Practical Theology Commons^™

Love In The Ordinary: Leadership In The Gospel Of John, Alex Sosler

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Jesus did extraordinary things. the gospel of John includes seven miraculous signs that point to Jesus’ true identity as the Son of god. god incarnate is no ordinary concept. however, the first 30 or so years of his life seem rather ordinary. Just look at some of the regular patterns of his ministry as recorded in the gospels: attending weddings, hiding from crowds, going to the synagogue. At the end of his time on earth, as Jesus asks the question, “Do you love me?” he calls his followers to be ordinary in the ordinary. it is these regular moments that …

Thirsting For God, Jon L. Dybdahl, Petr Cincala

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"For a lot of people, particularly in Western culture, what is commonly seen are business and managerial forms of leadership. there is nothing wrong with that, but christian leadership is different. Leadership is something that needs to be practiced. Leadership needs to have a reflective side. A christian leader must take time to think, consider, and have a period of quietness rather than just making quick decisions. A christian leader must be reflective and learn to listen to god. this is a key part of spirituality."

Spiritual Leadership And Organizational Knowledge Processes: New Relations In The Field Of Knowledge Management, Lorena Martinez Soto

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"this paper analyzes the dynamics arising from interactions between typical elements of organizational culture such as leadership, strategic processes, and knowledge management. More specifically, it seeks to establish possible relationships between leadership based on spirituality and the processes of creating, sharing, and reusing knowledge. the goal of this analysis is to establish a link between spiritual leadership as a strategy of the study of spirituality in the workplace and knowledge management. the research is focused on the application of Louis Fry’s theory of spiritual leadership to a group of organizations made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in …

Creating A Spiritual Learning Space: The Changing Leadership Roles In The Life Cycle Of A Church Plant, Erich Baumgartner, Andres Flores

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

the role of a church planter is multifaceted and unique. church planters and their teams venture out as faith entrepreneurs in obedience to christ’s commission to share the gospel in every community. they have to experiment with creative ministry approaches in a particular context. then, as they find methods which meet the needs of people in that community context, experimenting gives way to more predictable ministry structures. church growth requires constant fine-tuning of leadership roles to deal with new challenges and growth pains, calling often for new skill sets that the original church planter may not possess. thus, as church …

Transparency In Leadership: The Divine Governance Challenge From The Apocalypse, Sigve K. Tonstad

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

this chapter has explored the leadership implications of the word that gives the last book of the Bible its title. the principle discovered in the nature of the book of revelation is transparent leadership. this ideology is announced in the opening word. revelation corrects religious, political, and other institutions that thrive on secrecy and concealment. “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near,” says the narrator in revelation (1:3). Blessed, too, is the leader who takes revelation’s …

The Need For Spiritual Leadership, Morris Thompson

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Leadership comes in different shapes and sizes within our society. Some leadership practices are characterized as good, and other forms are toxic. however, within the 21st century, spiritual leadership is necessary as christian leaders focus on growing the next generation of leaders. this article focuses on the importance of the spiritual leader within today’s society, and will first discuss the need for dedicated spiritual leaders. it will then discuss how spiritual leaders affect the spiritual growth of others. Finally, it will discuss the need for spiritual accountability."

The New Adapters: Shaping Ideas To Fit Your Congregation, Mark Magnusson

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"At the onset of the book the author established that the “vision of a church has to fit the mission field” in which the church is located (loc. 2). this point is clear and can apply to all leaders and congregations. the way people dress, think, and act will vary from place to place. For example, a church in preparation for a wedding in a rural area which is decorated with empty shotgun shells loaded with flowers and the bride and groom using a branding iron making their mark on a prepared log is going to vary from a wedding …

Transforming Pastoral Leadership: Reimagining Congregational Relationships For Changing Contexts, Evadne Williams-Henry

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"As we go through changes, we must remember that god is in control of his church and we must always seek him for guidance and direction. this is an excellent book to help pastors who are seeking to honor god in a society that is ever changing. it helps pastors to recognize that our ultimate Leader is Jesus christ, and we should follow the example that he has set for us. i strongly recommend this book to all pastors."

The Intersection Of Leadership And Spirituality: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Thinking And Behavioral Attributes Of Leaders Who Identify As Spiritual, D. S. Goldberg

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"the primary question was does spirituality influence leaders’ thinking and behaviors. the secondary questions included an exploration around ways spirituality influences thinking and behaviors. it also explored the questions as to spirituality informing the ways leaders can be challenging within their organizations, and if acknowledging one’s spirituality publically helps or hinders building effective teams. the highlights of the research include the finding that spirituality does indeed influence everything a leader does and is, whether thinking or behavior attributes, and the process of a leader’s questioning."

An Examination In The Role Of Spirituality In The Development Of The Moral Component Of Authentic Leadership Through A Sociorhetorical Analysis Of Paul's Letter To Titus, J. D. Henson

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"this study examined the role of spirituality in the moral development component of authentic leadership in comparison to leadership principles found in the Epistle to titus. the study of moral development was drawn from literature on authentic leadership theory, spiritual leadership theory, and preexisting frameworks of moral agency, self-concept, and the stages of moral development. the exegetical process followed the methodology of sociorhetorical analysis and was interpreted for the moral, ethical, and leadership principles found in the pericope. the study yielded five themes of leadership from which 10 principles of leadership were discovered as found in Paul's letter to Titus. …

The Role Of Spirituality In The Leadership Style Of Organizational Leaders, A. S. Koko

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"the transcendental phenomenology research design was used to investigate the essence or meaning of these leaders’ experiences regarding their spirituality and leadership style as they were currently experiencing it. the knowledge obtained from this study explained spirituality, consciousness, and cognition’s role in leadership style, which can be applied to the fields of sports, politics, organizational management, coaching, mentoring, leadership, employee recruitment, and other areas of society or within any organization where leadership performance is important. the conclusion from this study was that organizational leaders who self-identified as being spiritual demonstrated compassion when relating with their employees and others. these organizational …

Spiritual Leadership In Religious Organizations: A Grounded Theory Study, K. S. Washington

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"research has not yet identified one specific style or set of characteristics that represents overall leadership effectiveness among christian pastors. this grounded theory qualitative study examined spiritual leadership in religious organizations in order to develop a theoretical model of effective leadership for pastors...the results of this study suggested the presence of five themes related to pastoral effectiveness in non-denominational christian churches: (a) communication; (b) personal development; (c) business acumen; (d) religious practices; and (e) relationships."

Superbosses, Joseph Bates

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"there has long been a disconnect between church membership and discipleship. Superbosses provides leaders of christian churches access to a discipleship model that is proven to work. the author emphasizes the personal development of each person within the organization. As people realize their true potential, are inspired, trained, equipped, and set free to accomplish their god given purpose in life, they will grow and pursue excellence with a passion rarely seen."

Stewards Of God’S Mercy: Vocation And Priestly Ministry In Africa, Jordan Nyenyembe

Journal of Global Catholicism

A reflection on the tasks of priestly ministry in Africa with specific reference to the example and exhortation of Pope Francis. Among the issues addressed and critiqued are Western “cultic” understandings of the priest and the, the “Igwe Syndrome" which likens the priest to a chief.

Contested Moral Issues In Contemporary African Catholicism: Theological Proposals For A Hermeneutics Of Multiplicity And Inclusion, Stan Chu Ilo

Journal of Global Catholicism

Drawing upon the broad work of Vatican II and Pope Francis’ Evangelicum Gaudium the article proposes how a hermeneutic of multiplicity and inclusion could help hold in balance the tension between tradition and innovation, universal principles and specific contextual application for Catholicism in Africa. Among the issues addressed are cultural relativism, natural law theory, and polygamy.

Communicating The Justice And Peace Of God In Africa Today, Walter Ihejirika

Journal of Global Catholicism

Engaging with the work and theories of Arnold van Gennep and Victor Turner, the article charts out a spirituality of communication within Nigerian Catholicism. Discussing the intersection between various forms of media and community, the article argues for the utilization of media in the pursuit of social justice and the dismantling of inequalities.

Editor's Introduction, Marc Roscoe Loustau

Journal of Global Catholicism

Introduction to African Catholicism: Contemporary Issues: Volume: 1, Issue 2 of the Journal of Global Catholicism

Toward A Framework For Interfaith Leadership, Barbara A. Mcgraw

Engaging Pedagogies in Catholic Higher Education (EPiCHE)

Today there is a need for a vision of the world that takes account of religious, spiritual, and non-faith orientations in a way that promotes cooperation and resolves conflict. Educational programs that employ this article’s proposed four-dimensional interfaith leadership framework can contribute to that vision. Through dialogue for understanding and compassion, lens bias reflection and cognitive-affective frame-shifting, religious literacy, and leadership theory and practice, students can become socially conscious leaders who effect positive change in religiously diverse environments. This interfaith leadership framework is especially salient for Catholic institutions of higher education, but is readily extendable for use in other institutions.

In Our Time: Advancing Interfaith Studies Curricula At Catholic Colleges And Universities, Eboo Patel, Noah Silverman, Kristi Del Vecchio

Engaging Pedagogies in Catholic Higher Education (EPiCHE)

People who orient around religion differently are interacting with greater frequency than ever before. These interactions, especially in the context of college and university campuses, require young people to grapple with their own identities in ways that previous generations could more easily avoid. Conversations about religious diversity have become elevated at colleges and universities, which has led Drs. Douglas Jacobsen and Rhonda Hustedt Jacobsen to claim that religion is “no longer invisible” in the context of American higher education.

As an organization that works with hundreds of American colleges and universities every year, Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) believes that Catholic …

Deepening Community: Dispelling The Myth Of Small Through A Gospel Of The Small, Sarah R. Cordray

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This transformative, mixed-methods research project utilized a modified PAR in order to strengthen inter-relationships of a congregation and with its community. Intentional small acts of conversation and listening were utilized as the main tool to implement change, as participants were awakened from the myth of small-town living, in which assumptions of connectedness were made. This project was deepened through the use of key theoretical, biblical, and theological lenses, such as: community, social capital, open systems theory, transformational leadership, hearing, incarnation, perichoresis, and a sense of belonging. Results revealed a deepened sense of community, a growing awareness of inter-relationships, key differences …

The Blessing Of Spiritual Mentoring, S. Joseph Kidder

Faculty Publications

Paul’s core argument for spiritual mentoring includes that to be effective mentors, our teaching must be backed by the witness of our own lives. We are to demonstrate all that we teach. What is laid upon us is the tremendous task of not only talking to men about Christ but showing Him to them through our lives. The experienced and exemplary Christian creates a responsible atmosphere for spiritual growth, sharing life experiences and skills and sacrificing time and energy.

As part of the mentoring process, Christians are to take every opportunity to teach younger people about God. This can be …

"Mistris Hutchinsons Double Weekly-Lecture": Puritan Assemblies And The Antinomian Controversy Of 1636-38, Courtney H. Forster

Senior Honors Theses

The Antinomian Controversy of 1636-38 was a complex religious conflict concerning politics and disruption of Puritan society. It began when the Massachusetts Bay colony split into religious factions within the Church at Boston. At the height of the controversy it seemed a majority of the congregation favored a grace-only means of salvation. Most in authoritative positions believed religious works were important to the societal foundation of a holy Puritan community. With the feared breakdown of society looming over them, they would prosecute and convict Anne Hutchinson for violating the cohesion of the colony. Hutchinson was a prominent woman in the …

Doux Commerce, Religion, And The Limits Of Antidiscrimination Law, Nathan B. Oman

Indiana Law Journal

This Article addresses the question of law, religion, and the market directly. It does so by developing three theories of how one might conceptualize the proper relationship between commerce and religion. The first two theories I offer are not meant to be summaries of any position explicitly articulated by any particular thinker. There is a paucity of explicit reflection on the question of markets and reli-gion and virtually no effort to generate broad legal theories of that relationship. Rather, these theories are an attempt to explicitly articulate clusters of intuitions that seem to travel together. My hope is to show …

Ashford And Pappalardo's "One Nation Under God: A Christian Hope For American Politics" (Book Review), Joseph Baumstarck Jr.

The Christian Librarian

A review of Ashford, B., & Pappalardo, C. (2015). One nation under God: A Christian hope for American politics. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic. 160 pp. $14.99. ISBN 9781433690693

Nettle And Mellado's "Small Matters: How Churches And Parents Can Raise Up World-Changing Children" (Book Review), Paul Drake

The Christian Librarian

A review of Nettle, G., & Mellado, S. (2016). Small matters: How churches and parents can raise up world-changing children. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. 185 pp. $21.00. ISBN 9780310521037

From Liberation To Salvation: Revolutionary Critical Pedagogy Meets Liberation Theology, Peter Mclaren, Petar Jandrić

Education Faculty Articles and Research

This conversation between Peter McLaren and Petar Jandric´ brings about some of the most recent and deepest of McLaren’s insights into the relationship between revolutionary critical pedagogy and liberation theology, and outlines the main directions of development of McLaren’s thought during and after Pedagogy of Insurrection. In the conversation, McLaren reveals his personal and theoretical path to liberation theology. He argues for the relevance of liberation theology for contemporary social struggles, links it with social sciences, and addresses some recent critiques of Pedagogy of Insurrection. McLaren identifies the idolatry of money as the central point of convergence between liberation …

Cultural Diversity In Student Ministry Leadership, Steven Zhou

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

In an attempt to contribute to how ministries and Christian academia is addressing issues of diversity, I am conducting a study to analyze correlations between ethnicity and styles/values of leadership. The goal is to uncover whether or not a particular ethnicity generally prefers one style of leadership over another. Past research on the subject has already seen that, in the business world, certain practices work better than others. For example, those from an Asian culture are more likely to prefer formality and authority as opposed to the collaborative and relationship-oriented style of leadership found in America. I will contribute to …

The Giving Trees: The (Un)Sustainability Of Palm Oil In Indonesia, Amber Rosche

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Palm oil is the main source of cooking oil for much of Africa, Asia and Brazil. Due to the increasingly high demand for palm oil, countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia have cleared millions of acres of tropical rainforests to create space for oil palm plantations. This deforestation has led to extreme environmental and social concerns such as the burning of peatlands, the endangerment of a number of species, including the Sumatran Tiger, rhinos and orangutans, and the displacement of native populations. Indonesia is the world’s largest consumer and producer of palm oil, producing almost half of the world’s supply …

Initiating A Missional Mindset: The International Leadership Institute's Eight Core Values As Impetus For Missional Living, Kenneth R. Ott

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Using the critical Incident technique in three phases of data collection, this project identified persons whose christian beliefs and behaviors had been impacted by embracing the Values as a way of life. While the transformed beliefs and behaviors did not definitively ascribe to the definition of missional living, they demonstrated the potential of the Eight core Values as a pedagogical construct to introduce a missional mindset in Christ-followers."

The Implementation Of An Internship Manual To Improve The Quality Of The Mentoring Relationships Of The Pastoral Internships At The Moody Bible Institute, William J. Torgesen Iii

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"the researcher concluded that the Internship Manual was effective in improving the relationships, organization is critical to foster mentoring, and mentors need to invest time to lead the process. the internship manual should be modified for clarity, and an orientation class should be developed. finally, intentional efforts must be made to incorporate strategies for soul care, spiritual formation, and theological integration."