Course Information

Number: MINN 3400

Name: Organizational Dynamics of the Church

Instructor: ACU Shared Course (Intro)

Section: IS-001

Credits: 3

Learning Resources:  Optional Purchases

Gangel, Kenneth O. (1989)  Feeding and Leading:  A Practical Handbook on Administration in Churches and Christian Organizations, Grand Rapids:  Baker Books, ISBN 0801063310 Purchase George, Carl F. (1991)  Prepare Your Church for the Future.  Grand Rapids:  Fleming H. Revell, ISBN 0800753658 Purchase Mallory, Sue and Brad Smith (2001).  The Equipping Church Guidebook.  Grand Rapids:  Zondervan, ISBN 0310239575 Purchase Warren, Rick (1995).  The Purpose Driven Church.  Grand Rapids:  Zondervan, ISBN 0310201063 Purchase Westing, Harold J. (1997).  Church Staff Handbook:  How to Build an Effective Ministry Team. Grand Rapids:  Kregel, ISBN 0825439736 Purchase

Additional Resources:
Course assignments can be completed using Web-based resources linked from the Resources page.

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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.

Course 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.