and serve the organizational mission where God has planted him or her (Missional connection). (CLO: A, C, D)