Practical Theology Commons^™

The God Dimension In Leadership, Erich Baumgartner

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

One of the most challenging insights of the servant leadership approach for christian leaders is the fact that god himself chose to approach humanity that way. Christian theology has long maintained that who god is determines how he acts. Jesus dying on the cross for humanity reminds us of the inexhaustible mystery that by his very nature god is a servant. the nature of god—more specifically his Trinitarian nature—is the central paradigm of thought in this issue of JACL. Does God’s Trinitarian nature have anything to say to Christian leaders about leadership? Get ready for some meaty reading.

The Legacy Of God's Leadership

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

...the notion of shared leadership is seriously explored by secular businesses. With this in mind, it may be beneficial to look at this topic from the perspective of the Triune godhead in the light of Scripture. Although there are numerous texts in the Bible relating the trinity and leadership, we will limit our focus particularly to two of the most vivid places dealing with god in his three persons: the first letter of John and Matthew 28:18–20.

From Diabolical To Dialogical: Transforming Ethics Through Dialogical Leadership, Brian Ruffner

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Much like the example of David and Nathan in 2 Samuel 11–12 demonstrated, moral lapses victimize the entire organization, and members often persist in ethical misconduct without full comprehension of the gravity of their actions. As an antidote, organizational members must be vigilant and resolute in watching for the signs of ethical degradation, forming a noticing organization. However, as opposed to confronting ethical misconduct head-on, dialogical leadership, encompassing a Trinitarian perspective, attempts to preserve the fabric of community through strategic narrative and transparent dialogue aimed at raising ethical awareness and inhibiting unethical behavior.

Healthy Churches Grow, Rodney Mills

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Change will not occur until there is a sense of urgency. Church leaders and their members have long tolerated the atmosphere of ill health. Their current state of dysfunction has been going on for so long that the members often believe it is normal and therefore to be expected. Excuses are made to maintain the status quo and as a result nothing improves in the life of the church. For lasting change to occur, church leaders and members must sense the urgency of the situation and determine that doing nothing is worse than the anticipated pain of changing long-standing practices …

Boundaries For Leaders. By Henry Cloud, Osei Daniels

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

BOUNDARIES FOR LEADERS. By Henry Cloud. New York, NY: HarperCollins (2013). Kindle Version, 272 pages

This book has solidified for me the almost terrifying but freeing truths of leadership, that i am “ridiculously in charge,” and it’s up to me to get the team going where it needs to go. I’m still learning how to shift my mind from the worker-bee to that of the leader, putting first things first in establishing the goal of what we’re trying to accomplish, and developing a road map for each step of how we’ll be getting to our destination. I’ve learned that my …

Developing Leaders For Effective Cross-Cultural Christian Leadership In East Asian Ccontext, Scott Seong-Cheon Bang

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice

Full Text of the Thesis available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

Will the increased understanding of effective Christian leadership practices in the East Asian context increase the confidence of leaders who intend to lead within that culture? In order to discover the answer, leaders of Los Angeles United Church were invited to participate in a training seminar which focused on strengthening theological understanding of Christian leadership and raising anthropological awareness of culture in a leadership situation.

The Distinctive Characteristics Of Religious Leadership: A Case Study Of The International Church Of The Foursquare Gospel In The United States, Stephen Bialowas

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Full Text of the Thesis available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

The study concluded that religious leadership as practiced in the Foursquare Church is best described by a combination of the five contemporary theories and Weber’s theory.

A Theology Of Missional Leadership In The Book Of Revelation, Gyeongchun Choi

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Full Text of Dissertation

This study aims to establish a theology of missional leadership through motifs inherent in the cosmic conflict between God and Satan in the Book of Revelation, examining the Apocalypse and comparing it with relevant leadership theories. The Book of Revelation is a valid source of understanding pastoral and missional leadership because it contains leadership terminologies and concepts and reveals the Lamb’s leadership behavior and exposes the counterfeit leadership of the Dragon.

Shared Leadership: Best Practice In A Ministry Context, Shaldana Juanette Johns

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Full Text of the Dissertation

This qualitative, multiple case study examined the best practice of shared leadership in a ministry context ... The top three highest occurrences of established best practices in a ministry context were spiritual giftedness, relational support, and biblical shared leadership. Unique best practices were discovered and isolated as well.

Ministry In Secular Employment (Mse) In The Church Of England, 1960- 2000, Thomas Christopher Keighley

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Full Text of Dissertation

Analysis identified that the experimental start to the initiative had not been embedded into the structure and strategy of the church, while being well embedded into the culture and structures of the worlds in which the Ministers in Secular Employment lived and worked. The church adopted a homeostatic approach to this development characterized by dioceses and their bishops acting independently. MSE had not been explored for its potential in the field of mission or cultural integration of church and society. The church continues to understand its mission and purpose in terms of stipendiary parish …

The Trinitarian Foundation Of Leadership: Working Together For God’S Glory In Unity And Diversity, Matthew Dean Ross

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Full Text of Dissertation

This research examines the association between Trinitarian thinking and the understanding of personal identity in the context of positions of lateral influence. in particular the doctrines of the image of God, union with Christ, and covenant are examined from a Trinitarian perspective. Because the doctrine of Trinity emphasizes that the one God eternally exists as three persons, Trinitarian thinking requires that both universals and particulars be held together in an equiprimal relationship. Each of these doctrines is examined in order to highlight the significance of this equiprimal relationship in understanding personal identity.

Apostolic Church Planting: Birthing New Churches From New Believers. By J. D. Payne, Anderline Brady

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

APOSTOLIC CHURCH PLANTING: BIRTHING NEW CHURCHES FROM NEW BELIEVERS. By J. D. Payne. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press (2015). Softcover, 126 pages.

The heart of Apostolic Church Planting is understanding and establishing how church planters define the local and universal church. In the words of the author, “ecclesiology is supremely important. It shapes everything” (p. 21). Over his years of training church planters, Dr. J. D. Payne encountered questions that were not addressed in his previous work Discovering Church Planting. Thus Apostolic Church Planting, in Payne’s words, “is my attempt to respond to some of those questions and …

For The Flock: Impetus For Shepherd Leadership In John 10, Nathan H. Gunter

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Following the prophets’ declarations concerning the need for right-hearted shepherds, the four Gospels portray Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Shepherd to save Israel (Ezek. 34:23). John’s Gospel extends the pastoral imagery of the Old testament, most notably in the Good Shepherd discourse (John 10:1-21). John’s development of the shepherd motif presents Jesus both as the Good Shepherd who will lay down his life for his sheep and as the model after whom other shepherds ought to pattern their leadership. contrary to contemporary conversations concerning christian leadership, though, John’s gospel places greater emphasis on the shepherd’s …

Reflections On Mentoring And Multi-Generational Ministry, Gordon Macdonald

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

" I would challenge the multi-generational leaders. I would ask the young people to engage the older people and say, “tell me your story.” I would say to the older people, “You need to listen to the young people because they will build enthusiasm into you. they will give you fresh ideas. and tell them your story. Let them ask you questions. Don’t give them advice unless they ask for it, so we can bring this all together.'”

The Essential Nature Of Humility For Today's Leaders, Jerry D. Breedlove Jr.

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Using socio-rhetorical criticism and analysis, the author explores the inner-textual and intertextual texture of 1 timothy 3:1-7. In particular the author draws out how the apostle Paul’s leadership requirement of not being a recent convert is less about the timing of a conversion to christianity and more about the adverse effects of pride on the ability of a leader to lead in a healthy manner. In so doing, the author provides support and insight into the ways in which humility as an essential virtue is applicable to leadership in secular settings as well as christian environments. Furthermore, the author strengthens …

Adventist Women Clergy: Their Call And Experiences: Part 2, Leslie Bumgardner

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

This article describes “what happened” to the female pastors whose ministry experiences were reported in the previous JACL issue. Today, only one remains in pastoral ministry. Others are experiencing their “call” in new situations or are retired. They describe challenges related to gender as well as supports. Ordination did not dominate the interviews although the women were clearly disappointed by the vote against ordination of women in pastoral ministry at the General Conference session of the Seventh-day Adventist church in July 2015.

The Pastor As Leader: Assessment, Change, And Growth In Pastoral Leadership Style And Ability, David C. Crawford

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

D.Min. dissertation, Asbury Theological Seminary, 2014.

Full Text of the Dissertation

This study explored the leadership perceptions of a sampling of Nazarene pastors who were predominantly newer in ministry in terms of years of service in the Southwest Ohio District. This qualitative analysis sought to measure their self-reported leadership style and self-described leadership ability both prior to and following a leadership seminar devoted to the development of pastoral leaders.

All Things New: A Holistic Theology Of Major Depression And Pastoral Care, T. S. Giovanetto

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

M.A. Thesis, Trinity International University, 2015.

Full Text of the Thesis available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

This study approaches the topic of mental illness within the church, integrating biblical theology and clinical psychology to propose a model of pastoral care for the severely depressed. Examining the history of distrust between the church and the social sciences, and criticizing prominent models of pastoral care built upon the chastisement of mentally ill individuals, the thesis proposes a model of care built upon the acceptance and validation of persons facing psychological distress. In this model, ministers teach sufferers to …

Mentoring Emerging Leaders Toward Holistic Health And Longevity: A Guide For Seasoned Leaders To Intentionally Invest In And Influence The Next Generation Of Ministry Leaders, Stanley Curtis Grant

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

D.Min. dissertation, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, 2014

Full Text of the Dissertation available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

This study gathered input from long-term, seasoned pastors, former pastors, and emerging young leaders, then analyzed which of their activities and behaviors prove to enhance the opportunities for success in ministry. The study also examined the effects of mentor/protégé relationships on the success of young leaders.

Spirituality And Leadership: Integrating Spirituality As A Developmental Approach Of Improving Overall Leader Effectiveness, George Gregory Houston

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Ph.D. dissertation, Antioch University, 2014

Full Text of Dissertation

This study explored the relationship between spirituality and leadership effectiveness, particularly seeking to identify whether spirituality as an additional factor may contribute to the effectiveness of leaders. Findings led to a proposed definition of spirituality: Spirituality is accessing a universal understanding that life can be greatly enhanced in all relationships by developing our inner wholeness and other connectedness.

On Developing A Deeper Understanding Of Authentic Leadership: Interpreting Matthew 3:11-5:48 Using Intertexture Analysis And Social And Cultural Texture Analysis, Stephen L. Kalaluhi

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Ph.D. dissertation, Regent University, 2015

Full Text of Dissertation

This inductive, qualitative study explores the construct of authentic leadership within the context of organizational leadership as demonstrated within the Matthew 3:11-5:48 pericope. The study asks how this periscope, describing Jesus’ baptism, temptations, subsequent start of ministry, and initial teachings, contributes to our current understanding of how organizational outcomes are affected by leader morality when applied from within the intrapersonal, interpersonal, developmental, and pragmatic perspectives of authentic leadership.

Success Stories Of Korean Christian Female Leaders: Practicing Authentic Leadership, Kyungmi Joyce Seo

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Ph.D. dissertation, Biola University, 2015.

Full Text available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global

This study makes a scholarly contribution to understanding how toptier KCFLs of Christian organizations explain their leadership in a Korean context. It contributes to the empowerment of KCFLs’ leadership development in Christian organizations and helps Christian parents and church leaders to teach their girls and women to be leaders both at home and at church. The study may broaden male leaders’ perspectives toward female leaders so that they can work cooperatively in a balanced way. Lastly, it informs mentors, practitioners, and executive Christian leaders …

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

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Psy.D. dissertation, The University of the Rockies, 2016

Full Text available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global

The results of this study suggested the presence of five themes related to pastoral effectiveness in non-denominational Christian churches: communication, personal development, business acumen, religious practices, and relationships. A key finding pointed to the integration of spiritual leadership theory and transformational leadership theory for use in religious organizations. The integration of the components of the two leadership theories may provide pastors with a means and common framework for understanding the process of leadership effectiveness.

Mentoring With Common Sense, By Roy W. Harris And Alton Loveless, Philip Tse

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

MENTORING WITH COMMON SENSE By Roy W. Harris and Alton Loveless. Ashville, OH: FWB Publications (2015) Paperback, 140 pages

"Although the concept of mentoring has been around since the beginning of mankind and emerged with emphasis during the mid-1700s, mentoring has become a hot topic only in recent years. in view of the importance of a mentor and the benefits to the mentees, this book illustrates the steps to becoming a good mentor and the ins and outs of mentoring. the author points out that most of us have been mentored at some point in our lives; he strongly encourages …

What Is A "Community" Church Plant?, Hyveth Williams

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"A community plant is one that focuses on the health of the community. this means that you focus on the health of all of the churches in the community, regardless of the denomination, and the health of the people who live in the community, because a healthy community breeds healthy children. And what we are planting, what we want it to be is a healthy church."

Adventist Women Clergy: Their Call And Experience, Leslie Bumgardner

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Around the world, Seventh-day Adventist women are serving in pastoral ministry. however, little research has been conducted about the calling and experiences of these women. this article shares the stories of 11 Adventist women pastors in North America, including their call to ministry, mentoring, their experiences as mothers, how they differ from their male colleagues, challenges they face, why they consider leaving pastoral ministry, and why they choose to stay.

Structured For Mission, By Alan J. Roxburgh, Marshall A. Randall

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

STRUCTURED FOR MISSION. By Alan J. Roxburgh Downers Grove, iL: Intervarsity Press (2015) Paperback, 181 pages

"Ultimately the author reveals the solution to the problem of our existing structural decline: regain our biblical imagination, allow room for experimentation, and allow the Spirit to lead outside our comfort zone. he relates these factors to leadership by explaining how leaders allow this process to take place when a problem arises."

A Correlational Study Of Emotional Intelligence And Servant-Leadership Among Church Leaders

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"the conclusion of this study was that, while one cannot definitively conclude that a training tool designed to build emotional intelligence would improve the correlation between emotional intelligence and servant leadership, knowing that emotional intelligence is learnable provides sufficient evidence to further investigate the correlation."

The Correlation Between A Pastor’S Job Experience And Church Servant Leadership Practices

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Forty-six leaders from six church organizations took the Organizational Leadership Assessment (OLA). individual church OLA scores were calculated and then analyzed using correlation and moderation analysis against each pastor’s past and present experience. Findings did not indicate any statistically significant relationship between a pastor’s past or present leadership experience and servant leadership practices within the church."

A Capacity To Serve And To Lead Across Cultures: Inter Cultural Leadership And The Experience Of American Missionaries

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Eight evangelical christian missionaries from the United States were interviewed using a protocol designed to identify critical incidents in their experiences in leading people of cultures different from their own. the core findings are written descriptions of key experiences of these leaders that focus upon ways they were influenced by those they lead. the lived experience of the missionary leaders in this study informs prevalent leadership theories including transformative leadership, servant leadership, and cross-cultural leadership."