Leadership Development In The Christian Church and Churches of Christ In Northeast Nebraska

摘要

This project/thesis focuses on the leadership needs of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in northeast Nebraska in general and of Wakefield Christian Church in particular. The leadership context of Wakefield Christian Church was analyzed utilizing a congregational profile inventory, the presentation of a leadership development course, an evaluation instrument, and conversations and interviews of the church leadership. The success or failure of organizations will depend upon the quality of the leadership. The objective of this project was to provide a leadership course which would produce better leaders who could make a difference in the kingdom of God and provide a resource to address the leadership needs of the churches. The leadership course addresses such issues as the definitions and descriptions of the terms leader and leadership, theological foundations of leadership, the differences between leadership and management, the spiritual formation of the leader, the purpose and goals of the church including a mission statement, qualities of effective leaders and the leadership task, vision casting, and strategic planning.The project includes an examination of available literature on the subject of leadership from both religious and secular forums with an eye towards methods, strategies, and current research. The methodology section includes a review of the biblical interpretation of leadership emphasizing the biblical concept of servanthood and a description of the course. The leadership course, designed to meet the needs of the churches of northeast Nebraska, can be adjusted by other users of the course to fit individual church needs. The leaders of Wakefield Christian church were encouraged to select those particular topics which would meet their individual needs and were invited to discuss specific issues as the course progressed. The evaluation of the course consisted of the administration of an evaluation instrument developed midway through the course which assessed the course methods and the instruction, conversations with participants during the last session, and an interview of the minister. The evaluation process is a means of comparing what actually took place with what ought to happen. The concluding chapter provides some suggestions for the use of the course. Additional weekend seminars, classes at nearby Nebraska Christian College, or weekly study groups are possible methods for future use by others who may choose to use this course.