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Four Approaches Applying Strategic Foresight to School Leadership

Four Approaches Applying Strategic Foresight to School Leadership

Kimberly Hollie | 2023

Abstract

Educational leaders across the United States are finding it increasingly challenging to prepare for the future, give their institutions edge, and recruit and keep qualified staff. Parochial school leaders are being challenged by lack of support and mentorship, lack of accountability, and lack of resources. School system leaders are researching ways to maintain excellence within their system and prepare their school system for the future. When applying strategic foresight to educational leadership, school leaders gain the necessary tools to address and combat these challenges, while giving their institution an advantage for the future.

These courses are designed to provide strategies in which educational leaders can best plan, be more proactive, and give their institutions an edge. They teach strategic foresight principles, introduce foresight tools, and compare how a western and eastern country uses and applies strategic foresight. These courses give unique insights to address challenges that parochial school leaders face. They give several approaches to address teacher and staff shortages while introducing the principles of succession planning and human resource management in education. These courses teach principles of systems dynamics and how to apply them to K-12 education. By applying these principles, K-12 education will become more proactive and effective.

Keywords: strategic foresight, educational leadership, school leadership, parochial schools, human resources management, succession planning, systems dynamics

Church Online Evolution: From Digital Presence to Digital Engagement

Church Online Evolution: From Digital Presence to Digital Engagement

Olajide Adebule | 2023

Abstract

This program is designed as a guide to provide ministry leaders with the tools and techniques needed to establish and maintain innovative churches online. In this program, I will walk you through my experience starting and growing a church online (Model City Church). Model City Church would be used as a case study where applicable in this program. The methods I present will help senior pastors and ministry leaders ensure their church organizations are well-prepared for future disruptions. This program draws on extensive research and real-life experiences and examines the broad scope of innovation and strategic foresight application to ministry. The reason many businesses fail aligns with why churches fail. The average church attendance of the U.S. Christian population has consistently declined in recent years.

Many of the most significant opportunities in today’s world emerged from periods of crisis. Several iconic companies, including Disney, CNN, IHOP, and GE, were established during economic recessions, while many more would emerge during future downturns and disruptions. This program will teach you how to start a church online, engage and disciple members, meet members’ needs, and track your progress. There are six modules and 24 lessons in this program. The modules include understanding the business model of a church online, establishing and launching a church online, gathering, and interpreting church online data, driving active engagement online, virtual volunteering online, and conducting basic church rituals and sacraments on a church online. The resources in this program include instructional videos, a student workbook, presentation slides, and instructor notes.

Breaking Through Glass Ceilings and Going Beyond Glass Doors to Embrace the New Face of Leadership

Breaking Through Glass Ceilings and Going Beyond Glass Doors to Embrace the New Face of Leadership

Titania Baggett | 2023

Abstract

An ongoing dispute that has baffled the Christian Community and industries worldwide is whether women can lead effectively. There is an old misconception associated with women and leadership when individuals read 1 Timothy 2:12 (NIV). Not only has this myth bewildered the Christian Community for decades, but in the United States, some organizations stand firm in their belief that women in leadership roles are less effective and respected than their male counterparts. However, women like Pheobe, Priscilla, Ruth, and others held pivotal leadership roles in the Bible, which dispelled the false ideas that women are not competent to lead. For centuries, God has raised a new generation of leaders who challenge the old way of conceptualizing effective leadership, such as a charismatic male riding in on a horse to save the day. The image of leaders has evolved and is not gender-specific; instead, it is a person who effectively guides others to achieve a common goal.

In 2017, women in leadership comprised slightly over 50% of the United States labor force and were labeled head of household in over 40% of homes (Chisholm-Burns et al., 2017). Despite these statistics, selected individuals still feel women must embrace more traditional domesticated roles and leave the workforce behind. This one-day workshop is designed to educate individuals and industries throughout the United States on women’s ability to lead effectively. It consists of eight modules, sixteen videos, and four activities strategically placed throughout the presentation. The modules delve into the following content: the foundations of leadership and disparity among female leaders compared to male counterparts, the educated woman, women as leaders, obstacles women face, common stereotypes of women in leadership, lessons learned from women in leadership, breaking through the glass ceilings and going beyond glass doors, and leading with a purpose. The resources for this workshop include an instructor training manual, a PowerPoint presentation with instructor notes, and activities for attendees.

Exploring Health Care Disparities in Minority Populations Conference

Exploring Health Care Disparities in Minority Populations Conference

Mamie Hopkins Boyd | 2023

Abstract

During the past few decades, medicine has made tremendous advancements. Our life expectancy as Americans has increased by thirty years over the past hundred years as a result of improvements in public health, nutrition, and medical care. It should be noted that despite these strides, African Americans still face a disadvantage and experience health disparities compared to their white counterparts. Despite tremendous progress in improving the health and longevity of the American people, statistical trends demonstrate that minorities still experience significant health inequities. As defined by the National Institute on Minority Health (NIH), a health disparity is a health difference that adversely affects disadvantaged populations, generally due to a higher prevalence of risk factors, unhealthy behaviors, or clinical measures that contribute to disease outcomes. One of the most apparent disparities that the NIH describes is the shorter life expectancy and the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and many other diseases. Consequently, these disparities are believed to result from a variety of factors, including biological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Conversely, a Conference on Minority Health Issues was an interactive one-day conference designed to promote and foster increased disparities in minority communities. According to the theme of this year’s conference, “Good Health: A Right or a Privilege,” minority groups are less likely to be covered by insurance and have less access to medical care. In presenting their views on this topic, the conference presenters used real-life evidence to support both perspectives, the debate on whether healthcare should be regarded as a right or a privilege. Accordingly, minority populations should have a right to health care in order to close the health care gap, as evidenced by the information presented during this conference. An additional post-course survey was administered in order to assess participants’ awareness of the training materials and commitment to putting into practice the insights they gained.

Foster Care Systems Worldwide: Challenges and Reforms for Safe and Nurturing Environment for Children 

Foster Care Systems Worldwide: Challenges and Reforms for Safe and Nurturing Environment for Children

Barbara Coppedge | 2023

Abstract

Foster care is a dynamic and complex field requiring specialized knowledge, skills, and resources. The foster care system provides temporary shelter for children who cannot stay with their biological families because of abuse, neglect, or other circumstances. This five-chapter report examines the foster care systems in Bangladesh and Uganda, two developing countries with varying cultures and legal systems, seeking to promote awareness of the challenges of children in the foster care system, and advocate for appropriate models that support preservation and reunification.

Examining the underlying causes of foster care challenges across the two countries, which explores the legal and policy frameworks for child protection and foster care in Uganda and Bangladesh. The sheds of light on the assessment and placement processes in foster care a comprehensive model, “The Parental Bonding and Reunification Model” for promoting parental bonding and reunification is created. The sharing of my personal journey within the foster care system, I invite you along a transformative journey towards the future.

This report compares this model with existing initiatives of family reunification present in states such as Maryland and Virginia. This ten-stage family reunification model has various components. The stages explore background factors and children’s experiences, which involves a comprehensive assessment to identify the needs and challenges within the birth family.

The family healing plan, a step-by-step guide on preparing the home environment for the child’s return, including techniques for addressing challenges, such as rebuilding trust, trauma healing, and behavior management. Setting the basis for this reunification, parents and grandparents will learn strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment of trust and empathy.

Creating resources that support this reunification reflects on best practices adopted by Maryland. With a phased approach to the child’s gradual reintegration into the biological family, which suggests tips for nurturing strong family bonding throughout the foster care journey. With the need of ongoing research and evaluation to improve the effectiveness of the system within in the future.

Keywords: challenges, policy, reunification, bonding, placement

Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change- Curriculum

Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change- Curriculum

Jenipher Cornelius | 2023

Abstract

Generally, we think of community as people geographically centered near a specific location; the word refers to any group sharing something of interest. While specific examples may include a faith community, race/ethnicity, cultural community, or professional community, this curriculum focuses on virtual world communities. Specifically, this curriculum will embrace the dynamics of a community’s context, the need to increase engagement in a virtual world, demonstrate how successful communities share information, identify community messaging and behaviors, manage accurate data transfer, and learn to network effectively and lead in a virtual world.

Since the pandemic, the need for innovative solutions driven by grassroots energy has become more vital than ever. The awareness of the need to uncover, communicate, deliver, sustain, and improve community programming is increasing. This is now all happening in a virtual world across continents and countries. A curriculum, Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change, is an online course students can take to earn a certificate in Professional Development upon successfully completing the program. This program will introduce communication tools to encourage virtual work groups and develop opportunities for connection with support networks worldwide.

You can’t find a solution until you have a clear idea of the problem. Problems come in many different forms, but most community projects are complex and have invisible elements that become apparent as one begins the process of defining the scope of the situation. Defining Virtual Community Projects for Dynamic Change emphasizes using tools such as journey mapping, personas, testing tools, visualizations, ethnographic interviewing, thematic analysis, prototyping, stakeholder need-finding, and storytelling to understand the problem. The idea generation and testing phases are essential to the buy-in and successful nature of an application once implemented. Upon completing this class, the learner will be able to walk through the problem definition process and create a problem brief to share in a virtual network. Each module introduces leadership theory and practice to ensure that problems are not the only focus but leading through them is.

Leadership POC

Leadership POC’s: Expanding Your Impact Through Meaningful Connections

Bobbi Cumpston | 2023

Abstract

John Quincey Adams – If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.

What is a “point of connection”? A connection is a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else. Points of connection are specific interactions with others that bring about illumination, creative innovation, or impactful discussion that adds value. Personal relationships with family and friends, businesses, volunteer organizations, churches, and places we live and work are areas we can influence to improve the community. Points of connection are with people we lead, guide, and mentor that add value to their lives. Global points of connection help expand our worldview, educate us about other cultures, and challenge assumptions and biases. With points of connection, we can help edify and uplift others, share education, and help those less fortunate or in need.

A point of connection can also unite people together for a common purpose and goals. A point of connection can be a moment that changes a situation, enlightens a mind, or develops a beneficial solution to a problem. An individual can experience many points of connection over time. Some connections, like family or friends, last a lifetime. It is where you can provide, nurture, educate, protect, love, and help them find their purpose. Other points of connection are brief or seemingly insignificant and yet can change your course of action.

Leadership is a point of connection. When you lead, there must be followers. Who you are as a leader matters. Your personal leadership statement helps define your mission, meaning, values, and reasons for why you do what you do. (Sosik & Jung, 2018). A strong sense of purpose, resiliency, servant leadership qualities, authenticity, and transformation, help build your leadership character so you can prepare for points of connection with followers. Leaders build hardiness and preparation, make decisions, are involved and committed, and challenge others to develop skills, talents, and leadership qualities (Citrin & Weiss, 2016). Moreover, you determine your internal leadership qualities by defining your code of conduct that upholds your personal and professional reputation.

Meaningful connections include people, power, position, purpose, peace, and person. Each connection represents a relationship with someone who added value to your life through an idea or discussion that illuminated, encouraged, or brought peace about a decision or situation. The people we engage with through family, work, or community should bring peace and help us discover our purpose. Meaningful connections can be intentional meetings or spontaneous moments we remember because of what transpired.

When you lead others or encounter them through a point of connection, look for the best in them. Help them find and uplift their strengths, encouraging them to pursue their work actively. The work may be self-development or professional development, but it is often the intentional search for significance. It is through discovering who we are, what we have, and how to walk in it that we find the keys to freedom, joy, well-being, and welfare. Through points of connection, operating in love for one another, leaders can guide others to discover their purpose and passion that puts their life into perspective.

Women in Church Leadership: Seeking Answers through Biblical Understanding

Women in Church Leadership: Seeking Answers through Biblical Understanding

Jordan Collins | 2023

Abstract

There is a strong divide in the perception of women being in leadership. Yet, the question remains: Should women be allowed to reside in leadership positions, specifically within the church? If so, is there a limitation to their responsibilities or authority? This manuscript aims to comprehensively understand women in leadership, precisely what the Bible deems proper for this topic. To further expand this issue, research into what the Church of God denomination says will also contribute to a more in-depth understanding of how some believers perceive women in church leadership. At the end of each chapter, readers can participate in a guide that aims to help readers seek answers through further analysis and questions to find solutions that discover a more thorough understanding of the biblical truths of women residing in church leadership.

The Church of God denomination contains three ministerial ranks. Men and women can obtain the first two ministerial ranks, but only men can acquire the third rank of Ordained Bishop. This manuscript revealed that the biblical understanding and truth are that God did not design women to operate as the head of the household or church. Instead, He created men to fulfill that responsibility (Eph. 5:23), with women working alongside them as their suitable helpers (Eph. 5:22, 24). This truth pertains to the home and the church. However, this biblical understanding is difficult to follow when men and women are not stepping up and walking in the roles God made for them to pursue the Great Commission. Therefore, God uses women in church leadership positions and equips them when necessary.

Further biblical understanding revealed that God gave men and women a purpose: to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). Men operating as the head of the home and church are not so women are less than or insignificant. The devil longs to cause that division among God’s people so there can be no growth and to prevent the body of Christ from reaching others for His Kingdom. If there is division among the members of the Church of God, there will be no growth. In essence, the topic of women residing in church leadership is a symptom of a much larger issue the devil attempts to blind individuals from every year. Therefore, the body of Christ must put on the armor of God and fight against the devil’s schemes and lies. By putting on and efficiently using the armor of God, men and women can stand against the enemy’s schemes while proactively moving forward with pursuing the Great Commission together.

The devil wants to blind believers to the influence they could have on this world if they work together to pursue the Great Commission. When believers trap themselves in the fight about whether women should reside in church leadership, their hearts are not focused on the core issue of what this world is facing: people living their lives in eternal separation from God. Therefore, it is time to stop fighting against each other and giving in to the devil’s schemes. Instead, believers everywhere must stand together on the Word of God, knowing His truth is powerful and effective (Heb. 4:12-13). Trust God and His plan for each person. Walk in obedience and expectation of God’s goodness and love that follows believers throughout their lives (Psa. 23:6).

A Setup Guide for Residential Recovery Facilities

A Setup Guide for Residential Recovery Facilities

Whitney Rogers | 2024

Abstract

Addiction treatment has become a highly demanded subspecialty within the healthcare arena. While the demand for services continues to rise, gaps in care and the specific approach to intervention are both ongoing debates. Even though the clinical world remains convinced drug addiction is a disease,1 the faith-based community suggests addiction is a heart issue.2 Both groups have established what they believe is a fail proof approach to intervention, yet overdose rates continue to skyrocket across the country.3 It is common knowledge that inpatient treatment facilities exist across the world yet providers typically have little to no ability to follow up with clients after discharge leaving the outpatient setting to carry the heaviest burden of recovery silos, ensuring clients have access to ongoing care. Frequently, sober living facilities are considered a viable option for outpatient support; however, large gaps in care originate in the sober living model as most sober living facilities do not provide treatment accountability; they fail to extend holistic levels of care, and most do not offer the ability to integrate any form of case management within their approach resulting in the client receiving base level housing services that remain a far stretch from the treatment mentality.

To bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and the sober living stage of recovery, a coming-of-age model of recovery will be required to achieve the outcomes that society desperately wants to experience. Residential recovery provides a step-down option for clients discharging from inpatient facilities who have not yet progressed in their sobriety to appropriately qualify for a sober living environment but maintain acuity levels that do not require continued inpatient treatment. The beauty of this unique approach originates in the fact that clinical services can be facilitated by outpatient providers, leaving lay individuals or those with identified backgrounds with the ability to help reinforce treatment plans. The residential recovery model idealistically incorporates a triad model of intervention ensuring clients receive the clinical, social and faith-based support required for complete healing, yet all areas of intervention are completed in a long-term residential setting. The ongoing dialogue about residential recovery continues to originate in the fact that such assistance can be provided by non-clinical individuals pending the client is established with appropriate providers; however, the mystery remains how lay people can become equipped to extend such models without training or knowledge of addiction treatment.

This document attempts to provide clarity regarding ways lay individuals can operate quality residential recovery facilities. More specifically, the project will provide high level information on the main areas of operations and extend suggestions on how to leverage community resources to educate and equip staff who will become employed by the organization. The project will provide sample documentation within each area that can be customized to the needs of the organization and amended as the organization evolves and becomes more definitive in their service options. Moreover, specific information will be included within the manual that will address facility intakes, releases of information and client confidentiality, aggressive behaviors, COVID 19 and other contagion protocols, grievances, program phases, medical and behavioral health care coordination suggestions, life skills and employment related matters, legal compliance, disciplinary concerns and sanctions, and discharges. The purpose of the project is not to create an in-depth policies and procedures manual, but rather to serve as an easy to reference start up guide for lay individuals who desire to establish residential recovery facilities and do so with excellence.

1 Beaulieu, M., Tremblay, J., & Bertrand, K. (2024). Adjustments to Service Organization in Specialized Addiction Services and Clinical Strategies for Better Meeting the Needs of People with a Persistent Substance Use Disorder.International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction,22(4), 2229–2246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00982-z
2 Toronchuk, J. A. (2018). Addiction: Diseased Brain, Divided Will, or Restless Heart?Perspectives on Science & Christian Faith,70(4), 218–231.
3 Estadt, A. T., White, B. N., Ricks, J. M., Lancaster, K. E., Hepler, S., Miller, W. C., & Kline, D. (2024). The impact of fentanyl on state- and county-level psychostimulant and cocaine overdose death rates by race in Ohio from 2010 to 2020: a time series and spatiotemporal analysis.Harm Reduction Journal,21(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-024-00936-9

The Rock Wall Method

The Rock Wall Method – A Comprehensive Guide to Upskilling and Career Development as a Christian Leader

Tyronne Roseboro | 2024

Abstract

The career ladder archetype that reflects upward mobility as the only possible career journey direction is antiquated and impractical. Thus, this paper introduces a new career development paradigm, The Rock Wall Method, which derives its name from the symbolic mountains and internal organizational structures that more aptly reflect the career mobility options we can choose as we pursue our career aspirations. The Rock Wall Method is a comprehensive approach to career development that promotes a self-reflective process, strategic decision-making, and scenario planning principles to help individuals understand their purpose and achieve sustainable career success.

The Rock Wall Method encourages openness to various career movements directionally to close capability gaps, enhance competencies, and amass the subject matter expertise and credentials needed to achieve long-term career goals. The Rock Wall Method uses Christian principles to inspire a greater focus on learning versus earnings and the use of consultative change agent skills to become the servant and transformational leaders we are born to become. Individuals must have an acute self-awareness about existing knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, personality, and values and reconcile those against the benchmarks of the various roles they transition in and out of along their career journey and, ultimately, the jobs they aspire to achieve on the mountains they climb on the path to self-actualization.

The Rock Wall Method supports its guidance and recommendations using various theoretical models. This methodology seeks to improve career decision-making, mitigate the ramifications of career shock, and inspire a renewed outlook for career and personal development, which are undeniably connected. The Rock Wall Method also provides some crucial insights for individuals to consider when assessing upskilling opportunities and determining whether their current or prospective organizations have the dedicated resources, strategy, culture, and subsystems that support robust career planning and career management activities.

Keywords: career orientations, adult learning, networking, career anchors, personality types, and human resource development