Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC, 2001. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-123).

Thesis (Psy. D.)--Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, Ill., 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-54).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Covenant Theological Seminary, 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-102).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 201-202).

Thesis (D. Min.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2002. / Includes abstract and vita. "August 2002" Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-86).

The introduction of mixed generations in the church has resulted in age related differences in worldviews that have eventually amounted to conflicts in the church branch. This research surfaces the underpinning structures of these age related conflicts and the emerging leadership dynamics by looking at the individual, organisational and societal levels of analysis of a church branch. The main objective was to sensitise the church on these issues in order to carefully manage the consequences. This research was undertaken as a case study at the Umlazi branch of the African Gospel Church, a SADEC Pentecostal church founded in the 1940s in Durban. This church subscribes religiously to the founders identity, such that the church has been at conflict as the older church members supported the traditionalist agenda whilst the youth were very contemporary in the interpretation of their needs and expectations from the church. As a practitioner researcher I adopted a critical systems approach at meta-methodological level, where I used a repertoire of methods to critically intervene and expose the complexities that exist in this church context. I followed Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a dominant method of intervention as it exposed a rich picture of the situation and Critical Systems Heuristics for boundary critique. The empirical tools of research were questionnaires, open ended interviews and focus group discussions. The research revealed that age related conflicts were mere manifestations of a problem that is deeply rooted in the doctrines and the ecclesiastic teachings of the church, thus implying that the church has elevated its legacy to a level higher than the generic doctrine of the gospel. This situation has resulted in the youth being powerless and rejecting the church system as they argue that the times have shifted and the church has to reflect this change. The characteristics of this church are such that leaders and pastors are generally appointed at old age, thus leaders subscribe to the traditionalist agenda by default. I have not as yet reverted to the branch to close the SSM loop, where we would have discussed the possible solutions for implementation. I believe a further intervention would be necessary as the findings suggest that there are deeper tensions than I had anticipated. Thus, in the tradition of Critical Systems Practice, I would need to go into a further reflexive and creative mode to plan a next step. Due to the limitations of time and understanding the restraints of a short dissertation I have not done this. This research, however, managed to fulfil its objective by exposing the issues of concern and possible approaches of addressing them from a theoretical framework. An ecclesiastical discourse to address leadership competency, change management and intergenerational activities would need to be given special attention as a recommendation. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.

SHARED LEADERSHIP AS EXEMPLIFIED BY THE APOSTLE PAUL Michael Kenneth Atherton, Ed.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014 Chair: Dr. Michael S. Wilder This thesis studies the presence and role of shared leadership as displayed through the ministry of the apostle Paul. In chapter 1, the reader will come to understand that there are no comprehensive works dealing with the discipline of shared leadership by Paul. However, when one comes to accept the presence of shared leadership through the Scriptures, there is an expectation that one will practice the discipline (Jas 1:22-25). Chapter 2 explores the literature base to gain an appreciation for what scholarship has offered as it relates to shared leadership. It can be argued that lack of literature to discuss shared leadership is ultimately the result of a vernacular disconnect. Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon this study to discriminate and establish a working definition for the discipline of shared leadership and to explore Paul's view of the church Perhaps the greatest metaphor used by Paul to describe the church is his reference to the church being the representation of the body of Christ. Chapter 3 examines Paul's view of leadership in the church, beginning with a functional understanding of Paul's ecclesiology. In addition, Paul's view of spiritual giftedness in the life of a believer will be examined, as one's giftedness is critically important to understanding Paul's view of shared leadership. Chapter 4 examines Paul's philosophy and practice of shared leadership by looking at six principles throughout the Pauline corpus: (1) functioning within one's giftedness, (2) deference, (3) Paul's team based ministry approach, (4) Paul's vernacular, (5) Paul's partnerships, and (6) Paul's instructions to church leaders. Chapter 5 begins by exploring the benefits of shared leadership. Five benefits are considered: shared responsibility, accountability, unity, collaboration, and shared vision. It is contended that these benefits have a direct result on an organization's competence and effectiveness. In addition, chapter 5 explores best practices of shared leadership, contributions to the precedent literature, and relevant prospects for future study.

The thesis research involves the first extensive survey of church extension ministers in the Church of Scotland from 1945 to 1965, who were still living in 1989. Two-thirds of those church extension ministers were surveyed for the database on leadership profiles. The thesis argument begins with an a <I>priori</I> premise. In brief, leadership is essential in beginning a new church. Vital, effective leadership from early church times through present day church history has been a crucial factor in church development. During times of church growth, this leadership is particularly evident, such as that of the reformers during the Reformation. The thesis argument develops leadership profiles of church extension ministers whose church growth ministries were integral to the Church of Scotland's greatest boom of new churches in the twentieth century. The thesis commences with a limited exploration of the <I>Sitz im Leben</I> of the church extension boom years of 1945-1965. One-quarter of Scotland's population was relocated into new housing schemes. Over one hundred church extension charges were begun in a brief twenty-year period. The explanation of the <I>Sitz im Leben</I> traces the visionary call extended to Church of Scotland ministers to establish new churches. The key renewal movements and the individuals who significantly influenced and shaped the vision are identified. The main body of the thesis starts in chapter 2 with a question by question overview and analysis of the database developed in the church extension minister survey. Succeeding chapters 3 through 5 examine additional survey responses and correlate the answers topically. Leadership profiles are deduced from the qualities and traits that emerge from the investigation of ministers' descriptions of their CE charges.

This study is about ethics and leadership power in the Anglican church in Buganda. Exercising leadership power in church has on many occasions created difficulties and anxieties for both leaders and the church community. This study had two achievable aims. First, it aimed at investigating the motives that the church leaders attached to their leadership decisions and actions, hence power. The study investigated the motives behind the invitation of missionaries to Buganda and found that the motive was to strengthen military power on the part of the kabaka. For the missionaries in creating the Church Council, the motive was group advantage. The power interests and motives which accompanied them are discussed in chapter II. The motives that Bishop Tucker and the CMS missionaries attached to their divergent positions on the first church constitution in Buganda were examined. As the analysis reveals in chapter III, the Bishop attached the value of equality while the missionaries sought advantage for their group. Chapter IV focused on the constitutional crisis between Buganda dioceses and the Province and revealed that group advantage was the dominant motive. An examination of the church constitutions in Uganda found that these documents contribute to the leadership problems in the church in so far as they make the episcopacy the vortex of leadership power. Part 2 of the study addressed the issue of the exercise of leadership power in church and society. It was evident that personal and group advantage were the motives in the leadership decisions and actions. In society there were several other values which Bishops attached to their actions and confrontation or collaboration with the political leaders.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1989. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 479-491).