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BTI Consortium | Last Updated August 15, 2025 - 11:00AM
LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMATION & MINISTRY SKILLS
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTC 837
Vocation, Work, and Faith
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
Who am I called to become? What am I called to do? What are my gifts and where will they be recognized and of service? These kinds of vocational questions are fundamental to our lives. The course seeks to open up reflection, study, and dialogue about vocation, work, and spirituality in religious traditions and in our own life experience. Work and vocation are often connected. Work too is a crucial religious question in contemporary society. Work exerts a powerful--and often unrecognized--influence on human beings. It can support life, develop talents, elicit creativity, and enable people to contribute to the common good. Work also can demean human beings, undermining their dignity, perpetuating unjust structures, overpowering values, and crowding out other important spheres of life. Labor issues are important concerns for faith communities and faith-based community organizations. This course explores vocation and work as theological/spiritual issues, including implications for ministry. We will explore themes such as: work as spiritual practice or challenge; labor and justice issues; discerning vocation; creativity; Sabbath; "time poverty"; and work-life balance. The course involves site visits, vocational mentoring, seminar presentations, and individual research/ministry projects.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Wolfteich, Claire
see notes
See notes
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Friday-Saturday, September 12-13, 2025, Friday-Saturday, October 3-4, 2025, Friday-Saturday, November 7-8, 2025
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Boston
CH/SF667
C.S. Lewis' Life, Works, and Spirituality
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
Explores the writings and spiritual pilgrimage of one�of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. �From County Down to Cambridge University,�through two World Wars and a wardrobe, to Narnia and Perelandra, the course follows the life and work of�the myth loving medieval professor, apologist, children�s author, and Inkling.�
Professor
Class Day & Time
Adams, Gwenfair
R
6-9pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
SYNC
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NA
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 2925
Administration and Leadership
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
This course aims to build skills for imaginative and shared leadership in religious, not-for-profit, and academic institutions. Students will develop skills within three areas: managing self-awareness for leadership, developing strategic approaches to complex situations, and interpreting meaning. At the heart of each class session will be interactive learning experiences that include case studies, role-play, debating, and team-based interviewing of a wide range of administrators and leaders. Because many HDS MDiv and MTS graduates are contributors to communities that encounter complex problems, students will be taught how to shepherd meaning through shared communal processing. This course teaches students how to develop contextual and communal approaches to leadership and administration as opposed to dictatorial forms of leadership. Students will learn that ethical leadership and moral administration begins with humility, keen listening, compassionate engagement (to self and others as well as to new information), and the interrogation and evaluation of their own moral compasses, values, strengths, and immunities to certain forms of change. This course will pay close attention to the complex layers of communal conflict and/or challenges by distinguishing between technical and adaptive challenges. Students will be taught to attend to what matters most in each situation and how to motivate substantive and sustainable responses to adaptive problems. Additionally, the course also shows leaders how to do more than solve problems. It teaches students how to forge a more productive understanding of the human interactions, motivations, and fears that play crucial roles in the development of a community's capacity for change and courageous action.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Crowley
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
Letter, P/F
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
This is a limited enrollment course. To apply, send a statement to bcrowley@hds.harvard.edu answering the following:1. What program are youin at HDS? 2. Why do you want to take this class and how do you envision this course benefitting you? 3. Please summarize your background in the areas of administration and leadership. Are you currently, have you ever been, or do you desire to be a leader or administrator? 4. What do you want to learn about administration and leadership?
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
INDS 6400 Z1
Strategic Management
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
This course focuses on the principles of strategic management and leadership as they apply to nonprofit organizations. Students will learn how to develop and implement strategies that align with the mission and goals of a nonprofit, lead teams effectively, and navigate the unique challenges of nonprofit leadership. Case studies will highlight the critical role of vision, values, and stakeholder engagement.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Prof. Sandra Glisic
TR
6:30pm-7:50pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
SYNC
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
INDS 6600 Z1
Impact Monitoring & Evaluation
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
This course will introduce students to the work of evaluating the impact of nonprofit programs using both qualitative and quantitative methods. This is a crucial skill set for nonprofit leaders and executives especially. We will focus especially on the dynamics of evaluating "faith-based" programs tied to religious organizations such as parishes and broader church structures. Students will gain the ability to choose evaluation models to fit the context, form theories of change/logic models, identify benchmarks, design surveys, lead interview and focus group sessions, provide reports to stakeholders, and to assess the validity and usefulness of existing evaluations. We will also discuss what level of rigor an evaluation should have in order to meet the goals of stakeholders. Assignments will produce actionable evaluation items for existing or theoretical programs. The course will not require formal knowledge of statistics.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dr. Robert Saler
SYNC
TBA
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
SYNC
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
PAST 7252 A
Parish Leadership & Admin I FieldEd
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
Field Education
Professor
Class Day & Time
Stavroula Gurguliatos
arr.
arr.
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Boston
CH/SF591
Dynamics of Spiritual Life
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
Drawing on the Creation Redemption narrative and the riches of�the history of Christian Spirituality, the course presents a comprehensive model of spirituality that can be�used in personal renewal, spiritual formation, direction, discipleship, and counseling. �Combining theory�and praxis, it explores key spiritual dynamics, equipping for ministry to those seeking a deeper life with�Christ. �
Professor
Class Day & Time
Adams, Gwenfair
W
6-9pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
SYNC
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NA
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton
MC/SF501
Spiritual Formation for Ministry
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
The foundational course in the Division of Practical Theology�and an introduction to theological seminary. A beginning working knowledge of spiritual formation leading�to a lifetime of continuing education. Spiritual exercise and small group practice for personal application�and for leadership in the church. �
Professor
Class Day & Time
Adams, Gwenfair
T
1:30-4:30pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NA
School
Hartford International
AM-667
Faith and Leadership in Times of Crisis
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
The havoc wrought by the global onslaught of the novel coronavirus has been complexified during the ensuing years by domestic mass-casualty incidents (both naturally-occurring and human-orchestrated); by climate trauma; by warfare, asylum-seeking, and immigration; and by fierce attitudinal clashes (often exacerbated by bigotry and blaming) with regard to systemic racism, the nature and content of public education, access to certain medical procedures, and much more. As emergent occasions have melded, one into the next, the need for robust resources and strategies for sensitive leadership, deep understanding, and efficacious interreligious collaboration has become all the more apparent. This course seeks to address that need.
Through engagement with case studies, anecdotal accounts, scripture, devotional literature, theological discourse, interreligious scholarship, and lived experience, this course facilitates investigation of the nature of leadership, followership, and entrepreneurship. Working asynchronously yet collegially, students in this course undertake multireligious consideration of questions such as: To what strategic and spiritual resources might we turn in times of great stress. What are we to do when access to those resources is disrupted? How can any of us provide comfort, hope, and cautious wisdom with integrity (and what actions can we take) when anxiety, grief, fear, or divisive forces threaten to overwhelm or isolate? What sorts of collaborative efforts have proven effective?
Course fulfills the following curricular requirements:
MAIRS - Interreligious Studies: Elective
MAIRS - Islamic Studies: Elective
MAIRS - Ministerial Studies: Arts of Ministry
MAC - Chaplaincy Elective
MAC - Islamic Chaplaincy Elective
Professor
Class Day & Time
Watts, Benjamin
W
7:00pm-8:50pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
Y
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Synchronous Online
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
INDS 6500 Z1
Philanthropy&Non-ProfitSector
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
This course explores the historical foundations and evolving role of philanthropy within the nonprofit sector. Students will examine how philanthropy has shaped societies, the impact of charitable giving, and the role of nonprofits in addressing social issues. Emphasis is placed on understanding the motives behind philanthropic efforts and evaluating their effectiveness in creating lasting change.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Mr. Patrick J Gorman
W
6:30pm-8:50pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
SYNC
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
PAST 7252
Parish Leadership & Admin. I
BTI Category
Leadership Formation & Ministry Skills
Semester
FA25
The purpose of this course is to integrate the experiences that students have in their field education placement with the theological and organizational principles of parish administration. Students will have an opportunity to reflect upon various dimensions of ministry. Field placements have been designed to give exposure to various aspects of parish life including pastoral visitations, preaching, worship and administration.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Rev. Luke A. Veronis
TR
10:40am-12:00pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N/A
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