ACOM / Study / Units / P8155C Foundations of Christian Leadership

P8155C Foundations of Christian Leadership

This unit lays the foundations for extraordinary leadership that draws on evaluation of the best of biblical models and contemporary leadership theories, especially servant leadership and transforming leadership.
Register Key Dates
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 2 2026

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Tuition

Graduate BTM Fee

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 2 2026 Online Facilitation 9:30am – 12:30pm
(AEST)		 Tuesday 2 June
Tuesday 16 June
Tuesday 29 June
Tuesday 7 July
Tuesday 28 July		 Dr Mark Riessen

Unit Details

This unit lays the foundations for extraordinary leadership that draws on evaluation of the best of biblical models and contemporary leadership theories, especially servant leadership and transforming leadership. It explores the nature of leadership needed in the context of the overriding changes of the 21st century and the Australian context for non-profit and faith-based organisations. Practitioners will thus finish with a compass for navigating tumultuous times and tools for managing communication, teamwork, leadership development, negotiation, conflict-management, decision-making, governance, stakeholder obligations, risk and mission alignment.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Articulate an integrated knowledge of the historical, biblical and theological frameworks that shape a Christian leadership approach.
  2. Explain in detail the leadership functions required for success in a religious, non-profit ministry as distinct from a commercial, for-profit business.
  3. Critically analyse the relationship between specialised leadership qualities and an organisation’s non-commercial, world-changing mission.
  4. Analyse scholarly literature to reflect on their own personal strengths and identify opportunities for personal growth as a Christian leader within a specific context.
  5. Apply knowledge of a Christian leadership framework to provide practical recommendations for the effective governance, management or ministry operations of their own organisation.
  1. Vocation and vision for leadership: who has what it takes?
  2. Biblical and theological perspectives: how different are Christian leaders?
  3. Theories of leadership: management and social sector perspectives
  4. Leadership in complex postmodern chaos: navigating 21st century changes
  5. Communication and team-building: welcoming all voices
  6. Conflict and negotiation: avoiding dysfunctions in your team and mission
  7. Decision-making and governance: managing processes, risks and accountabilities
  8. Finance and other metrics: leadership for mission, not for profit
  9. Issues in Australian social sector leadership: what’s on the horizon?
  10. Sustainability and fruitfulness: leading securely for long-term faithfulness
  1. Online Forums (10%)
    Word Limit: 600 total
    Due: Week 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
  2. Leadership Analysis (30%)
    Word Limit: 1700
    Due: Week 6
  3. Leadership Interview & Analysis (25%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 9
  4. Leadership Development Portfolio (35%)
    Word Limit: 2200
    Due: Week 12
  • Burns, John S., John R. Shoup and Donald C. Simmons Jr. Organizational Leadership: Foundations and Practices for Christians. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2014.

Unit Details

Key Dates

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

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