Leadership Studies Commons^™

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."

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."

Do We Need A New Approach To Christian Leadership Development?, Erich Baumgartner

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Going back to christian leadership, there are christian leaders needed today that have the courage to reexamine the mission of God here on earth for christian organizations and churches. Such leaders often realize there is something new that is needed. the outcome, however, is not always clear, and it takes dedication of the whole team before the desired outcome appears. that is, in my opinion, one of the most important leadership qualities to which to aspire. It demands a different kind of leadership development process that is not only based on classes and books, but that is based on processes …

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."

Designed To Lead: The Church And Leadership Development, Shawn Ellis

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"the book presents biblical and practical aspects of the three c’s with suggestions on application. While the author’s biblical examples of conviction, culture and constructs are illustrative, there are few examples of present-day implementation, successful or otherwise. the authors assume that real-world expressions of these concepts are intuitive to the reader. It is surprising that research from Geiger’s company on church transformation was not used to provide an up-to-date, quantitative perspective to support the author’s positions."

Missional Virtues In Leadership: Assessing The Role Of Character Strengths Of Christian Social Entrepreneurs In Creating Missional Organizations, William M. Manuel

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"the findings of this dissertation are that there are particular and identifiable virtues and character strengths that are possessed by christian social entrepreneurs which enable them to lead in the growth of the organizations that they have started."

The Impact Of Values Clarification And Expression Of Beliefs On Dysfunctional Leadership Among Church Lay Leaders, F. J. Cosgrove

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"the purpose of the study was to explore if the discovery and authentic expression of a leader’s values and beliefs may lower that leader’s tendencies toward these dysfunctions. the results of the study indicate that the more lay leaders in these congregations reported they were discovering and authentically expressing their values to their constituents, the lower were their reported levels of dysfunctional tendencies, with the exception of codependence in collegedale community church. a review of the literature validates the results obtained. It is therefore suggested that the more leaders discover and authentically express values and beliefs, the less dysfunction will …

Biblical Foundations Of Christian Leadership, Part 2, Stanley E. Patterson Phd

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"christian leadership assumes a relational process in pursuit of a common purpose. It is a process which, while expecting obedience to Jesus’ commands (John 15:10), is devoid of coercive structures that require accomplishment. Rather, the community of leader and followers is driven intrinsically by values that support both mission and process. Obedience in the absence of coercion assumes an intrinsic motivation—love. Jesus speaks of love for one another as essential to christian identity within the larger community (John 13:35). he strengthens the argument for love as a foundational value related to mission accomplishment by identifying his love for them as …

On Threefold Revelation Of God, Christian Andreas Schwarz

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

The most important thing that distinguishes leaders from nonleaders is that leaders are responsible for other people. Leaders cannot afford to limit their focus to themselves and their own favorite theologies shaped by their biographies, including both highly personal traumata and eureka experiences. they must be able to serve people according to the spiritual needs of these people, which should not be confused with the spiritual needs that the leader may have himself or herself. People without leadership responsibility are free to simply project their own spiritual experiences on others; for a leader, this would be highly immature, even irresponsible. …

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.

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.

Biblical Foundations Of Christian Leadership: Part 1, Stanley E. Patterson Phd

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

The Biblical foundations of leadership begin to be laid in the first chapter of Genesis and conclude with the declaration of a kingly leadership position (Rev. 1:5, 6) for God’s people in Revelation. These books and those in between reveal the deeds and misdeeds of leaders throughout. We see the massive deterioration of leadership behavior in the rebellion of Lucifer against God, but we also observe the incredible demonstration of leadership in the descent of the Messiah into the greatness of transformational service. The model demonstrated by Christ is a model of service. The followers of Jesus are called to …

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.

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.

Cultivating Creative Spiritual Leadership: The Role Of Art-Making As A Spiritual Practice For Ministers

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

The findings suggest that the practice of art-making serves as a vehicle for personal and communal spiritual development for these religious leaders. The practice requires discipline, preparation, and immersion in process. It involves practicing presence, attending, and embracing vulnerability. Engaging in creative activity as a spiritual practice produces spiritual and bodily shifts which heighten an awareness of interconnectedness. Thus, it makes space for encounter—with oneself, God, and others.

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 …

The Prophet Elijah As An Agent Of Change For Community Development, Lollo Zo Nantenaina, Joel Raveloharimisy, Karen Mcwilliams

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Modern christian leaders can become involved as agents of change in their communities, specifically in ways demonstrated by principles of community development seen in the Old testament prophet Elisha’s miracles. According to christ’s teachings (Luke 12:32-34), the mission of christians is not just going to church every weekend and participating in internal church programs; it involves taking care of the needs of the community outside the church as well. 2 Kings 1-8 details the Prophet Elisha’s actions as he dealt with different issues that occurred in his community—some involving only individuals and others affecting the whole community."

Leadership Pain: The Classroom For Growth, By Samuel Chand, Mark Borrett

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

LEADERSHIP PAIN: THE CLASSROOM FOR GROWTH By Samuel Chand Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson (2015) Hardcover, 244 pages

"Samuel chand’s Leadership Pain is a book on leadership and its struggles and victories. But most important this is a book about experiencing and working through our pain, hurt, disappointments and betrayal as christian leaders. As chand states in every chapter, “You’ll grow only to the threshold of your pain.” this is both thought provoking and challenging, but also it encourages us to raise our threshold of pain."

Learning From The Giants : Life And Leadership Lessons From The Bible, By John C. Maxwell, Paul Wilmot

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

LEARNING FROM THE GIANTS: LIFE AND LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM THE BIBLE, By John C. Maxwell. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group (2014) Paperback, 160 pages

"Direct scriptural support is provided to facilitate ongoing personal study of these leaders, allowing for extended exploration of the lives of these mentors to see tangible examples of where the lessons were learned. Working from the assumption that we still experience similar challenges and therefore will benefit from applying these lessons today, Maxwell helps us to explore a combination of life and leadership lessons. As we learn, we recognize that the life lessons we learn …

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."

Developing An Intentional Leadership Development Process Through Mentoring In The Local Church

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"Survey results overwhelmingly affirmed the importance and effectiveness of intentional mentoring relationships in developing christian leaders in the church. Ministry leaders became more effective and confident as a result of being involved in a mentoring relationship."

Changing The World Through Servant Leadership

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"this historical case study sets out to recognize the leadership of [Eunice Kennedy] Shriver and analyze the supposition that she was a servant leader. Shriver had the vision that became the Special Olympics movement that transformed the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and communities worldwide. the fact that under the leadership of Shriver the Special Olympics achieved global success makes a study of her leadership style significant to the field of organizational leadership."

Ellen G. White's Counsel To Leaders In Conflict, Michael Thomas White

Master's Theses

How should we relate to people in the church who adamantly disagree with us personally or with a commonly accepted position? How do we support what is admirable about controversial leaders while still disagreeing with the way they express some of their views? Deeper than just how we argue with people we disagree with, how do we deal with leaders who are simply disagreeable? Ellen G. White’s own life and works show several examples of how she responded to church leaders in conflict, showcasing principles that we can use today to argue without being argumentative.

My goal for this paper …

Clergy Family Systems Training And How It Changes Clergy Leadership Attitudes And Practices, Michael J. Aufderhar

Dissertations

Problem. Clergy persons without an awareness of their family system patterns and reactivity often exercise their leadership in unhealthy ways that are damaging to their congregations. This study described changes in leadership attitudes and practices experienced by clergy participants in a Family Systems training program conducted by Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Method. This qualitative case study followed a narrative design. I collected data while participating in the program and 3 years later conducted semi-structured person-to-person interviews with all participants who were willing and available. The data also include drawings by each participant depicting their experience before and after the intervention. …

An Ethical Exploration Of Gender Inequality In Church Leadership, Elizabeth Rickert

Honors Theses

An Ethical Exploration of Gender Inequality in Church Leadership provides a moral analysis of the current status of women leaders in the church. Drawing on socio- analytical, ethical-theological, and leadership studies perspectives, this thesis sheds light on the disparity between the theological principles of equality and the ecclesiastical practices of inequality that create an unhealthy moral environment in churches.

Gender inequality in church leadership exists today in both the congregations permitting the ordination of women as well as in those that do not. This widespread discrepancy between rules and practices concerning women leaders in the church points to the socially …