DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the role of small groups and leadership in churches, non-profit organizations, and mission societies. Due to the increasing pressure on Christian workers to function collaboratively, teamwork, peer leadership, and followership will be studied. The course will provide an introduction to theoretical, biblical, and theological resources for understanding leadership. 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 provide an opportunity to explore the concepts in practice.

Provides an introduction to teamwork and leadership from the perspectives of leadership studies, theology, and missiology. 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 understanding of the unique contribution of leaders 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.

Banks, R., and B. M. Ledbetter. Reviewing Leadership: A Christian Evaluation of Current Approaches. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic 2004. ISBN: 978-0801026904, $22.00.

Bennis, W. On Becoming a Leader. 4th ed. Basic Books, 2009. ISBN: 978-0465014088, $11.19.

Hedges, K. The Power of Presence: Unlock Your Potential to Influence and Engage Others. AMACOM Publishing, 2011. ISBN: 978-0814417737, $14.51.

De Pree, M. Leading Without Power: Finding Hope in Serving Community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass 1997. ISBN: 978-0787967437, $19.95.

Goleman, D., R. Boyatzis, and A. McKee. Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with Emotional Intelligence. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-1578514861, $32.

Lencioni, P. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2002. ISBN: 978-0787960759, $24.95.

1. Book Reviews: 500-word (maximum two-page, double spaced) critical book reviews for each of the required texts and for each additional book chosen for 1200 pages of total reading.

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

3. Research and write a strategy for developing your leadership within the context of a non-profit organization, mission, or church (4,500 words).

4. Final Exam.