Chaplain Strategic Leadership – CHPL 820

Course Description

The course provides a study in chaplain strategic leadership, focusing on the authority and responsibility of the chaplain to lead prophetically with godly character, insight, and wisdom within secular and religious contexts. Special emphasis is placed on the chaplain’s position and opportunity to influence critical decisions and lives within military, healthcare, and community contexts.

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

Rationale

Senior chaplain positions necessitate analysis and application of personal qualities essential for effective chaplain leadership in religious, secular, and pluralistic settings. This course is designed to provide strategic chaplain leaders the ability to assess calling, character, competence, and relational intelligence, and to improve those qualities in themselves and those whom they lead.

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)

The student will complete 3 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread addressing two discussion prompts of at least 200 words for each prompt (400 words total) by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 200 words each by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. Student must support each thread and reply with insights from scripture, textbooks, assigned videos, and other scholarly sources. All citations must be in Turabian format. (CLOs: A, B, C, D)

Research Paper: Chaplain's Calling to Lead Assignment

The student will write a 2,000–2,300-word research-based paper in current Turabian format. The paper must address the calling of Peter, from Jesus’ invitation to follow to Peter’s full submission to lead the church. It must integrate relative Scripture passages to demonstrate God’s progressive work in Peter’s life and calling to lead as well as integrate application and implications for chaplains called to lead. (CLOs: B, D)

Research Paper: Chaplain's Character to Lead Assignment

The student will write a 2,000–2,300-word research-based paper in current Turabian format. The paper must address the character of Peter, from his immaturity as a young fisherman to his maturity to lead the church. It must integrate relative scripture passages to demonstrate God’s progressive work in Peter’s life and character to lead as well as integrate application and implications for the chaplain’s character to lead. (CLOs: B, D)

Research Paper: Chaplain's Competence to Lead Assignment

The student will write a 2,000–2,300-word research-based paper in current Turabian format. The paper must address the competence of Peter, from his seasoned priorities to his mature convictions. It must integrate relative scripture passages to demonstrate God’s progressive work in Peter’s life to lead with competence and integrate application and implications for the chaplain’s competence to lead. (CLOs: B, D)

Analytical Book Review: Chaplain's Connection to Lead Assignment

The student will write a 2,000–2,400-word critical evaluation of the required text, consisting of a summary, critique, application, and overall evaluation. The summary must focus on the main ideas and significant themes in the book as well as the author’s overall purpose in writing. The critique must contain a well-thought-out biblical interaction with the author’s thesis, main points, and arguments he presents in the book. The application section must present a clear connection from the book to one’s personal leadership. The overall evaluation of the book must include strengths, weaknesses, and recommendation. (CLOs: A, B)

Chaplain Strategic Leadership Plan Assignment

In 2,000–2,400 words, the student will create a ministry leadership plan unique to his or her chaplain field. The plan must address personal and professional leadership areas of concern. (CLOs: A, B, C, E)