Strategic Leadership

A critical examination of various principles of interpretation through the book of Acts intentionally engaging in missiological, pastoral, and historical-grammatical contextual analysis. Students will learn both general and specific hermeneutical principles necessary to acquire and apply scriptural insights to various contexts.

A survey of Christian Doctrine and Theology based on historical, theological, and philosophical inquiry with special emphasis on the first six centuries of the church. Students will learn to navigate theological categories and controversies with special emphasis on the articulation of core Christian doctrine and scriptural contexts.

This course outlines and analyzes the content of the many worldview systems operative in our world today from a Christian worldview rooted in Scripture. Attention is paid to the development of these worldviews over time as well as their many present applications. Students will learn how to understand and appreciate these worldviews, and how to evaluate and respond from a Christian worldview perspective.

A critical examination of the principles of missiology as seen in Scripture specifically engaging the major historical and theological perspectives on mission. Students will learn to distinguish missiological approaches with a particular emphasis given to the significance of Abrahamic covenant in Missio Dei theology.

An examination of the biblical truths that guide how spiritual practices become helpful to the spiritual journey of the individual and groups. Students will learn why spiritual practices are important, how they can be approached healthily and unhealthily, and how to apply certain spiritual practices for specific seasons of the spiritual journey.

An exploration of the nature of Christian leadership development, which highlights an integration of spiritual leadership, inner life formation, and identity, as found in Scripture. The student will learn how God shapes a leader over a lifetime for His unique purposes and how to partner with this process through various aspects of self-awareness.

A critical analysis of the foundation, purpose, and methodology of various ethical systems, approaches to ethical decision-making, and applications to leadership contexts. Students consider leadership from the perspective of the personal character of leaders—their ability to make decisions and take actions considered good and right.

An examination of the dual impact of the dynamics of change in organizations/social
systems and the inevitable conflict that arises in any setting. Students will learn practical, biblical approaches to navigating and communicating through both change and conflict, both on an interpersonal and organizational level.

An examination of the dynamics in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic teams seeking to execute strategies in a diverse setting. Students will be able to identify the strengths and opportunities that diversity brings to organizations and teams while developing strategies for problem solving and communication.

An analysis of the foundational concepts of intercultural communication with an emphasis on how social psychology, cultural anthropology, and communication theory informs one’s ability to send and receive messages in diverse environments. Students will examine the major value systems that inform communicative behavior to gain understanding of how perception, expression, and non-verbal communication relates to comprehension.

An exploration of the strategic planning process with an emphasis on project management. The student will learn the steps to develop strategic plans, engage in analytical assessment, and employ project management principles.

A comparative analysis of leadership styles as seen in the largest cultural groupings worldwide with special attention given to how these approaches effect both organizational and church leadership structures. Students will learn the advantages and disadvantages of these leadership methods in light of their cultural moorings and contexts.

An introduction to various multicultural frameworks, with special attention given to a variety of different cultural codes, values, worldviews, and the journey through the different stages of cultural intelligence. Students will learn to engage, discern, and do ministry in a variety of cultural contexts by utilizing various tools to identify cultural agility in themselves and others.

A critical engagement with a variety of contemporary social issues including (but not limited to) racial issues, gender issues, classism, and sexuality from a Christian worldview. Students will learn what the Bible says about such issues, the history of the social issues, and how the church has responded historically.

An exegetical study of the Gospel of Matthew based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, and theological insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on regal themes in the narrative. Students will learn to engage the socio-political contours of Matthew from a first-century perspective with special attention given to Jewish intersections in the text.

An exegetical study of the letter to the Colossians based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the Christology—“who Christ is”—and how that impacts in the first-century church and the church today. Students will learn the purposes and argument of Colossians as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

An exegetical study of first and second Thessalonians based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts. Students will learn the purposes and argument of both Thessalonian epistles with special emphasis on eschatological implications on Christian communities.

An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and argument of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

An exegetical examination of the Apocalypse of John based on grammatical, socio-cultural, imperial-critical, and theological insights from both the Greek and English texts. Students will learn to navigate apocalyptic literature from a first-century perspective with special attention given to appropriate modern-day application.

An exegetical examination of the book of Jeremiah based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, pastoral, and theological insights from both the Hebrew and English texts. Students will learn to navigate this tragic period of Hebrew history with special emphasis on Messianic texts and God’s call to repentance amidst suffering.

An exegetical examination of the book of Daniel based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, pastoral, and theological insights from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and English texts. Students will learn to engage historical background and the prophetic-apocalyptic genre with special emphasis on Messianic prophecies and God’s kingdom.

A guided study where students propose, develop, and write an integrative project on a specified area of practical ministry. Students will learn to integrate theology and ministry while interacting with qualitative and quantitative research.

Prerequisite: students must have completed 60% of degree sought.