Biblical Foundations of Leadership – LEAD 510

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.

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. (CLOs: A, C, D)

Mentor Interviews Assignments (2)

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

Biblical Leadership Themes Assignments (2)

The student will submit two (2) 5-page papers pertaining to the major leadership themes stemming from the Forrest/Roden textbook reading assignments. Each paper must contain a title page, 1-page introduction, 3 page summary analyses of  3 major leadership themes, 1-page conclusion and 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 (CLOs: A, C, 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 Biblical grounded, healthy, growing, multiplying leaders. Your 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. Your plan, written in the first person, of how you are going to develop people and leaders who fulfill and serve the organizational mission where God has planted you. (Missional connection) (CLOs: A, C, D)