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.