Transformational Leadership (DP9115B)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit examines transformational leadership as a catalyst for renewal and redemptive change within ministry and organisational settings. Students will critically engage contemporary leadership theories in dialogue with theological frameworks, exploring the dynamics of power, authority, and vulnerability in leadership practice. Through the integration of systems theory, emotional and cultural intelligence, and theological reflection, students will develop insight into their own leadership identity and vocation. Through self-reflection and collaborative learning,  students will cultivate practices to lead faithfully, adaptively, and ethically in a changing landscape

Unit code: DP9115B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically evaluate a range of contemporary leadership theories in dialogue with theological frameworks that fosters transformation in ministry and organisational settings.
2.

Appraise the dynamics of power, authority, and vulnerability in leadership practice.

3.

Apply systems theory and emotional intelligence to personal leadership.
4.

Reflect critically and theologically on leadership identity and vocation.
5.

Design transformational leadership strategies to complex ministry environments.

Unit sequence

prerequisite: 24 points from discipline DP

Pedagogy

This unit employs a student-centred, constructivist approach to learning designed for online delivery. Students will engage with a variety of learning activities, including guided readings, case studies, video lectures, podcasts, and leadership tools, to deepen their understanding and broaden their perspectives. Regular online workshops and collaborative tasks will facilitate peer-to-peer learning, reflective dialogue, and skill development in areas such as emotional intelligence, cultural responsiveness, and strategic leadership.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry. 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2018.
  • Beaumont, Susan. How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You Are Going: Leading in a Liminal Season. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2019.
  • Cuss, Steve. Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2019.
  • Langberg, Diane. Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2020.
  • Ledbetter, Bernice, Robert Banks, Max De Pree, Robert Johnston, William A. Dyrness, and David C. Greenhalgh. Reviewing Leadership: A Christian Evaluation of Current Approaches. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2016.
  • Lencioni, Patrick. The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2012.
  • Herrington, Jim, Robert Creech, and Trisha Taylor. The Leader's Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2020.
  • Rodin, R. Scott. The Steward Leader: Transforming People, Organizations and Communities. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2010.
  • Sayers, Mark. Facing Leviathan: Leadership, Influence, and Creating in a Cultural Storm. Chicago, IL: Moody, 2014.
  • Woodward, J. R. Creating a Missional Culture: Equipping the Church for the Sake of the World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2012.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Essay 2500 35.0
Personal Reflection 2000 25.0
Project Report or Project Journal 3000 40.0

Variant 2

Case Study 2000 25.0
Journal 2500 35.0
Workshop 3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 19 Sep, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-09-19 15:13:23 +1000