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 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will (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.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Most Christians, including pastors, spend their lives
working in and intersecting with organizations. 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.
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 a historical/theological exploration of a NT text that provides
a basis for theological reflection. Active student participation is
encouraged.
REQUIRED READING: Selections from the various texts will be assigned. The
intent of the required reading list is to provide a basic library for those in
organizational leadership.