DESCRIPTION:

Through examination of particular texts, this course examines the various models of leadership in the Old Testament, including: specific persons (e.g., Abraham, David, Deborah, and Moses); roles/offices (e.g., elders, judges, kings, priests, and prophets); nature of authority; and effectiveness of the leadership. This course also examines issues of the role responsibilities, source and authority of leadership, and challenges of leadership as represented within the biblical texts and comparative contemporary contexts.

Leadership and authority are central concerns for the church and society. This course seeks to enable students to better understand biblical models of leadership and their implications for developing and nurturing effective Christian leadership for the contemporary contexts. Because of the importance for personal, interpersonal, spiritual, and psychological development in the leader, the course also seeks to encourage students to deliberately integrate these into their development.

This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for lectures and discussions.

NRSV Bible

McIntosh, Gary L. and Samuel D. Rima. Darkside of Leadership. Michigan: Baker Books, 1997.

Sanford, John A. King Saul, the Tragic Hero: A Study in Individuation. New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1985.

Spears, Larry C. Reflections on Leadership. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1995.

Various articles on reserve.

Wildavsky, Aaron. The Nursing Father: Moses as a Political Leader. 2nd Paperback Printing. Tuscaloosa/London Alabama: The University of Alabama Press, 1995.

The final grade will be based on participation and a leadership portfolio which consists of three parts:

1. a case study examining Old Testament models in comparison to current models of leadership;

2. a book review (5-7 pages);

3. personal philosophy of leadership (8-10 pages).

None.

Elective.

No.