Organizational Leadership

• Foundations for Organizational Leadership

  This course provides the fundamental components for a basic understanding of organizational leadership. Consideration will be given to the theological, philosophical, and practical considerations of leadership in a wide array of organizational structures (church, parachurch, nonprofit, and businesses). Classes will involve lectures, small group interactions with case studies, and focused projects.

• Strategies for Organizational Leadership

  This course is designed to explore the strategies of effective organizational leadership. Various leadership strategies (including servant leadership), data-driven decision analysis, strategic planning, effective team building and collaboration, interpersonal communication, and other topics will be addressed. Classes will involve lecture, case studies, group discussions, focused projects, profiles, and expert guest lecturers.

• Dynamics of Change & Organizational Conflict

  An examination of the dual impact of the dynamics of change in organizations/social systems and the inevitable conflict that arises in any setting. Students will learn practical, biblical approaches to navigating and communicating through both change and conflict, both on an interpersonal and organizational level.

• Building Teams, Leading Groups

  This course uses an experiential approach to learning the skills and attitudes necessary for building and leading effective teams, distinguishing teams, groups, and individuals. The seminar will include lecture, group projects, case studies, and situation-specific guests. Seminar format.

• Ethical & Legal Issues for Ministries

  This seminar explores ethical and legal issues facing churches/ministries from a current cultural context (governmental, legal, financial, and moral). An emphasis will be placed on practical ways to prepare for and handle issues. An awareness of the resources available to navigate these issues will be developed. The class will consist of lecture, case studies, readings, and media. Seminar format.

• Global Leadership Styles

  This course is a survey of leadership approaches from different cultures around the world. Students will explore the impact of worldview and cultural norms on leadership styles. The class will consist of guest lecturers, class lectures, discussion, small groups, and case studies. Seminar format.

Organizational Leadership Program Description and Outcomes

• Program Description

  This program equips students to engage in any level of leadership within an organization through an understanding of leadership principles and practices combined with practical experiences and learning opportunities. The program is integrated with churches and local businesses, and with leaders from various organizations engaging the students on a regular basis. This degree uniquely positions a student to engage in different levels of leadership, in the ministry context and in the business setting, from a servant-based, Christocentric approach to leading.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the BA in Organizational Leadership will be able to:

  1. Articulate both biblical and philosophical concepts that underpin organizational leadership structures in churches and organizations.

  2. Apply a theological foundation for organizational leadership in various contexts.

  3. Describe major strategies and issues for engaging in effective organizational leadership.

  4. Employ organizational leadership principles to manage conflict, navigate organizational changes, and build effective teams from a servant leadership approach.

  5. Integrate standard business practices (financial, human resources, reporting procedures, data-driven decision making, etc.) in a ministry context.

  6. Demonstrate a field-based understanding of organizational leadership.

  7. Lead a ministry utilizing the understanding of organizational leadership principles.