BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP FOR TODAY LS 602. Lincoln Christian Seminary Office telephone: , Ext Campus View Drive Fax:

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1 BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP FOR TODAY LS 602 Fall Semester, 2005 Don Green, Adjunct Faculty Ministry Intensive Week (10/24-10/28) Office in Alumni and Visitors' Center Lincoln Christian Seminary Office telephone: , Ext Campus View Drive Fax: Lincoln, IL COURSE DESCRIPTION This course builds on the areas covered in LS 601 by focusing on strategies for identifying, models for developing, and the processes for releasing leaders for ministry. Strategic planning, tactical planning, communication and conflict-resolution skills, and functioning as a change agent will also be emphasized. SEMINARY MISSION AND OBJECTIVES Lincoln Christian College and Seminary is a Christian higher education community whose mission is to nurture and equip Christians with a Biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world. The principal means we use to accomplish this mission are teaching, learning, leading, and serving through undergraduate and graduate programs. The goal of the graduate Seminary is to develop servant leaders to equip churches and church-related organizations to carry out Christ s Great Commission in the world. The Seminary has also adopted a set of student learning objectives to further clarify this goal for each student. This course focuses on the following student learning objectives: 1. Think critically and theologically about key developments in the disciplines he/she studies 2. Lead in a ministry setting with a servant s heart, a listening ear, and appropriate ministry skills 3. Develop the skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. Cognitive (Area of knowledge and understanding): 1.1 The student should have an understanding of what the Bible teaches about the nature of leadership for ministry. [Learning Objective #1} 1.2 The student should have a better understanding of significant issues facing leaders in the twenty-first century. [Learning Objective #1] 1.3 The student should have an understanding of leadership concepts necessary for effective ministry in the local church and/or other Christian organization. [Learning Objective #2] 1.4 The student should have an awareness of various perspectives on leadership from historical and current literature. [Learning Objective #3] 1

2 2. Affective (Area of attitudes): 2.1 The student should have an increased appreciation for the function of leadership ministry as taught in Scripture and as understood in the Restoration Movement and the larger Christian heritage. [Learning Objective #1] 2.2 The student should have a greater appreciation for the study of leadership and its implications for enabling the church to carry out its mission. [Learning Objective #1} 2.3 The student should have a desire to be a more effective leader in his/her work with the local church. [Learning Objective #2] 2.4 The student should have a desire to study further the nature of leadership and to apply the results of such study to his/her own life and ministry. [Learning Objective #3] 3. Conative (Area of skills): 3.1 The student should be able to articulate the Biblical basis for his/her own leadership role. [Learning Objective #1] 3.2 The student should be able to help lead the church through the application and use of sound leadership principles. [Learning Objective #2] 3.3 The student should be able to assist the church in planning and organizing itself to carry out its mission more effectively. [Learning Objective #2] 3.4 The student should be able to work more effectively with people in accomplishing the church's mission. [Learning Objective #2] COURSE TEXTBOOKS Cladis, George. Leading the Team-Based Church, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Herrington, Jim, et al. Leading Congregational Change, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Hybels, Bill. Courageous Leadership, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, COURSE ASSIGNMENTS Participating [Course Objectives 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.4] Each student will be expected to: attend each class session and participate in class discussion. As noted in the Catalog, students are expected to attend every class session of their courses unless hindered by some reasonable circumstance (e.g. illness, family emergency, ministry or work conflict, or some other extenuating circumstance). It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor as soon as possible of the reason for the absence... evaluate and encourage other class members in their involvement in class discussion. prepare a case study for theological reflection and discussion 2

3 maintain appropriate confidentiality with case material Reading [Course Objectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4] Writing Each student is to: become familiar with the wealth of material on the subjects of pastoral theology, leadership, and church administration by using the resource lists that are made available and by perusing these journals in the library: Christian Ministry (1969 -) Christianity Today (1957 -) Church Administration (1962- ) Church Law & Tax Report (1991 -) Clergy Journal (1982 -) Current Thoughts & Trends (1990 -) Journal of Biblical Ethics in Ministry (1994 -) Journal of Ministry Marketing & Management (1994 -) Lay Leadership (1988 -) Leadership (1980 -) Leader to Leader (1997 -) Ministries (1983 -) Ministry (1980 -) Ministry Currents (1992 -) Nonprofit Management Leadership (1990 -) Nonprofit Times (1990 -) Quarterly Review (1982 -) Your Church (1955 -) complete the reading of the required textbooks. complete the reading of selections from other books and journal articles as assigned in class. Each student is to: prepare a two to three page summary of a case study dealing with one of the lecture topics marked with an *. This case study should be based in the ministry setting and include background information, leadership and interpersonal dynamics at work in the situation, strategies taken in the situation, evaluation of leadership effectiveness in the situation, and what you would do differently in the future. Due October 27. [Course Objectives 1.3, 2.3, 2.4, , 3.4] write a one- to two-page, double-spaced reflection paper on each textbook that demonstrates assimilation of the material. It should include a concise summary of the material and an assessment of key points and possible application to ministry. As a graduate student you are expected to critique what you read by 3

4 evaluating assumptions, challenging claims on the basis of evidence provided, and finding creative applications for principles proposed. Due November 19 [Course Objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4] prepare a page written project applying leadership principles to a strategic plan for some area of ministry in fulfillment of institutional mission addressing such issues as environmental analysis, organizational analysis, purpose, objectives, strategies, personnel and financial resources, timetable, action plans, etc. Due December 10. [Course Objectives: 3.2, 3.3, 3.4] Examples: Strategic Plan for A Church Shepherding Ministry Evangelistic Outreach Ministry Leadership Training Process Youth Ministry Stewardship Campaign Singles Ministry Senior Citizens Ministry Campus Ministry Facilities Plan Reorganizational Plan for a Church Christian Education Ministry Church Budget Preparation Process Discipleship Process Strategy for Church Planting Plan for Assimilating and Integrating New Members Discovering, Developing, and Utilizing Gifts of Membership Plan for Promoting Missions Awareness in the Church All written assignments are to be done according to the Seminary s manual of style and are to be completed by the due date. Grading Policy A numerical grade will be given for each assignment and the letter grade will be determined from the composite of those grades according to these percentages: Assigned Reading: 10% of grade (Due November 25) Written Reflection of each textbook: 20% of grade (Due November 25) Written Case Study: 20% of grade (Due October 26) Written Project: 50% of grade (Due December 9) Grade reduction may occur for any of the following reasons: class absence (partial or entire sessions), late work, incomplete work, written work performed below graduatelevel standards, lack of class participation, or plagiarism. As noted in the Catalog, as a Christian institution that places a high priority on honesty, integrity, and a Biblical 4

5 commitment to truth, Lincoln Christian Seminary will treat incidents of cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonesty very seriously. Penalties may include failure of the assignment involved, requirement of additional work, failure of the course, academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from school Examples include submitting someone else s work as one s own, failing to document appropriately quoted material or other s unique ideas, using sources not permitted lying, or other types of unethical behavior in fulfilling academic requirements. Action Point Each student will choose one of the following assignments and submit a one-page summary of the experience for a pass/fail grade to be included in the student's permanent file. Due December Teach a class or lead a Bible study on the subject of Biblical leadership. 2. Preach a sermon on the subject of Biblical leadership. 3. Meet with the leadership group of a church or Christian organization to discuss some of the implications of the study of leadership with them. 4. Do a leadership analysis of a church or Christian organization and share the results of the analysis with the leaders of the group. COURSE SCHEDULE Date Lecture/Discussion (Noon-4:00) Orientation to Course Integrating Ministry, Management, Leadership and Administration Biblical Perspectives on Leadership and Models of Leadership Style (8:00-4:00) Defining the Functions and Tasks of Leaders Casting Vision/Clarifying Values/Defining Mission Strategic Planning for Fulfilling Mission (8:00-4:00) Organizing for Effective Ministry* Understanding Group Process* Change Agent Skills* (8:00-4:00) Decision-making/Problem-solving Skills* Conflict Management Skills* Communication and Information-processing Skills* (8:00-Noon) Building the Leadership Team Maintaining the Leadership Lifestyle Course Evaluation 5