Masters Level Program
Life Development International Digital Curricula Initiative
Introduction
To better meet the needs of aspiring leaders in ministry in multi-cultural environments, the Global Leadership Platform (GLP) is a Master’s level curricula designed by Life Development International. The curricula is intended to meet or exceed level 5000 coursework and is delivered via a digital platform format. The curricula is designed to be completed through LDI partnering institutions and provides a comprehensive program of study that enriches the participant in theological, cultural and leadership studies.
For those not accessing the program through their institution, the GLP is available as a personal development program through Life Development International. The program is designed to be completed in as little as 23 months, but can be extended based on circumstances, such as family or career dynamics. Applications are accepted year round for future intake periods.
Program Philosophy
Our philosophy is to provide a global experience to participants who are actively seeking to live out their core beliefs within the context of local ministry.
This approach to personal growth is based on three pillars: relationship, reflection, and rehearsal. The online curricula is built to require interaction leading to new relationships with peers and mentors. The assignments require reflection on principles, ideas, and concepts. The capstone course is designed to encourage you to rehearse in real-life the theoretical knowledge gained within the personal development program.
Program Scope
As outlined below, the program is divided into three learning areas as well as a capstone project. There are three Global Competencies classes that are designed to develop the leaders internal abilities for a cross-cultural calling.
The Biblical Studies courses provide an opportunity for intense immersion into topics related to theology, hermeneutics, history, worldviews, and apologetics. Ministerial studies apply to practical topics of living and serving as a cross-cultural servant in ministry.
The Capstone course requires the participant to register and complete a project with the LDI Innovation Lab. The self-directed project is a practicum for a real life organizational development initiative of 6-24 months in length.
Overview of Program Courses
Global Leadership Core
Transformational Leadership: In this course, a study of transformational leadership is made based on the foundations of communication (including negotiation and coaching), capacity (ability to face conflict and culture shock and agility for change in systems or standards), and character (leadership ethics and calling).
Global Leadership: This course draws on the benefits of critical thinking, creative thinking, cultural awareness, and the interplay of current-events for effective cross-cultural leadership success.
Project Leadership: This course challenges the participant to have a personal paradigm shift regarding project leadership at a design and development level. Starting with project stewardship through partnerships and organizational management, the course continues to explore project sustainability, as well as system design and the principles of standardization that can help teams focus on results and relationships.
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Bible Focused Courses
When applied within a personal development program, the goal is to strengthen the critical thinking and faith of the participant.
Worldview and Apologetics: This course provides the participant an opportunity to identify and juxtapose prevailing worldviews against an evangelical worldview. With a fresh perspective on classic apologetics, this course requires the student to develop an epistemologically contextualized presentation to defend their personal ontological, teleological, and axiological position.
History & Theology: With initial explorations in systematic theology, this course swiftly moves to OT and NT history and geography. With theological and historical foundations laid, the participant must explore holy writ using hermeneutic and academic principles to research a variety of topics, and employ homiletic principles to formulate a clear response from a literal, historical, and contextual, rendering of Scripture.
Ministry Focused Courses
Cross-Cultural Ministry: This course is guided by the Great Commands and Great Commission, so as to allow the participant to develop a personal philosophy of cross-cultural ministry in both ecclesiastical and charitable contexts, such as medicine, education, or community development. Embedded in this course is further explorations in orality and contextualized curricula development.
Multi-Cultural Pastoral Care: Family, relationships, faith, work, health, and finances – all key potential domains that can bring glory to God. With a practical perspective, this fast paced course is designed to equip leaders for shepherding and coaching members serving in multi-cultural environments. Extensive reading required.
Ecclesiastical History: Faith in Action: This course challenges the reader to evaluate a variety of historical and contemporary sources, with a focus on faith in action. After a foray into the early church, the course explores the writing of John Foxe and proceeds chronologically to modern literature.
Capstone Project
Part of personal development is preparing your heart, mind and soul to be ready on the inside for the time you are called to lead on the outside.
Organizational Development: Students must present a plausible plan for a holistic multi-cultural ministry that includes a non-ecclesiastical component. PESTLE, SWOT, and Porters Five forces should be appropriately integrated. Spiritual development in line with E&D principles should be of a primary concern, though concepts related to poverty, wealth, and generosity should be addressed.
