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The Strategic Needs Analysis of Leadership within The Persian Church

The Strategic Needs Analysis of Leadership within The Persian Church

Nathan Rostampour | 2023

Abstract

The leadership within the Iranian church needs to experience a revolutionary change. I have heard and experienced many good and bad things about the Iranian church for years. One of the good things is that the Iranian church is one of the fastest-growing evangelical populations in the world. However, there are challenges when something grows in number rapidly, and leaders need more time to be ready for change and to solve problems. Now is the time for the Iranian church to focus on healthy and biblical church leadership and transform the Iranian church. As a leadership coach and consultant, I have written this consulting report which is a strategic needs analysis to help leaders plan for a revolutionary change in the Iranian church. I designed a questionary with seven questions, and I interviewed 30 Iranian house church leaders and 70 Iranian house church members.

Based on the analysis of the results, I discovered the areas of urgent need for Iranian secret house churches in Iran. All Iranian church leaders and members of those churches showed their strong desire for healthy and thriving church leadership and discipleship within the Iranian church; however, they constantly face challenges and problems that are pushbacks for the church leaders and their members. According to Open Doors USA, the Iranian church is in 9th place among the most persecuted churches in the world. Therefore, Christians in Iran have many security concerns. Moreover, due to the limitations of Christians, there are not enough opportunities for the Iranian church to train ministers and make mature believers. These limitations have caused trouble for the church and its members, who are unsatisfied with their leaders’ performances and their churches’ care toward them.

Although there are security concerns and limitations in the Iranian church, the major problems are related to the leaders’ weaknesses and their unhealthy leadership within the Iranian church. According to my research, these are the main areas the Iranian church needs to focus on and make revolutionary changes to help Iranian believers grow healthily and enduringly.

  • Working on leaders’ character and skills.
  • Providing safe online education for secret house church leaders.
  • Leadership coaching, mentoring, and accountability.
  • Unity among Iranian church leaders.
  • Building a healthy and biblical leadership culture.

To accomplish this vital goal, the Iranian church must invest more in leadership training and start by working on leaders’ character and their personal challenges through coaching, mentoring, and counseling, and help them overcome the adverse outcomes of unhealthy leadership styles and the Islamic culture that have negatively impacted the leadership in the Iranian church. The Iranian leaders must unite, and further researchmust be conducted to see how they can grow together and help their churches thrive amid limitations and persecution. The good news for the Iranian leaders is that Jesus has already promised that He is and will be with them in this rewarding and exciting journey (Matthew 28:18-20).

How Transformational Leadership Coupled with Effective Coaching helps Unleash Employees

How Transformational Leadership Coupled with Effective Coaching helps Unleash Employees’ Potentials

Charafa Saliou | 2023

Abstract

Transformational leadership is a style of leadership that has gained considerable attention in recent years due to its ability to inspire and motivate employees to achieve outstanding results. Warrick (2011) noted that there is an urgent need in organizations of all types and sizes for transformational leaders who have the courage and skills to reinvent and build organizations capable of succeeding in today’s times of dynamic change and scarce resources. This workshop provides an overview of transformational leadership theory, including its key components and characteristics. It also explores the various benefits of integrated coaching as a powerful tool for promoting personal and professional growth, development, and achievement.

While transformational leadership leads to enhanced employee motivation, increased job satisfaction, and improved organizational performance, integrated coaching can be a powerful tool for unlocking the potential of employees, driving innovation and growth, and creating a culture of continuous learning and development. The workshop emphasizes the challenges associated with implementing transformational leadership in an organization, including the need for leaders to be flexible, visionary, and adaptive. These challenges also include creating a vision for the organization, communicating that vision effectively, developing relationships with employees, and providing ongoing support and encouragement.

Ultimately, the combination of transformational leadership and effective coaching has been recognized as a powerful tool in unlocking the potential of employees. Transformational leadership inspires and motivates employees to go beyond their current capabilities and achieve excellence while effective coaching provides the necessary guidance and support to help employees grow and develop their skills. This workshop shows how transformational leadership and coaching can be integrated to create a dynamic workplace environment where employees are empowered to reach their full potential, which suggests that transformational leadership coupled with effective coaching can lead to significant improvements in employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational success.

Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Integrated Coaching, Employees’ Potential

The Leadership 377 Podcast: Caring, Learning, Doing

The Leadership 377 Podcast: Caring, Learning, Doing

Gary Hughey, Jr. | 2023

Abstract

Throughout history, God has used mortal, fallible men and women to accomplish His work. Great miracles occur through small acts of kindness, faith, and patience. Amazingly, leaders overlook the small and simple things in favor of more confusing and enlarged models and methodologies. This project aimed to discover small and simple things leaders can do to maximize follower performance while increasing their leadership capacity. To that end, this project created a podcast with a video element that interviewed nine religious, public sector, private sector, and academic thought leaders to gain the small and simple things leaders can do to make maximum impact. The interviews and literature research resulted in the creation of the Caring, Learning, Doing leadership methodology. The project contains information gained on the podcast and YouTube video production and outcomes. The Caring, Learning, Doing methodology was partially validated during the final podcast episode with first-line supervisors.

Keywords: Leadership, Podcast, Caring, Learning, Doing

Biblical Leadership Curriculum for the Seapointe College Bachelor of Ministry

Biblical Leadership Curriculum for the Seapointe College Bachelor of Ministry

Sarah Hummel | 2023

Abstract

There is more responsibility than ever on college faculty to deliver outstanding instruction in the classroom. Accordingto the Association of College and University Educators, today’s universities lean on strong teaching skills from their instructors, including adjunct instructors, because research shows a direct correlation between classroom management skills and higher retention rates and increased on-time graduation rates. The Biblical Leadership Curriculum for the Seapointe College Bachelor of Ministry project was two-fold, utilizing current leadership research to equip educators on the most important aspects of teaching students while also incorporating the latestresearch in biblical leadership and followership to give students, at the bachelor’s level, a well rounded understanding of leadership in order to prepare them for successful leadership and for further study. This curriculum project consists of eight bachelor’s level courses and includes an instructor’s guide and full syllabus, with resources and assignments, matching bachelor’s level accreditation standards, for each course. The courses provided are Principles of Self-Leadership, Leadership Theory & Practice, Practical Leadership, Cross-Cultural Leadership, Leadership & Followership, Leadership & Organizations, Strategic Competencies, and Historic Biblical Leadership.

Strategic Thinking for Mission and Ministry (In the Salvation Army Context)

Strategic Thinking for Mission and Ministry (In the Salvation Army Context)

Anthony T. Juliana | 2023

Abstract: It is certainly easy, and somewhat misleading to cast blame for the current lack of inertia within ecclesial organizations on the preservation of programmatic sacred cows and lack of leadership innovation. Instead, the challenge may be less obvious due to Christian leaders’ preoccupation with “doing” while often overlooking the value of “thinking.” Strategic theories and concepts can be found in Biblically historic military events which also serve as the metaphors for much of the innovative principles of spiritual leadership. Yet, the faith-based organizations which would benefit most from such strategic thinking often find themselves being reactive rather than responsive to the adaptive challenges and changes coming their way.

Topic: Strategic thinking for missional leaders is about creating a new, sustainable strategic culture for mission success and ministry advancement. This eight-module course is designed for ecclesial leaders as a practical, hands-on learning experience for the development of strategic thinking principles and skills in a mission and ministry context.

Methodology : This course material engages both professional and lay leadership through a combination of short-form lectures based on theological, academic, and practical theory and research, self-assessment and development tools, group activities, media components and individual exercises. It is designed to inspire, engage, and help participants develop strategic thinking competencies and necessary ecclesial leadership skills for the realization of mission and ministry opportunities in their church or organization. The core curriculum is structured around eight modules and includes illustrative material from The Salvation Army context.

Expectations: The overall course objective is to contribute to the discussion surrounding how Christian leaders can think strategically, how to develop strategic insight, how to create a strategic vision, how to practice strategic foresight, and how to define effective missional strategies for the future.

Contribution to Future Studies : It is the intention of this course to explore Biblical strategic thinkers and exegete strategic thinking practices as applicable behaviors, competencies, and actions toward a theological view of strategic thinking in ecclesial leadership environments. Far from being a comprehensive study, the purpose of this course is to instigate the conversation of the exegetical value of the strategic thinking theology for the advancement of Biblical mission and ministry of ecclesial leadership.

Keywords: Administration, Branding, Communication, Design, Foresight, Human Resource Development, Insight, Leadership, Missional Fulfillment, Organizational Purpose, Strategy, Sustainability, Theology

L.E.A.H.

L.E.A.H.’sPlace”–An Empowerment Platform for women recovering from Emotional Abuse and P.T.S.D

Rochelle D. Kilby | 2023

Abstract

Psychological abuse can leave long-term traumatic effects more than physical violence. Non-physical abuse events, such as put-downs and name-calling, are perceived to be of greater severity by abused women when compared to never abused women. Physical abuse is rated more similarly by abused and never abused women, especially the more physically damaging forms of abuse. Emotional abuse is the unseen silent killer! Female survivors of psychological abuse suffer real long-term physical health risks and may encounter physical symptoms, including headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and sexual dysfunction. In recent years, industry researchers have examined the distinction between emotional and psychological abuse and what society has more commonly known as domestic abuse or domestic violence.

L.E.A.H.’s Place provides a virtual platform that offers education, advocacy, and support for victims of emotional abuse and P.T.S.D. through a collaboration of dedicated professionals and volunteers in a safe environment. Our Mission is to provide support, empowerment, and hope to women and girls across all demographics who have experienced emotional abuse or traumatic events while providing them the tools to regain control of their lives. According to the American Psychological Association, 1 in 5 women will suffer emotional abuse and trauma.

The L.E.A.H. Project utilizes a four-tiered SERVICE approach: Self-Guided Assessments that identify the area of development designed for the maximum individualized developmental impact, self-guided individualized or group training, a matching referral process for coaching or counseling, and a resource network composed of a member community of like-minded women growing together, a recommended reading room comprised of some of the best print resources, a list of national providers and programs, and access to our blog and podcast.L.E.A.H.’s Place provides a haven where women from all walks of life can safely gather with the community’s support, addressing the systemic issues of emotional and psychological abuse and the long-term effects that can extend to P.T.S.D. when left ignored.

Keywords: Emotional abuse, trauma, empowerment, psychological, assessment, development, training, advocacy, victim, healing

The Future of Leadership: Non-Traditional Approach and Lessons

The Future of Leadership: Non-Traditional Approach and Lessons

Anthony Kpakol | 2023

Abstract

In our mutable modern world, where the changes are disruptive, transformational, and unprecedented, the current leadership development approach cannot prepare leaders for a world that requires Foresight, Creativity, Collaboration, and Human-centric leadership. The transformed economy will need a new kind of executives – collaborators, motivators, innovators, and social experimenters – who have, paradoxically, developed their distinctly human skills (Morgan, 2020). Traditional leadership development approaches and models are complicated and tainted with masculine, competitive, western culture and focus on high-profile business leaders. Consequently, the current leadership development approach remains unsuitable for preparing leaders across broader cultures, organizational types, and industries (Alimo-Metcalfe & Alban-Metcalfe, 2005). The signals and trends we see today point to a future with different challenges, which will require different work and leadership approaches.It is time we reimagine Leadership development, change to a more simplified and non-traditional approach, and draw uncommon leadership lessons from Nature, Women, Children, and even Ants.

This project uses a Learning Management System (LMS) to provide courses with simple, non-traditional, and uncommon lessons for leaders of the future. The courses draw from extensive research to highlight the growing need for participatory Leadership within non-hierarchical, flexible, and group-oriented structures (Due Billing & Alvesson, 2000). The lessons employ a blend of observation, interviews, data analysis, research, and experience and use essential case studies to illustrate key points for organizations to thrive and grow sustainably. It seeks to help leaders develop skillsets, mindsets, and behaviors for leading in an era that requires Foresight with agility, leading change with Creativity, Humanizing with authenticity, and Collaborating with diversity. We recognize that the solutions to the leadership gap of the future lie in using a non-traditional training approach to unpack uncommon and innovative lessons from common sources and the natural ecosystem. The Training program sets a good foundation for leaders to learn about new directions in Leadership and how to prepare to lead in the future.

Keywords: Leadership, Future, Creativity, Foresight, Human-centric, Collaboration, Nature, Learning

Building Effective Leadership Style to Enhance Growth and Development in sub-Saharan Africa

Building Effective Leadership Style to Enhance Growth and Development in sub-Saharan Africa

Solomon Kpandei | 2023

Abstract

Africa is considered as one of the richest continents of the word because of the prevalence of large deposits of mineral resources in Africa; combined with the land presupposes that the continent was destined to be an economic giant playing leading role in global affairs. The irony is that most of the poorest countries in the world are countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The question that begs for an answer is why Africa has remained underdeveloped despite the huge human and material resources at its disposal. The absence of development and the spread of poverty stares any visitor in the face in most cities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Various scholars have argued that the failure of leadership by Africa’s ruling class is the major cause of the continent’s lag in development. The study set out to explore the connection between bad leadership and underdevelopment challenges faced on the African continent and to propose a solution to problem.

Review of several scholarly articles forms a secondary source of data, while a survey using questionnaire provides primary data on 10 leaders and their primary leadership styles which can serves as a sample for leadership practices in sub Saharan Africa. The outcome reveals a prevalence of transactional and passive avoidant leadership style among the leaders surveyed.

This research recommends the development of transformational leadership culture as an ethical intervention to solve these challenges that have kept sub-Saharan Africa from achieving her development potential. It equally identifies the role of global consultants, and recommend their involvement in birthing new leadership culture and system in Africa,

Keywords: Leadership; Development; Culture

Growing Up Black in the Ghetto and Surviving (Lessons in Leadership, and Leaders I Can

Growing Up Black in the Ghetto and Surviving (Lessons in Leadership, and Leaders I Can’t Forget)

Timothy E. Lamb | 2023

Abstract

We have a disturbing increasing crisis across our nation for many of our inner-city, at-risk youth, which will result in devastating consequences without proper authentic and servant leadership intervention. There is an ever-increasing underserved population and many more at-risk children. Numbers are on the rise for high school dropouts in our communities; our youth are being incarcerated at record numbers and dying in record numbers.

I experienced first-hand what it means to grow up black in the ghetto and urban slum as an at-risk youth during the 1960s-1980s. I also had a chance to survive, learn, and grow immensely from multiple devasting, traumatizing, and earth-shattering experiences early and later in my life as a military and community leader. Succeeding would require the help of many great leaders and good people to beat the odds. Many exceptional leaders provided examples and played a pivotal role as part of the village in saving me from myself. With increased education and more than 30 years of civilian and military leadership experiences, I gained better insight into many of the challenges faced in my past community and an understanding of many of the challenges that exist today for our inner-city, at-risk youth.

In this book, I share some life experiences of growing up in an inner-city urban slum and ghetto and the difference that sound leadership, proper socialization, and spiritual faith made in my survival and life. I also share my personal experiences of growing up in a poverty-stricken, underclass community environment and some of the keys to my success, which I still believe are relevant in helping save our youth today. This book examines and discusses essential factors surrounding schools, peers, delinquency, crime, and the importance of proper leadership in being a difference-maker. As a military and servant leader, I am responsible for sharing my story and experiences to help and inspire others, especially those who will follow. In addition, this book shares significant leadership examples from the family, church, and community that are the difference-makers in the success and failure of many at-risk youths of yesterday and today.

This book will also include scholarly observations and research from other renowned authors on the urgent topic of sound leadership to support today’s at-risk inner-city youth. I hope this book will make a difference in the lives of leaders and inner-city, at-risk youth in this time of urgent need to save our youth and children. We all have a purpose, and God put us here for a reason, yet there is no better purpose than to make a difference in the lives of others; our youth need us more today than ever before.

Keywords: Youth Leadership, Community Leadership, Military Leadership, and Leadership Development

The CORE Model: A Virtues-Based Assessment for Advancing Global Leadership Organizational Growth and Development Through Coaching

The CORE Model: A Virtues-Based Assessment for Advancing Global Leadership Organizational Growth and Development Through Coaching

Raquel Lloyd | 2023

Abstract

This paper analyzes the positive impact of Christian spiritual development in advancing global organizational leadership development (GOLD). It introduces the CORE model (Commitment, Openness, Respect, Empathy) as a credible and practical spiritual leadership assessment mediated through leadership coaching (LC). This analysis seeks to illuminate spiritual intelligence (SI) through a faith-based assessment as a professional resource to embed a righteous constitution in organizational spaces and, over time, inform conventional leadership practices with profound insight and foresight. The research author gathered additional data sources from a seminar conducted with seven (n = 7) professional leaders from diverse private and non-profit environments who completed the CORE assessment and a pre and post-survey. The CORE tool is a relational instrument designed to empower leaders to draw transforming influence (TI) in a virtues-based context. The CORE assessment is a prosocial construct with applied practices related to organizational leader and member growth, performance, and sustainability measures that completes the ethical development lens, undergirds contemporary business ethics, and generates sustainable results in wholehearted organizational leadership agency. It is the hope that this examination contributes to the furtherance of virtue ethics practice and scholarship in the field.