Leadership Development In The Christian Church and Churches of Christ

This project focuses on the leadership needs of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in northeast Nebraska in general and of Wakefield Christian Church in particular. The leadership context of Wakefield Christian Church was analyzed utilizing a congregational profile inventory, the presentation of a leadership development course, an evaluation instrument, and conversations and interviews of the church leadership. The success or failure of organizations will depend upon the quality of the leadership. The objective of this project was to provide a leadership course which would produce better leaders who could make a difference in the kingdom of God and provide a resource to address the leadership needs of the churches. The leadership course addresses such issues as the definitions and descriptions of the terms leader and leadership, theological foundations of leadership, the differences between leadership and management, the spiritual formation of the leader, the purpose and goals of the church including a mission statement, qualities of effective leaders and the leadership task, vision casting, and strategic planning.