Leadership Formation and Praxis (DP8002Z)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

Grounded in a practical theological framework, this unit will enable students to identify and articulate a personal sense of leadership formation. Students will explore key leadership competencies; reflect on the integration of their belief and their behaviour; and communicate their understanding of Christian leadership as they engage with real-world contexts with a focus on promoting positive change in the world. Specific formational issues will be explored such as: understanding influence, transformational spiritual practices, an integrated approach to theology and work, resilience and character.

Unit code: DP8002Z

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse the integration of belief and behaviour in Christian leadership
2.

Evaluate a range of perspectives on leadership, influence, and creating change
3.

Articulate a theologically coherent understanding of leadership formation
4.

Critically evaluate current scholarship in the area of leadership formation

Pedagogy

Lecture input and experiential methodology in contexts; Peer group discussion; Further response input from guest Christian leaders and entrepreneurs.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Brown, Brene. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, Chicago: Random House, 2018.
  • Garber, Steven. The Fabric of Faithfulness. Weaving Together Belief and Behavior, Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2007.
  • Gibbs. Eddie. Leadership Next: Changing Leaders in a Changing Culture, London: SPCK Publishing, 2005.
  • Long, Jimmy. The Leadership Jump. Building Partnerships Between Existing and Emerging Christian Leaders, Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2009.
  • Lyons, Gabe. The Next Christians. Seven Ways You Can Live The Gospel and Restore the World, Colorado Springs, Colorado: Multinomah Books, 2010.
  • Nouwen, H. In The Name of Jesus. Reflections on Christian Leadership, New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 2002.
  • Palmer, Parker, J. A Hidden Wholeness. A Journey Toward an Undivided Life, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
  • Sayers, Mark. Facing Leviathan: Leadership, Influence, and Creating in a Cultural Storm, Chicago: Moody Press, 2014.
  • Scandrette, Mark. Practicing the Way of Jesus: Life Together in the Kingdom of Love, Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2011.
  • Schwehn, Mark R. and Bass, Dorothy C. (Editors)* Leading Lives That Matter. What We Should Do and Who We Should Be*, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2006. (recommended for purchase)
  • Walker, Simon P. Leading Out of Who You Are. Discovering The Secret of Undefended Leadership, Carlisle: Piquant Editions Ltd., 2007.
  • Willard, Dallas. The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God, HarperOne, 1998.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 6000 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 25 Jun, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-06-25 10:18:22 +1000