Course Syllabus MINN 3400 Organizational Dynamics of the Church 3 Credit Hour     Instructor Andy Wood Office Ft. Myers. FL Email faculty@ameschristian.org

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Organizational structures and strategies of contemporary churches are examined. Key topics include denominations and their influence on local bodies, independent church organization, reporting and accountability in church organizations, staffing the church, and the congregation's role in church organization.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, students will:
1. Be exposed to the common organizational structures of contemporary Christian churches.
2. Have read and discussed the organizational structure of the first Christian churches;
3. Understand the impact of denominations on the structure of local churches;
4. Be exposed to emerging models of church organization, especially in non-denominational churches;
5. Understand the role of authority and accountability in church staffing;
6. Develop a model of their "ideal" church organization.

Course Policies Attendance This is a 90 day independent study course, and is designed to be primarily self-paced. Its requirements include assignments and tests that you will complete and submit via the Internet. I will maintain email and Internet contact and will be available to answer questions, engage in discussion and provide assistance as needed. Your assignments should be submitted as file attachments in either Microsoft Word or HTML format. Each assignment will be evaluated, graded, and returned with feedback. Values for each assignment and test are provided in a table below. Timing Please be sure to time your assignments so that you have adequate time to complete the work in 90 days. Course tests are sent to you after you complete specific assignments, so be sure to give yourself enough space to pace the work comfortably. Communication As an independent study course, this is more a one-on-one exercise than a scheduled class might be. However, discussion is still important. Please feel free to use my email address for questions, comments, concerns, etc. and I will do the same.. Evaluation Material Assignments and Tests There are 5 major assignments, plus a final paper and a final exam. Grade Components Individual assignments: 15% each (75% of total) Final paper: 25% of total Grading Scale     95-100 A 90-94 A- 87-89 B+ 84-86 B 80-83 B- 77-79 C+ 74-76 C 70-73 C- 67-69 D+ 64-66 D 60-63 D- 0-59 F

ASSESSMENTS:

Class discussion on church organizational dynamics.

Comparative denominational research project

Study of the Book of Acts from an organizational perspective

Organizational Model paper

Grading System