CLED 845 Group and Team Dynamics: Theory and Practice in Leadership

This course is a study of group theory and team processes and their application to faith-based organizational leadership. Team dynamics, team development and the role of the team leader are examined.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Leading effective ministry teams has become a foundational competency for leaders in nearly every discipline. In the church or Christian organization, team ministry has never been more urgent and needed. Christian leaders must understand the theory of and develop the skills to execute a team ministry strategy that strengthens each team member’s calling and effectiveness.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module1: Week 1.

Discussions (4)

For these collaborative discussions the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. Where applicable, the student must cite references in current APA format. (CLO A, B, C)

Book Critique: Lencioni Assignment

The student will write a 750–1,000-word book critique in current APA format. (CLO A, B, C)

Book Critique: Hartwig Assignment

The student will write a 750–1,000-word book critique in current APA format. (CLO A, B, C)

Team Dynamics in Ministry Paper: Proposal Assignment

The student will present a proposal for the Team Dynamics in Ministry Paper that identifies the specific topic of the paper, a suggested thesis statement for the paper, and at least 10 sources for the paper. The paper must address a topic related to building and leading a team in various ministry environments. This assignment must be in current APA format. (CLO B, C, D)

Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student will complete an Annotated Bibliography with at least 20 sources, including at least 5 books, at least 5 articles, and no more than 3 websites, for the Team Dynamics in Ministry Paper. The annotations must demonstrate how the resources are likely to be important to a thorough academic analysis of your topic or the application team dynamics to one’s ministry leadership environment. Each annotation must be 150–200 words and in current APA format. In addition to the annotations, the student must include an introductory paragraph of at least 75 words. (CLO B, C)

EQ Assessment and Personal Reflection Assignment

The student will complete 10 exercises in the assigned chapter on emotional intelligence and then prepare an assessment and personal reflection. The reflection must be at least 1,500 words and follow current APA format. (CLO A, C)

Team Dynamics in Ministry Paper Assignment

The student will write a 4,000–5,000-word research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on the biblical and theological understanding and practice of team leadership within various ministry environments. The paper must include at least 20 literature citations within the paper (the student must additionally cite at least 2 key biblical texts with accurate exegesis along with applicable principles), and the reference list must include at least 15 sources, including peer reviewed journal articles, scholarly commentaries, and other strong resources. The 15 sources must be in addition to the course textbooks. (CLO B, C, D, E)

Reflection on Course Assignment

The student will write a 1,000–1,200-word reflection essay in current APA format. The essay will answer the question “How has this course shaped your thinking in the following areas related to leadership and cultural contextualization: 1) biblical examples of team ministry, 2) group dynamics that affect team performance, and 3) practical applications that will improve your leadership of teams?” (CLO B, C, D, E)