CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

Course No. 538

Union University MCS Program

May 23 – July 11, 2006

Tuesday Evenings

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

David L. Olford, Professor

 

I.                   Course Description

 

The MCS course on Christian Leadership will address and explore specific issues related to the nature, the development, and the ministry of Christian leadership.  A primary concern will be to encourage and aid the development of a biblical understanding of leadership and its application to church life ministry.  The qualifications for and dynamics of Christian leadership will be discussed.  Attention will be given to such issues as the personal development of the leader, the training of leadership, and the functioning of leadership in the church and other life contexts.  Issues such as conflict resolution, discipline, and restoration will be considered in the light of biblical principles.  The process of moving from principles to practice, from vision to action will be considered in order to promote greater personal leadership effectiveness.  The principles learned in this course will be applicable to group and organizational contexts in general, while special attention will be given to the local church context specifically.  This course will be presented with a sense of deep concern for the development of authentic, dynamic, and faithful Christian leaders in today’s world.

 

II.                Course Objectives

 

1.      Develop and articulate definitions and descriptions of Christian leadership.

 

2.      Identify the essential characteristics, qualities, and requirements of Christian leaders.

 

3.      Examine and learn from a variety of Biblical models of leadership and leadership activities.

 

4.      Develop a deeper understanding of the ministry and mission of the local church and the role of leadership in the local church context.

 

5.      Assess and evaluate personal and spiritual gifts and express potential avenues for personal development as a leader.

 

6.      Articulate a philosophy and potential practice of mentoring and leadership training based on biblical principles.

 

7.      Evaluate the usefulness of vision and mission statements, and how they can function in the development of leadership goals, processes, and activities.

 

8.      Develop a consistent hermeneutical model for the use of the Bible in relation to leadership issues.

 

Personal goals you set for yourself as you embark on these next weeks of study in this course.

 

1.                  ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

 

2.                  ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

 

3.                  ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

 

4.                  ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

 

5.                  ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

            ____________________________________________________________

 

 

III.             Units of Study

 

1.      Defining and describing Christian leadership and its ministry.

 

2.      Leadership development issues and learning from the “training model” of Jesus.

 

3.      Leadership within the context of the life and ministry of the local church with an examination of roles, characteristics, and qualifications.

 

4.      Lifestyle, disciplines, and practices of a Christian leader, and the exercise of “discipline” within the local church.

 

5.      Leadership and management; an assessment of leadership skills and the process of managing to accomplish goals and tasks.

 

6.      Leading people, and dealing with the criticism, problems and opposition that leaders face.

 

7.      Developing a Biblical and personal philosophy of leadership and ministry.

 

8.      Maintaining personal and leadership priorities with a long-term and eternal perspective.

 

IV.             Required Reading and Reading Assignments

 

1.      The following four books are to be read in their entirety before the end of the course:

 

      ______      Engstrom, Ted W. The Making of a Christian Leader, Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan Publishing House, 1976

 

______      Olford, Stephen F. The Way of Holiness, Wheaton, IL, Crossway Books, 1998

 

______      Sanders, J. Oswald. Spiritual Leadership, Chicago, IL, Moody Press, 1967, 1980, 1994

 

______      Stark, David. Christ-Based Leadership, Minneapolis, MN, Bethany House, 2005

 

2.      Write a two-page review-critique of each of the following books: The Making of a Christian Leader (Engstrom), and Christ-Based Leadership (Stark).  The review-critique should give careful attention to the main distinctives and contributions of the book.  What did you find most helpful?  In what ways does this book advance your understanding of Christian leadership?  Did you disagree strongly with a major point presented in the book?  If you did, explain your disagreement.  Both of these review-critiques will be due at the beginning of class on June 20th.

 

                  3.   Useful study questions are located at the back of J. Oswald Sanders’ classic book, Spiritual Leadership.  Write brief one-sentence to one-paragraph answers to any six of the “Get the Point” questions (for each of the six sets of Study Questions) on pages 168-179.  Answers to “Study One” will be due on May 30th, “Study Two” on June 6th, “Study Three” on June 13th, “Study Four” on June 20th, “Study Five” on June 27th, and “Study Six” on July 6th.  These answers will be due at the beginning of class each of these evenings.  But, these answers may, also, be used for class discussion or interaction.  Each submission (six) should be on one page.

           

3.      Write an essay in which you address the issue of how one’s personal life and “spiritual condition” impacts Christian leadership.  Why should the leader be concerned about “The Way of Holiness?  Briefly address how each of the eight main issues addressed in the book, The Way of Holiness, are related to the personal life, growth, and influence of the Christian leader.  This essay should display a grasp of the content of the book, a clear understanding of each main spiritual issue addressed, and an awareness of relevant biblical texts.  This essay/paper should be three pages (double-spaced).  (Due at the beginning of class July 11th.)

 

V.                Other Written Assignments

 

                  1.               Write a paper in two parts.  In part one, articulate a biblical understanding of the nature of the church and the function and structure of leadership within the church.  This assignment must be derived from a study of New Testament texts in order to formulate your personal philosophy of the church (ecclesiology) and the nature and role of leadership in the church.  The type of subjects addressed should be a definition of the church, the nature and role of the church, the essence of biblical leadership, the function and structure of leadership in the church, and any practical implications for the church today.  You also need to compare and evaluate different approaches of the function and structure of leadership in the local church.

 

                        In part two define and describe the essential characteristics and qualities of biblical leadership.  A description of leadership qualifications should be derived from a study of specific New Testament texts, including 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-11.  What are the essential requirements for the leaders?  How should these qualifications be implemented in the church today?  Also, suggest some observations and conclusions concerning how this affects the selection process of leaders and the development of leadership in your church. (Five pages) Due at the beginning of class, June 27th.

 

2.      Write a paper in which you develop and articulate your philosophy and (potential) practice of biblical mentoring, and leadership training in the church today?  This assignment must incorporate New Testament texts in your discussion and integrate how Jesus, Paul, and the early church dealt with this issue.  Suggest ways in which your church or ministry could incorporate these concepts and practices. (Three pages) Due at the beginning of class on July 6th.

 

3.      Leadership development is a life-long process.  The Scriptures are full of examples of how God allowed much time to make and develop leaders for His purposes in the Old Testament kingdom and New Testament church.  Select a leader in the Old Testament or New Testament and develop a time-line of God’s development of leadership in his life.  What are the main contributions or processes involved in his leadership development?  How did he finish as a leader? What lessons did you learn from this study?  What lessons can you draw from this study concerning your own leadership development? (Three pages) Due at the beginning of class on July 6th.

 

4.      Write a paper in which you present an honest assessment of your own leadership role within your present context, relationships and responsibilities.  Articulate a personal mission statement, clarify fundamental convictions, and develop a specific vision statement in relation to the leadership role/need that you serve.  Specific goals, task responsibilities, and (possible) timelines should be defined with any provision for accountability, assessment, and other aspects of the leadership process.  Insights into your gifts, strengths and weaknesses would be appropriate.  This paper should demonstrate familiarity with course material and an attempt to apply principles presented in the course to one’s own life and leadership role.  (Four-pages) Due at the beginning of class on July 11th .

 

An alternative assignment would involve an assessment of someone else within a specific leadership role.           

 

VI.             A Final Exam will be given during the last session of the course.

 

VII.           Grading:    The final grade will be determined as follows:

 

                  Book Reviews                                                       10%     due June 20

                  Spiritual Leadership Study Questions                  10%     due May 30-July 6

                  The Way of Holiness Assignment                         10%     due July 11

                  Other Written Assignment #1                               20%     due June 27

                  Other Written Assignment #2                               10%     due July 6

                  Other Written Assignment #3                               10%     due July 6

                  Other Written Assignment #4                               20%     due July 11     

                  Final Exam                                                            10%

VIII.       Bibliography (Additional to assigned readings)

 

            Barna, George, Ed.  Leaders on Leadership.  Ventura, CA:  Regal Books, 1977.

Boa, Kenneth. Conformed to His Image. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan, 2001

Bridges, Charles.  The Christian Ministry.  Carlisle, PA:  The Banner of Truth Trust, 1959.

Bruce, A.B.  The Training of the Twelve.  Grand Rapids, MI:  Kregel Publications, 1971.

Cedar, Paul; Hughes, Kent; Patterson, Ben; Mastering The Pastoral Role.  Portland, OR:  Multnomah, 1991.

Clinton, J. Robert.  The Making of a Leader.  Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 1988.

Cousins, Don; Anderson, Leith; DeKruyter, Arthur; Mastering Church

Management.  Portland, OR:  Multnomah Press, 1990.

            Covey, Stephen R. Principle-Centered Leadership. New York, NY, 1992

Dobson, Edward G.; Leas, Speed B.; Shelley, Marshall.  Mastering Conflict and

 Controversy.  Portland, OR:  Multnomah, 1992.

            Eims, LeRoy, Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be, Wheaton, IL, Victor Books1975

            Finzel, Hans, The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make. Wheaton, IL, Victor Books 1994

Getz, Gene A.  The Measure of A Man.  Ventura, CA:  Regal Books, 1995.

Getz, Gene A. Elders and Leaders: God’s Plan for the Church. Chicago, IL:

Moody Press, 2003.

            Habecker, Eugene B. Rediscovering the Soul of Leadership. Wheaton, IL VictorBooks, 1996

            Hendricks, Howard & William, As Iron Sharpens Iron. Chicago, IL Moody Press, 1995

            Hendrix, Olan, Management for Christian Leaders. Grand Rapids, MI, Baker

                        House Publishers 1982

Hughes, Kent and Barbara.  Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome.

 Wheaton, IL:  Tyndale House Publishers, 1987.

Hughes, R. Kent. Disciplines of a Godly Man. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991.

Larson, Crais Brian. Pastor Grit. Minneapolis, MN, Bethany House Publishers, 1998

            London, Jr., H.B.; Wiseman, Neil B.  Pastors at Risk.  Wheaton, IL:  Victor Books, 1993.

Lutzer, Erwin.  Pastor to Pastor.  Grand Rapids, MI:  Kregel Publications, 1998.

            Phillips, John.  Only One Life.  Neptune, NJ:  Loizeaux, 1995.

            MacArthur, Jr., John.  Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry.  Dallas, TX:  Word Publishing, 1995.

            MacArthur, Jr., John. Shepherdology, A Master Plan for Church Leadership. 1989 

            Maxwell, John. The Twenty-One Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Nashville, TN,

                        1991, Thomas Nelson, Inc.

            Maxwell, John. Partners in Prayer, Nashville, TN, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc.

            Olford, Stephen F. Fresh Lessons from Former Leaders, Grand Rapids, MI, Baker House1991

            Richard, Ramesh. Soul Vision, Chicago, IL, Moody Publishers, 2004

            Rush, Myron, Management: A Biblical Approach, Wheaton, IL, Victor Books, 1986

            Rush, Myron, The New Leader, Wheaton, IL, Victor Books

            Saucy, Robert L. The Church in God’s Program, Chicago, IL, Moody Press, 1972

            Sorrell, Robert. The Next Step: A Seven-Step Planning Process to Help Fulfill

Your God-Given Vision. Friendswood, TX: Baxter Press, 1998.

            Stevens, R. Paul, Liberating the Laity. Inter-Varsity Press 1985

            Stowell, Joseph M.  Shepherding the Church.  Chicago, IL:  Moody Press, 1997.

            Thompson, Robert R. & Gerald R. Organizing for Accountability, Wheaton, IL,

                        1991, Harold Shaw Publishers

            Woodbridge, John D. Great Leaders of the Christian Church. Chicago, IL,

                        Moody Press 1988

            Youssef, Michael. The Leadership Style of Jesus. Atlanta, GA, Nashville, TN,

                        2000, Thomas Nelson, Inc.