DESCRIPTION: Though not developed in any detail, organizational leadership is an important theme in the NT with profound implications for designing and building a healthy organization. This course will attempt to bridge the gap between the typically dissociated worlds of organizational development and NT theology. We will employ historical and theological readings of specific biblical texts, focusing especially upon NT passages sensitive to the development of the church as it struggled with similar issues within its cultural settings. We will consider the current issues facing organizational leadership today including change management, personnel development, team building, designing healthy learning communities, strategy, global economic realities, & bridging the leadership vs. management divide.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE & MINISTRY: Most Christians, including pastors, work in and intersect with organizations all their lives. This class seeks to offer both a model for interpreting the NT and theological background for designing and building healthy organizations that reflect one's faith and values.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The students successfully completing this course will be able to (1) see more clearly the intersection of the Bible and organizational leadership; (2) develop a basic understanding of organizations and how they function, both in the NT world and in complex organizations within the modern world; (3) develop sensibilities in interpreting the New Testament with a view towards diagnosing and resolving organizational issues; (4) develop ability in interpreting the Bible through reading and critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary, and other methods; (5) develop sensibilities in reading the Bible theologically in the context of institutional life; (6) see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for a three-hour session and will include lectures, small group interaction, role play, and film. Each class will begin with an historical/theological exploration of a NT text that provides a basis for theological reflection. Active student participation is encouraged.

REQUIRED READING: In addition to a course reader, selections from the various texts will be assigned.

Ascough, Richard S. What Are They Saying about the Formation of Pauline Churches? Paulist, 1998.

Clarke, Andrew D. Serve the Community of the Church: Christians as Leaders and Ministers. Eerdmans, 2000.

Collins, Jim. Good to Great and the Social Sectors: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great (Paperback). HarperCollins, 2005.

De Pree, Max. Leadership as an Art. Doubleday, 1987.

Drucker, Peter F. The Practice of Management. HarperBusiness, 1993 (1954).

Lipman-Blumen, Jean. Connective Leadership: Managing in a Changing World. Oxford, 1996.

Granberg-Michaelson, Wesley. Leadership from the Inside Out: Spirituality and Organizational Change. Crossroad, 2004.

Hatch, Mary Jo. Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic and Postmodern Perspectives. 2nd ed. Oxford, 2006 (1997).

Williams, Ritva. Stewards, Prophets, Keepers of the Word: Leadership in the Early Church. Hendrickson/Alban, 2006.

For Recommended Reading, see course syllabus.