DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the role of small groups and leadership in churches, parachurches, and missions. Due to the increasing pressure on Christian workers to function within the context of teams, peer leadership and followership will be studied in relation to teamwork. The course will provide a basic introduction to teamwork and leadership frameworks, with an emphasis on biblical leadership and the role of the community and team. The course will also explore the issues and skills required to be an effective team member and team leader. Case studies and a collaborative team project experience will practically ground the course teachings.

Provides an introduction to leadership for teams and groups from a biblical perspective. Each participant will be engaged in a team to explore team dynamics and the relevance for specific ministries in churches and missions.

1. Gain understanding of the theological and missiological basis of ministry in community.

2. Identify primary team and leadership models, and understand group dynamics in the formation and development of teams.

3. Develop individual self-awareness of personality and understand uniqueness in relation to team environment.

4. Identify the intercultural forces that impact teams.

5. Learn practical skills of teamwork through case studies and participation in learning teams.

This 2-week intensive course will meet for daily for 3 hours.

Read 1200 pages from the following. If required texts already read, select other books from the supplementary reading list or other book approved by instructor.

Banks, R. & Ledbetter, B.M. Reviewing Leadership: A Christian Evaluation of Current Approaches. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic 2004.

Katzenbach, J.R. & Smith, D.K. The Discipline of Teams. New York: Wiley & Sons 2000.

Lencioni, P. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2002.

Barna, G. The Power of Team Leadership: Finding Strength in Shared Responsibility. Colorado Springs: WaterBrook Press 2001.

De Pree, M. Leading Without Power: Finding Hope in Serving Community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass 1997.

Gibson, C.B. & Cohen, S.G., eds. Virtual Teams That Work. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2003.

Goleman, D. Boyatzis, R. & McKee, A., Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with Emotional Intelligence. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2002.

Roembke, Lianne. Building Credible Multicultural Teams. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2000.

1. Book Reviews: 500 word (maximum two-page, double spaced) critical book reviews for each of the three required texts.

2. Team Assignment: In an assigned team, prepare and present a holistic team strategy for the team project.

3. Team Paper: Research and write a strategy for developing teamwork within the context of a mission or church (8,000-9,000 words for assignment # 4 only).

4. Final Exam.

5. Additional ThM Assignment (assumes MDiv background).
   a. Additional 500 pages of reading included in Reading Log
   b. Additional 2000 word (8 pages) theological reflection paper