ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY MATS Degree Completion Program Springfield, Missouri BIBD 640 BIBLICAL APPROACHES TO EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP August 30, September 6, 13, 20, 27, 2007 (3 Credits) Jay P. Taylor, D.Min. Fall 2007 [email protected]; [email protected] Office: 417-268-1081; Home: 889-5123 COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is a study of biblical principles of leadership. It will include an examination of various Biblical models of leadership, the biblical qualities required of leaders, and biblical principles for guiding leadership development. Following a thorough reflection upon their own God-given ministry SHAPE, students will then explore practical strategies and skills for developing into an effective spiritual leader in the Body of Christ. COURSE OBJECTIVES At the end of this course the student should: 1. Gain a fresh understanding of biblical leadership. 2. Appreciate various Biblical models of leadership and the qualities required of leaders. 3. Recognize foundational biblical principles that should guide leadership development, and the stages of leadership development. 4. Recognize the various styles of leadership, including his/her own preferences and capabilities. 5. Maximize their God-given ministry SHAPE. 6. Gain confidence and skills for effectively resolving conflict situations that may arise in the church. 7. Apply skills learned in order to provide effective leadership in the church. COURSE METHODOLOGY The purpose of this course is not to merely present a set of facts, but to equip students with the tools necessary to reflect critically from a biblical and personal perspective. To this end, class sessions will combine lecture, discussion, self-assessment tools, interactive exercises, case studies, examinations, and other instructional techniques. Regular and vigorous student participation is expected.COURSE TEXTBOOK The Bible (preferably NIV or NASB). Wilkes, Gene. Jesus on Leadership: Discovering the secrets of servant leadership from the life of Christ. Tyndale House, 1998. (236 pages) Ortberg, John. The Life You’ve Always Wanted. Zondervan, 2002. (222 pages) Malphurs, Aubrey. Maximizing Your Effectiveness. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1995. (198) McNeal, Reggie. Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders. Jossey- Bass, 2000. (192 pages) McIntosh & Rima. Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership. Baker Books, 1997. (214Pages) Sande, Ken. The Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict. Baker Books, 2004. (261 pages) Assessment Instruments • Shawchuck, Norman. How You Can Help Me Manage Conflict More Effectively. Leith, ND: Spiritual Growth Resources, 1983. [Self-Assessment tool; 7 pp.] • www.assessyourself.org (students will complete a battery of assessments at this site.) COURSE OUTLINE Week 1: Introduction to biblical leadership • What us Spiritual Leadership? • Biblical Models of Leadership • Biblical Qualities of Leadership • Biblical principles guiding leadership development • Phases of Ministry Week 2: The spiritual element of leadership • Personal Spiritual Formation and leadership Week 3: The personal element of leadership • Personal Ministry SHAPE • The Dark Side of Leadership/Johari’s Window Week 4: The public element of leadership • Maximizing Leadership Styles • Biblical approaches to communication • Biblical approaches to Integrity in LeadershipWeek 5: Conflict management • Biblical approaches for managing and resolving conflict COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Attend class regularly. Regular and vigorous student participation is a key component to a successful academic experience. The class atmosphere is to be personal and collegial. When appropriate, questions, comments, and discussion are both welcome and expected, with the understanding that they are part of the learning process in a group setting. In respect to others, it is assumed that cell phones, pagers, etc. will remain off in the classroom. (AGTS’s degree completion attendance policy will be followed.) 2. Complete weekly scheduled reading. The nature of the Degree Completion Program requires that class sessions move through a significant amount of material in a relatively short period of time. Consequently, to maximize our time together, diligent preparation will be expected of each student. Students are required to follow the schedule below. Students should complete the reading prior to the class session, since the class experience will complement the reading assignments. Students will be asked to verify that they have completed the reading. Reading due: Week 1 (August 30): Wilkes, Gene. Jesus on Leadership Week 2 (September 6): Ortberg, John. The Life You’ve Always Wanted Week 3 (September 13): Malphurs, Aubrey. Maximizing Your Effectiveness Week 4 (September 20): McNeal, Reggie. Work of Heart Week 5 (September 27): Sande, Ken. The Peace Maker 3. Complete weekly homework assignment. Beginning with the second session, you will complete and submit a homework assignment that corresponds to material covered. Homework due: Week 1 (August 30): (Read Wilke’s book prior to class. Nothing to turn in) Week 2 (September 6): Christian Life Profile & www.assessyourself.org There will be a form for you to verify which assessment instruments you completed. Week 3 (September 13): Have read McIntosh and Rima’s Dark Side of Leadership Week 4 September 20): Personal SHAPE Assessment & Reflection Write a 4-5 page reflection on your own personal leadership SHAPE. Assess Your God-given strengths and uniqueness, and the potential impact this has on your ministry. Week 5 (September 27): Personal Leadership Styles Assessment & Reflection Upon completing this instrument, write a 1-2 page reflection discussing the potential strengths and weaknesses of your dominant style. Conflict Resolution Styles assessment & Reflection Write a 1-2 page reflection discussing the potentialstrengths and weaknesses of your dominant style. 4. Complete a final project. Each student will design a final project that assists him/her in integrating materials from the course in their personal context. Each project should be the equivalent of at least 15 pages, and should demonstrate thoughtful and thorough research. The project should be well-written, and free from grammatical error. Project options include: • Multimedia project: Using the course as a starting