B.S. in Christian Leadership & Management

Introduction to methods of studying and interpreting Scripture, theological understanding, and practical application.

Study of the foundations of Christian belief.  Students explore basic themes in Christian thought such as the knowledge of God, the origin of sin, the nature of humanity, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

Examination of the content and messages of the Gospels, their theology, and their application in modern culture.

Introduction to various kinds of ministry found in church and parachurch organizations with an emphasis on the leadership and involvement of the laity.  The course also explores team ministry strategies in a ministry context and a model for natural church growth as the basis for ministry health.

Students examine the biblical and philosophical basis of personal spiritual formation and growth as well as strategies that can be used to facilitate formation and growth in church and parachurch ministry.

Investigation of the role of business in society, the human side of business, the functions of business, and the accounting/reporting processes of business.

Examines the role of financial data in the commercial enterprise; as well as measuring and reporting income, assets, liabilities, and equities.

Exploration of expectancy, leader-member exchange (LMX), transactional, transformational, servant leadership and other theories, including foundational leadership principles and concepts.

Leader's behaviors and decisions in sending messages to people throughout the organization.  Analysis of the concept of organizational culture, its development, and the effect it has on the leader and people in the organization; focus on a leader's ability to positively influence followers.  Prerequisite: LDST 201.

The influence of virtual teams on leadership effectiveness; the development of interactive and dynamic groups in virtual and face-to-face environments. Prerequisite: LDST 201.

The process and nature of strategic planning, including the constraints and opportunities leaders face in strategic planning, the leader’s task in accommodating and minimizing these limitations, and the impact of these constraints on strategic choices.  Prerequisite: LDST 201.

The concepts, theories, and current practice regarding organizational structures and their development, the dynamics of individual and collective behavior within organizations; human interaction within organizations to foster and manage change. Emphasis on the role of leadership and cultural values. Prerequisite: Junior standing and prior management or leadership coursework.

Management language, concepts, models, and basic principles of management. Explore interrelated functions (planning, controlling, organizing, leading) of the management process.

Investigate analytical and process skills for effective decision-making and change management. Assess key factors in the change process, effective planning and problem-solving.  Cross-listed with LDST 370.