African-American Redemptive Leadership

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Informing

In a time when the gap between people's private and public lives is growing ever wider, the Church needs leaders who endeavor to close that gap by being authentic and who maintain integrity. Our Redemptive and Organizational Leadership track is designed for those who want more than another workshop or seminar; it provides a fresh look into the ways you develop yourself and those you work with and lead. You discover how to release, empower and encourage those to whom you minister.

 "Redemptive Leaders know that they have nothing to prove - they have been approved by God - they have nothing to hide - God has seen everything in their lives and still embraces them - they have nothing to lose - they have gained all they need in Jesus Christ. They can be authentic - and people hunger to follow an AUTHENTIC leader - one who is truly free." - Rodney L. Cooper, mentor

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Forming

You will be expected to prepare for each residency by reading approximately 3000 pages and reflecting on what you have read. Check out the bibliography for the first residency. To order these books through Christian Book Distributors, go to: gcts.christianbook.com.

Year One: The Leader as a Person and a Professional

You will develop an understanding of becoming a redemptive leader that will result in hope, encouragement, and renewal of vision through the study of theological, developmental, and sociological principles. You will also improve your effectiveness as a leader by increasing your effectiveness as a communicator.

Year Two: Leadership Models and Management Techniques

You look at various leadership models and management techniques, gleaning from what various experts have discovered to be true. This provides you with a solid base for developing your own organizational model for leadership. In addition, you examine issues common to all leaders, such as how to deal with change, how to build a team, and how to deal with doubt.

Year Three: See It In Action

The first week of the third residency takes place in Minnesota, where you interact and examine a church that has a successful model of leadership. The second week of the residency takes place in Colorado Springs.

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Transforming

Here is how your studies will transform you and your ministry by seeking to fulfill our general Doctor of Ministry goals in some track-specific ways:

• To resource students through a biblically-grounded educational program taught by faculty who are committed to God’s Word and the application of principles of Scripture to the issues of contemporary culture.
  • Dr. Rod Cooper's passion is to develop redemptive cultures in ministry contexts. He has been teaching Redemptive Leadership principles at Gordon-Conwell for 6 years.
  • Dr. Claude Alexander is a graduate of the Doctor of Ministry program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is also Senior Pastor in one of the largest churches in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he oversees ministries to meet the diverse age groups, needs and interests of that community.
• To form in students a sound foundation of theological and biblical inquiry in their professional doctoral program’s specialized track that they are able to integrate into the life of Christian ministry.
  • The first week of the first residency will uncover the theological, sociological, and developmental foundations of becoming a redemptive leader.
  • A key topic will be the biblical basis of servant leadership and its implications.
  • Students will use Scripture as a sole resources to explore leadership methods of key biblical leaders.
• To provide students with the skill set and understandings in a specialized area of ministry to such an extent that they can impact their congregation or community more powerfully for God.
  • Some key topics that will be covered include leadership and conflict management styles and development of a care team for sustained growth and encouragement in ministry.
  • Students will also understand how to use Preaching as a way to create a healthy culture in the church.
• To create through the cohort model of the program a dimension of Christian community and spiritual nurturing so that students form strong friendships with one another and enter long-term relationships with the scholars who guide the learning experience.
  • Learning practical skills within a knowledgeable community of peers will be emphasized.
• To develop in students a deeper understanding of Christ’s lordship in all areas of life for the common good of the contemporary world.
  • It is expected that students will develop both intellectually and affectively as they are exposed to information that will buttress their recognition of Jesus working in them before He can work through them and the processes which facilitate such growth.
• To cultivate within students through critical reflection and careful research through the residencies and projects an enriched Christian witness in the places of society they are called to serve.
  • Students will be required to purchase and take a personality/leadership assessment tool. This will be thoroughly analyzed  for interpretation and personal plan development.
• To instill in students a refreshed view of their ministry as it relates to the proclamation of the Gospel among all people.
  • Students will interact with parachurches and other organizations to enhance understanding and practice of ministry in various settings.

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