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.

This unit has provisional approval. Assessment details are currently under review and may change before final approval. Please contact the relevant College for further information.

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: 2026-10-07 17:02:50 +1100