Training Leaders from a Biblical Worldview: MBU's Master of Organizational Leadership
What makes a leader a leader?
Top business sources would suggest traits such as intelligence, toughness, determination, and vision—the qualities traditionally associated with leadership. Psychologists would list attributes of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill.
Ask Program Director and Instructor Jeff Drost of Maranatha’s newest online graduate program—the Master of Organizational Leadership—and he would contend that Scripture reveals the ultimate example of a leader in our Lord Jesus Christ.
“The desire to serve others is fueled by a Christlike compassionate love that can be traced back to the Genesis account of creation,” shares Drost. “It is from this perspective of a biblical worldview that we’ve laid the foundation for all of the courses within the Master of Organizational Leadership.”
Defined as a multidisciplinary degree in leadership studies, MBU’s Master of Organizational Leadership provides graduate-level preparation for leaders of organizations in a variety of fields—including business, education, and ministry. The MOL specifically addresses the mission of Maranatha Baptist University “to develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory.’”
Learning to Lead
The faculty contributes to the program a unique depth and breadth gained through career and professional experiences, formal training and education, teaching experiences, and ministry involvement.
For example, Drost spent 13 years in the financial services industry as a multi-branch bank manager for a regional bank and as a corporate office and compliance officer, and secondary-market mortgage administrator for a mid-sized community bank. He also spent 11 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve as a Lead Petty Officer, serving aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) during Gulf War I.
MOL Instructor Tracy Foster served in a variety of leadership positions in his 24 years in the military, which culminated in a tour with the Joints Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. During that tour, he led a team that provided financial support and analysis for the Staff’s Chairman and Vice Chairman.
All twelve of the faculty members who teach in the program have served others in a variety of ministry and non-profit organizations—as pastors, youth leaders, board members, deacons, ministry leaders, and Sunday school teachers. Each attests to the life-changing impact of leaders in their own lives.
“Several great leaders from the Bible have influenced my thinking about leadership,” shares Foster, “most notably Joseph, David, and Nehemiah from the Old Testament and the apostle Paul in the New Testament. Most influential have been my pastors and other church leaders, who have demonstrated servant leadership in action.” Drost recounts stories of “pastors, who, by their examples, have encouraged me to study God’s Word and to serve others.”
The Time Is Now
According to the Journal of Leadership Studies, the field of organizational leadership has emerged as one of the fastest growing fields in higher education. Launching the MOL positions Maranatha Baptist University competitively within the Christian college market.
“The maturity of the online programs and technology at Maranatha makes an online degree more appropriate than ever before,” states Foster. “Within the last several years, Maranatha rolled out a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning as well as a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading. Adding another master’s program is a natural next step. And a Master in Organizational Leadership is an obvious extension of our undergraduate Organizational Leadership minor, which continues to grow in popularity.”
Drost encourages students to take advantage of the online format, which provides a level of interaction with professors and other students that may exceed the resident classroom experience. “A return to school can be intimidating after being in the workplace or full-time ministry,” he says, “but the MOL program is specifically designed to accommodate adult learners.”
Biblical. Flexible. Engaging.
Requirements for enrollment include a bachelor’s degree—in business or otherwise. Experience working or ministering in an organization and an interest in becoming a more effective leader may prove beneficial. “Growth begins,” Drost says, “with a divine call by God to become an authentic servant leader, which manifests itself in a firm desire to serve others in order to meet their highest priority needs.”
Beyond the affordability and flexibility of the program, the online environment provides a forum to exchange ideas with other professionals and form connections with people from around the world. Students appreciate the opportunity to develop “iron-sharpening-iron” relationships with their peers.
“God is looking for leaders who are willing to serve with humility, set the example, and nurture their followers,” shares Drost. “Paul asked others to follow him as he followed Christ. To help accomplish this, leaders must take the time to learn about people and organizations and how they function from a biblical worldview.”
The Master in Organizational Leadership presents an excellent choice for those seeking a degree that will strengthen their God-given leadership abilities. Visit mbu.edu/online to learn more details about the program and to apply for classes.