LM Block (LM 561 & LM 562)

Prerequesites

None

Date

Friday, Jan. 9th – Monday, Jan. 12th

Credit

2.0

Block

1

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Course Description

LM 561 – Governance & Management

In LM 561, we begin by reviewing the differences between technical and adaptive change and the differences between management and leadership. Then we study some of the most effective ways that clergy and lay leaders can organize themselves to move the mission and life of their congregation into the future. In particular, we study congregational governance structure. We assess our own congregational maps in order to learn the best way to equip a congregation for a future wherein most members are engaged in doing ministry (direct hands-on work) and a smaller set are engaged in governance (the policy work of committees and boards). We study the role of boards and what makes for good governance and good board members. Then we turn our attention to the role of volunteer teams and study the best ways to recruit, manage, and equip those who carry out the ministries of congregations.

LM 562 – Managing Congregational Conflict

In LM 562, we learn how to lead a congregation through the conflicts that are generated when congregations confront change. By studying the relationships among conflict, loss, and grief, we learn how leaders can identify the sources of tension, develop habits and strategies for working with people caught in conflict, and use the past to shape and reshape the congregation’s future. We learn that conflicts are not all the same, and that there are different styles for managing different conflicts. Finally, we reflect on conflict theologically and liturgically.

Professor

Denise Bell
Donald and Lillian Nunnelly Chair and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Leadership
Education
Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University
Bio
Dr. Bell served as the Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia from 2014-2023. For 35 years, she served churches as pastor, associate, senior associate, satellite pastor, interim pastor, and executive pastor. As a church leader, her enthusiasm in ministry comes from her excitement in seeing lives and churches transformed by fresh ideas and boldness. She engages with others in seeking God for a way that bridges traditional and contemporary paths to meet today’s changes and opportunities. Her ministry is grounded in loving and serving the world with others who practice the principles of faith. Dr. Bell earned her MDiv from Denver Theological Seminary and received her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University in St. David’s, Pa., where she studied the practices of flourishing African American pastors and challenged research regarding clergy wellbeing. She received the 2022 Dissertation of the Year Award. As an educator and minister of practice, Dr. Bell seeks to help pastors and congregations increase their capacity to flourish and to be healthy communities of faith in a changing world.

She serves the body of Christ as preacher, retreat speaker, teacher, leader, counselor, and coach. Topics for which Pastor Bell provides insight which includes leadership development, personal leadership, team building, mission and vision casting and church transformation.

Her ministry is weaved together by her faith in a faithful God. She is God’s daughter, God’s servant, and a messenger for Christ. She loves the Lord and has a love for God’s people as God has called her to be Christ incarnate to a world that needs to know that God loves and calls all according to God’s purposes.

Other Courses Available During Intensives

Block II: Building Congregational/Ministerial Frameworks for the Contemporary Contexts (DM 813)

Course Information

Course Goals & Learning Outcomes
  1. Intellectually: articulate how governance and management tools can improve and/or build upon the strengths within the life of the congregation; learn needed elements to run effective meetings.
  2. Practically: make recommendations for clear lines of authority/accountability/direction in congregational staff management; speak with church staff and management and provide an overall leadership style, management, and communicate with peers in the evaluation process.
  3. Spiritually: name their strengths and weaknesses as leaders/manager; reflect on biblical, ethical, and theological themes work within congregations on how healthy management is part of the work of God and ordained by God and how it improves the overall health of the spiritual leader, staff, volunteers, and membership, in mind-body, and spirit; engage in governance and management as a spiritual practice through ongoing evaluations of ministry life.
Required Textbooks
(All books are available for purchase or in the Digital Theological Library)

  1. Susan Beaumont “Determining Ideal Board Size” retrieved from https://alban.org/archive/determining-ideal-
    board-size/ (3 Pages)
  2. Sarah B. Drummond, “Holy Clarity: The Practice of Planning and Evaluation,” The Alban Institute, 2009, Foreword, Preface,
    and Chapters 1-6, (160 pages)
    Library link: https://lextheo.on.worldcat.org/oclc/317778082
  3. Dan Hotchkiss, Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership, 2nd ed. (Rowman&Littlefield, 2016),
    Forward, Prefaces, and chapters 1, 3, 4, and 5 (78 pages)
    Library link: https://lextheo.on.worldcat.org/oclc/921141484
  4. Dan Hotchkiss, (2014, June 13) “How to Give Away Your Power” retrieved from
    https://www.danhotchkiss.com/give-away-power/ (3 pages)
  5. Dan Hotchkiss, (2012, September 17) “Putting Staff in Charge Without Losing Volunteer Commitment” retrieved
    from https://www.danhotchkiss.com/putting-staff-in-charge-without-losing-volunteer-commitment/
    (4 pages)
Is there pre-course work?
Yes. Before you arrive on campus for your time in class, you must complete the pre-class assignments consisting of reading, writing, and lectures. The written assignments must be submitted prior to our first class meeting so that we may discuss them.
What technology is required?
Students should bring with them their laptops, tablets, or device with which they use to access the course materials and complete assignments.
What will I need to bring to class?
Laptop, notebook, pens/pencils, jacket or blanket, water bottle, assistive devices, etc. Any assignments or other needed materials will be listed in the course syllabus via Canvas.
Should I bring snacks?
You are welcome to bring snacks or drinks. LTS is equipped with a water filter for refilling water bottles and will have coffee and tea available, as well as an assortment of snacks. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, please reach out to the Dean’s Office prior to your arrival.
What do I do if I can't join physically?
LTS does offer hybrid intensives options at the discretion of the Dean and course professor. Please contact the Dean’s Office prior to registering for courses to make your hybrid course request.

Other Intensives Course Offerings

Exegesis for the Church (IS 560)
Interpreting Contemporary Cultural Contexts (DM 812)
IF Block: IF 556 & IF 558
IP Block: IP 550 & IP 551
Christian Political Ethics for Social Transformation (IB 678/878)
Thomas Merton: His Life, Spirituality, and Social Consciousness (LF 673/873)
Sermon Preparation (LW 554)

Questions about registering?

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