Master of Arts in Ethics and Leadership

This course has three objectives: (1) To introduce the students to the study of Scripture, especially as it relates to ethics, (2) To familiarize the students with some basic theological and biblical concepts and vocabulary, (3) To teach the students how to construct an ethical argument using the resources and skills gained through objectives #1 and #2. In order to meet these objectives, we will examine the foundational doctrines of biblical theology, particularly the Christian confession: (1) That God the Father is the creator of heaven and earth, (2) That by being fully human and fully divine, the Son was able to reconcile all creation to the Father, (3) That the church continues to live in the power of the life-giving Spirit.

This course examines the ethical relationship between the Christian Church and contemporary culture, specifically the ethical challenges that this culture makes to the Church’s life and mission and the Church’s response to these challenges. We will give special attention to the effects of Enlightenment “atheism” on Western culture, as well as the fall of modern foundationalism and its effects on post-modern culture. Since every culture uses facets of that culture, such as media, art, political structures, and educational systems to represent that culture’s fundamental picture of itself, we will first look at how contemporary American culture represents itself. We will then turn to Christianity and ask what kind of representation Christians should strive for and how Christians are trying to attain this kind of representation. The ultimate goal will be to think theologically about what it means for followers of Christ to inhabit the world in all its fullness.

Students engage in reading, discussion, practice, and evaluation of disciplines that have historically been associated with Christian spiritual formation and the experience of God. Semester 1 focuses on historical themes and practices as they pertain to leadership formation.

Students engage in reading, discussion, practice, and evaluation of disciplines that have historically been associated with Christian spiritual formation and the experience of God. Semester 2 focuses on contemporary themes and practices as they pertain to leadership skills and goals.

Students will work with and be mentored by leaders in their chosen vocational area, including local business and service sites. Emphasis will be given on using their religious and ethical perspectives to develop a heart for vocational service.

Students will work with and be mentored by leaders in their chosen vocational area, including local business and service sites. Emphasis will be given on using their religious and ethical perspectives to develop a heart for vocational service.

Students will design a program that addresses the concerns that arise from their study and field and service experiences in this program. The students will identify a local issue or service opportunity and produce a program that offers the possibility of addressing that concern. Students will present their program, including a workable implementation plan, to their fellow students and other interested stakeholders.

Bible and The City: Old Testament
This course is designed to survey the Old Testament books with the intent of highlighting the ways that these texts approach questions of ethics, morality and cultural engagement. Special attention will be given to ways that Old Testament texts explore the role of the city and ethical considerations that pertain to life in the city.

Bible and The City: New Testament
This course takes as its starting place the injunction from Jeremiah 29:7 to “seek the peace of the city.” We will examine how New Testament writers pick up and develop key themes surrounding that injunction, including a consideration of how the city becomes the centerpiece for Christian mission, the new church’s confrontation with the Roman Empire, and core questions of justice, ethics, and cultural engagement in New Testament texts. Throughout this discussion we will also consider how modern writers have developed these themes in attempts to engage “the city.” Students will be assessed on their knowledge of Biblical content, theological integration, and cultural application.

The Ethical Leadership and Thriving Congregations I
This course studies the nature of the church and importance of ethical and public leadership rooted in fostering thriving congregations and cities. Through readings, discussions, research, and presentations, students will explore and understand their rapidly changing social and cultural contexts, gain greater clarity about their values and mission, and draw on Christian practices from their theological and ecclesial traditions to adapt their ministries to the demands of their changing contexts.

The Ethical Leadership and Thriving Congregations II
This course studies the nature of the church and importance of ethical and public leadership rooted in fostering thriving congregations and cities. Through readings, discussions, research, and presentations, students will explore and understand their rapidly changing social and cultural contexts, gain greater clarity about their values and mission, and draw on Christian practices from their theological and ecclesial traditions to adapt their ministries to the demands of their changing contexts.