LEAD101

Elective

Transformational Leadership

This introductory course to leadership provides a rigorous, critical examination of leadership theory and practice from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

New to Haddon?

Apply Now

For returning students

Dates

10 weeks

Workload

8 hours per week

Class

Mon 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Online and in-person

Location

Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia

Tuition Fees

Enrol AUD $1,200

Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees

12-week payment plans available

Applications close

16 Mar 2026 at 5:00 pm AEST

Course Overview

This introductory course to leadership provides a rigorous, critical examination of leadership theory and practice from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Students will analyse major leadership theories, including transformational, servant, transactional, and situational leadership, subjecting each to biblical-theological critique and practical evaluation.

This course resists the uncritical application of secular theories to Christian contexts and instead equips students to discern what is genuinely consistent with biblical leadership principles and practically effective across diverse settings including ministry, business, education, governance, and family life. Students will develop essential critical thinking skills and establish a strong foundation in Reformed theological perspectives, preparing them to apply biblical leadership principles effectively in diverse settings.

Please note that this course is a part of the Credential: (Majors: Theology or Ministry or Leadership) program. Explore the full program to see how this course sits within the wider course of study.

Course Learning Objectives

Analyse and Evaluate: Critically examine major historical and contemporary leadership theories, identifying their core assumptions, strengths, and limitations through rigorous scholarly analysis.

Biblical-Theological Integration: Evaluate leadership theories through the lens of Scripture and Reformed theology, demonstrating capacity to distinguish between genuine biblical principles and popular but unfounded applications.

Critical Thinking: Develop and articulate sophisticated critiques of leadership theories, avoiding both uncritical acceptance and knee-jerk rejection of secular scholarship.

Contextual Application: Apply leadership concepts wisely across multiple contexts (church, business, education, governance, family), demonstrating discernment appropriate to each setting.

Synthesis and Philosophy Development: Integrate biblical principles with theoretical insights to construct a coherent, defensible personal leadership philosophy grounded in Scripture and informed by scholarship.

Communication Competency: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication of complex leadership concepts, including the ability to defend positions under questioning and engage in substantive peer critique.

Character Formation: Reflect critically on personal leadership development, identifying areas for growth in character, competency, and credibility.

Scholarly Engagement: Engage primary and secondary sources with academic rigour, demonstrating proper citation, critical reading, and integration of diverse perspectives.

Course Details

Applications close

16 Mar 2026 at 5:00 pm AEST

Timeframe

30 Mar - 1 Jun 2026

Lecture times

Monday 7:30 PM ⎯ 9:00 PM

Location

Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia

Duration

10 weeks

Workload

8 hours per week

Credits

Tuition Fees

Enrol AUD $1,200

Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees

Assessment

Class Attendance & Participation

Weekly attendance and in-class participation across 10 weeks

Due Date

Ongoing

Est. Hours

Weight

10%

Course Readings Assessment

1.5 hours per week across 10 weeks

Due Date

Ongoing

Est. Hours

Weight

10%

Mid-term Paper

Due Date

End of Week 6

Est. Hours

Weight

20%

Final Paper

Due Date

End of Week 9

Est. Hours

Weight

40%

Viva Voce Oral Defence

Due Date

Week 9 & 10

Est. Hours

Weight

20%

About the Lecturer

A strategic ecclesiologist, he has pastored, planted, and revitalised churches in Australia and the United States, leading high-risk mission trips among unreached peoples. Through worldwide seminars, networks, and conferences, Dr. Ireland delivers theological depth, pastoral warmth, and prophetic clarity, fostering church faithfulness and renewal in turbulent times. Holding a Doctor of Education (University of the Cumberlands, USA), Doctor of Ministry (Columbia International University, USA), M.A. in Theology (University of Chester, UK), and B.A. in Theology (Charles Sturt University, Australia), his doctoral research examined leadership, innovation in theological education, and adult learning theories. At the Haddon Institute, he lectures in theology and worldview, leads Spurgeon symposia on spiritual warfare and missional advance, and has authored works such as By Grace Alone (an updated All of Grace) and No Higher Calling: Shepherding God's People According to Paul. Married to Katarina for over 22 years and father to four, he embodies conviction and compassion in scholarship and shepherding.

Lecture Content

Introduction to Leadership Studies

Exodus 18:13-27

Date

30 Mar 2026

Historic Leadersip Theories I

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Date

6 Apr 2026

Historic Leadership Theories II

Psalm 2 & Mark 10:42-45

Date

13 Apr 2026