This course is designed to equip emerging and established church leaders with biblical principles, practical skills, and spiritual insight for leading and administering a healthy, growing, and Christ-centered church. Students will explore the dynamics of effective leadership, team development, organizational management, and administrative systems that support spiritual vitality and mission fulfillment.
Emphasis is placed on cultivating spiritual health, emotional intelligence, accountability, and ethical integrity in leadership. The course examines how healthy leadership practices contribute to unity, discipleship, financial stewardship, and sustainable ministry growth. Students will also learn the fundamentals of strategic planning, resource management, communication, and conflict resolution within the local church context.
Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical projects, participants will develop the ability to lead with wisdom, manage church operations effectively, and create environments that foster spiritual maturity and organizational excellence.
Learning Outcomes:
- By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the biblical foundations and character qualities of healthy church leadership.
- Apply effective administrative and organizational principles to church management.
- Develop strategic and sustainable ministry plans aligned with the church’s mission and vision.
- Strengthen team relationships through communication, collaboration, and accountability.
- Manage church resources, time, and finances responsibly and ethically.
- Cultivate spiritual and emotional health in leadership for long-term ministry impact.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand Biblical Foundations of Leadership:
Identify and apply scriptural principles and models of church leadership rooted in servant leadership, stewardship, and spiritual accountability. - Develop Christlike Leadership Character:
Demonstrate integrity, humility, emotional intelligence, and spiritual maturity as core attributes of healthy and effective leadership. - Apply Administrative and Organizational Skills:
Utilize sound administrative practices in managing church operations, including planning, record keeping, communication, and financial stewardship. - Design Strategic Ministry Systems:
Develop and implement ministry structures and strategies that promote growth, order, and sustainability within the local church. - Build and Empower Effective Ministry Teams:
Foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared vision among staff and volunteers for effective team-based leadership. - Enhance Church Communication and Conflict Management:
Apply biblical and practical tools for resolving conflicts, improving communication, and maintaining harmony within the church community. - Promote Health and Balance in Leadership Life:
Cultivate personal spiritual disciplines, emotional health, and time management habits that prevent burnout and sustain long-term ministry. - Demonstrate Ethical and Accountable Leadership:
Practice transparent decision-making, financial integrity, and responsible oversight in all areas of church administration. - Evaluate and Strengthen Church Systems:
Assess existing leadership and administrative structures to identify areas for improvement and implement effective change. - Integrate Theology with Practice:
Bridge biblical understanding with administrative competence to lead the church faithfully and strategically in fulfilling the Great Commission.
This course is a 13 Units Course and 200 hours Credit course which is spread across 24 weeks.
AWARDS
Stage 1: Diploma
Stage 2: Advance Diploma
Module 1: Introduction to Healthy Church Leadership
- Understanding leadership from a biblical perspective
- The marks of a healthy leader and healthy church
- Overview of leadership challenges in today’s ministry context
Practical Focus: Write a reflection on “What a Healthy Church Looks Like.”
Module 2: The Theology of Leadership and Servanthood
- Servant leadership in Scripture (Jesus, Moses, Paul, Nehemiah)
- The spiritual and moral character of a Christian leader
- The leader’s relationship with God, self, and others
Practical Focus: Personal spiritual health assessment and growth plan.
Module 3: Vision, Mission, and Strategic Direction
- Crafting and communicating a biblical vision and mission
- Aligning leadership strategy with the church’s divine mandate
- Setting goals and measuring ministry outcomes
Practical Focus: Develop a church vision and mission statement.
Module 4: Church Organization and Administrative Structure
- Understanding church governance and leadership roles
- Designing effective ministry systems and departments
- Administrative ethics, policies, and decision-making processes
Practical Focus: Draft an organizational chart for your ministry or church.
Module 5: Church Management and Resource Stewardship
- Principles of stewardship and accountability
- Financial management, budgeting, and fundraising in ministry
- Time and resource management for effective leadership
Practical Focus: Create a simple annual ministry budget plan.
Module 6: Building and Leading Ministry Teams
- Identifying and developing leadership potential in others
- Team dynamics, delegation, and empowerment
- Managing volunteers and encouraging unity in diversity
Practical Focus: Design a team development and mentorship plan.
Module 7: Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Effective communication in leadership
- Handling criticism, disagreement, and crisis biblically
- Building trust and promoting healthy relationships in ministry
Practical Focus: Role-play or case study on church conflict resolution.
Module 8: Leadership Ethics and Accountability
- Moral and spiritual integrity in leadership
- Transparency, accountability structures, and governance ethics
- The dangers of power abuse and leadership isolation
Practical Focus: Write a code of ethics for church leaders.
Module 9: Administration and Church Operations
- Record keeping, correspondence, and office management
- Event planning and coordination
- Legal, property, and personnel considerations in church administration
Practical Focus: Develop a sample administrative system or operations manual.
Module 10: Nurturing a Healthy Church Culture
- Building a culture of discipleship, service, and excellence
- Maintaining balance between spiritual and organizational priorities
- Health indicators of a thriving church community
Practical Focus: Group project—Assess and propose improvement for a church’s culture.
Module 11: Leadership Development and Succession Planning
- Mentoring the next generation of leaders
- Strategic succession and transition in church leadership
- Sustaining ministry through continuous leadership renewal
Practical Focus: Design a leadership succession plan.
Module 12: Capstone Project – Integrated Leadership Strategy
- Integrating theology, leadership, and administration in one ministry model
- Presentation and peer review of leadership plans
- Reflection on personal growth and leadership development
Practical Focus: Present a comprehensive “Healthy Church Leadership & Administration Plan.”
Course Assessment
- Class participation and discussions – 10%
- Reflection papers/journals – 15%
- Group projects and presentations – 25%
- Mid-term paper (Theological integration) – 20%
- Final Capstone Project – 30%
