International Graduate School of Leadership

Second Trimester, 2015-2016

Course Syllabus

Steve Hobson, D.Min.

Thursdays only
9:50 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.

*CHURCH HEALTH
LS 550 A
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the church in Gods plan: key biblical metaphors, biblical purposes, and essential
biblical quality characteristics. The nature and role of the parachurch is also examined. Theology is given
practical application in understanding the relationship between church health and growth in the Asian
context. During the course, churches will be evaluated and implementation strategies considered in light of
the eight key characteristics of church health.
Credits Hours: 2
Prereq: IS 510 Building Disciples in A Movement Context

COURSE OBJECTIVES By the completion of this course, the student should be able to...

(Knowledge)
1. Discuss the nature of the church in scripture (w/ two overarching concepts & 6 key metaphors), its role
in the local Asian community and in world evangelization. [P2-K2; P3-K1&2]
2. Explain the scriptural and historic rationale for the parachurch, differences between church and
parachurch, and their complementary roles in the Great Commission movement. [P5-K2]
3. Outline forms of church polity and their implications to leadership styles, the exercise of authority and
the development of leaders. [P2-K2]
3. Identify and describe eight essential core functions of the church; explain how the church can be
structured to function as a disciple-making system, and evaluate different contemporary models of
church systems (e.g., traditional, cell, meta-church models) in light of their potential to stimulate
church planting movements. [P8-K2]
5. Explain how the dynamics of various sized groups and mentoring relationships can best, in each system
model, meet the needs of growing believers, help catalyze the equipping of emerging leaders, and
stimulate church planting/growth movements. [P5-K2; P8-K2]
4. Discuss the implication of church size to the functioning of the church and the dynamics of change
(e.g., internal group dynamics, pastoral leadership role and expectations). [P8-K2]
5. Outline biblically based principles and policies for ministry finances applicable to Asian church cultures
and financial realities. [P8-K1]

(Character)
1. Evidence a growing love, respect and burden to pray for the local church and her leaders. [P8-B2]
2. Deepen personal commitment to the local church in its various expressions. [P8-B1] [P8-K1]

(Skills)
1. Utilize principles arising from the six key metaphors of the church to evaluate the balance of a local
church ministry in terms of values, God focus, maturing of believers & outreach effectiveness. [P2K2; P3-D1&2]

2. Utilize the eight core functions of the church and related tools to evaluate the health of a local ministry.
3. Utilize church health concepts, disciple-making principles and movement strategies to humbly offer
solutions, resources, meet needs, and encourage health & growth in a local ministry. [P2-K2;P3-D1&2]
4. Utilize principles of ministry finances to create practical policies and outline personal stewardship
training for church people. [P8-K1&D1]

COURSE TEXTBOOKS Required reading:

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McIntosh, Gary L. and R. Daniel Reeves. Thriving Churches in the 21st Century: 10 Life-Giving Systems for
Vibrant Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publishers, 2006.
Note: If you have read this book, please let the instructor know. Then you should briefly skim it in order to be
prepared for class discussions. Also you should read an equal number of pages (186) in another book from the
collateral readings in order to expand your understanding of ministry leadership and to meet needs in your ministry.
Please use the alternative reading report, and get permission from the instructor for the book you will read.

Recommended: Schwarz, Christian. Color Your World with Natural Church Development. (Taglish) St.
Charles, IL: Church Smart, 2005. Published in Philippines, OMF Lit, 2008. [Core Function numbering is from
Schwarz]; >>> Keller, Tim. Center Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. (this is an exceptional resource!!)

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS [Note - the assignment guides suggest page length are not as a limit, but as a time target.]
Note: All papers are to be double spaced, 12 pt Roman font, with cover page and blank first page as per the IGSL Guide
for Research Papers. Dont repeat the guide questions (from syllabus or assignment guides) word for word. Use simple
headings if desired, or simply an introductory phrase to follow the guide questions instead of formal headings with excess
spacing. Use indentation to indicate paragraphs, not extra lines of spacing. Please use a simple, clear voice - not a
formal, academic tone. My point Be a good steward of words & space! At end of paper, report how long it took to do.

A. Reading. Read the pages noted below in the McIntosh & Reeves' text book, as well as other class
handouts or assigned reading according to the announced schedule. Be sure to do the reading before the
class sessions of the date listed. (approx 200 pages reading @ 20 pages/hr = est. 10 hours)
Then ... Fill in the *Reading Report AND Either Insight/Applications recorded in Reading Report (2 hr)...
OR Write a Reflection Paper on one chapter or section of a book/article read reflecting on how the
principles would especially help the church or ministry in your home culture. You can read other sources
from library books, papers, journals on reserve or approved by instructor re. specific concerns of the church
in your country. Share the cultural patterns of your culture and how what you read has application to
solving a problem or helping. Note how the principle should be adapted culturally for application.
2-3 pages (2-3 hrs)
Reading Report due Dec 10 with Insight/Apps or Reflection Paper .
B. Team Church Metaphors Report. With your team, study the assigned church metaphor using the
worksheet given in class. Be ready to report your findings. Divide up the work so everyone on the team has
a part in studying the material and the report. (est. 2 hrs)
Due Oct 8
C. Ministry Analysis I. Introduce the ministry, do a metaphor assessment, system evaluation and draw an
infrastructure diagram. Evaluate & suggest improvements. Use guide given in class. (5 hrs) Due Nov 5
D. Spiritual Gift Assessment. Choosing from one of several personal spiritual gift tools offered in class,
read through the material and fill out the inventory. Score it and be prepared to discuss your understanding
of your spiritual gifts in a short paper guided by the outline given in class. (est. 2 hrs)
Due Nov 19
E. Ministry Finances Case Critique. Using materials read for the class, interact with a ministry case study
noting problems and solutions. Follow guide given in class. (est. 5 hrs)
Due Dec 3
F. Ministry Analysis II - Analyze your ministry evaluating the core functions and life systems. Write up
your analysis then make proposals for addressing the needs.
(est. 4 hrs)
Due Dec 17

COURSE PROCEDURE
Submit all assignments through Turnitin except those noted below with an asterisk (*). Those may be turned in hard copy
in class. Include on all papers your name, mailbox number, and the date handed in (not the date due) on the front of the
paper. All assignments, if submitted on time, must be turned in at the beginning of the class period on the day they are
due. If a paper is handed in late, add the date and time it was submitted to Turnitin or placed in my box. DO NOT MISS
A CLASS IN ORDER TO HAND IN A PAPER THAT DAY! You will not save yourself anything on your grade, but
will lose much from the class sessions missed!! Attendance is taken & absences considered in final grading.
Also, please note on each assignment approximately how long it took you to do the actual work. This is not going to
figure into your grade (as if more hours results in a better grade). No. This information helps me.
Papers will be graded according to the following general criteria (as well as specific criteria noted in class):
1. Carefully following the syllabus and guideline instructions for how to write the paper.
2. Proper referencing. DO NOT COPY ANY WORDS/IDEAS FROM ANOTHER SOURCE (INCLUDING THE
INTERNET) AND PRESENT THEM AS YOUR OWN. This, as you should know, is called plagiarism. Avoid it
like the plague! Use quotation marks, block quotes, parenthetical referencing, and a reference list. Follow the
IGSL Guide for Research Papers for how to note references.
3. Spell checking your paper. An occasional misspelling is understandable. But a student that does not use the spell
check feature of his or her word processor is acting irresponsibly.
4. Understandable English. I do not expect perfect English. But if your English is weak, simply have someone read
over your paper and correct the most glaring mistakes. I need to understand your ideas. Do not have another
person rewrite your paper.
Planned absences need approval from the instructor. Please inform him as to the reason. The instructor decides if the
absence is excusable. Missing a class to work on an assignment is not an excuse. Frequent unexcused absences will
result in a lowering of the student's final grade. All work missed must be made up. (See Student Handbook)
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COURSE SCHEDULE
(Note I am doing some fresh resourcing in order to provide you with helpful material/learning experiences. Thus the
schedule of topics/assignments is tentative and may be altered as the course progresses. So stay alert & track the changes!
Come to class on time we discuss changes first. And if you ever miss a class, ask your class mates about changes!)

Sess'n Date
1 Oct 1
2
3 Oct 8
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Oct 15
Oct 22
Oct 29
Nov 5

Title

Reading & Assignments

Course Introduction and Syllabus

Buy the texts.
What is a Healthy Church?
Form Class Teams
Being & Doing Church - Identity, Function, Form
*Team Metaphor Reports due
(cont.)
Introduction
Oct 6 is Worldwide Day of Prayer! Be there!
The Church as System-Organism
(cont.)
The Church as a System - Organization
(cont.)
Church & Parachurch Kingdom Partnership
(cont.)
Core Function 1 Leadership (Empowering)
Core Function 2 Equipping (Gifts-based Ministry)

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Handouts A & B
Chapters 6 - 7
Ministry Analysis I due

Nov 6-7 is Global Leadership Summit!! Be there!

Nov 12-14 is your Spiritual Retreat! Enjoy!

13

Nov 19

Core Function 3 Environment (Passionate Spirituality)

Chapters 3 - 5; Warren

309-329

14
15 Nov 26
16
17 Dec 3
365-398
18
19 Dec 10
20

Core Function 5 Worship (Inspiring)

Spiritual Gifts Assessment Results due
Core Function 4 Management (Effective Structures)
Chapter 11
Core Function 6 Small Groups (Comprehensive System)
Core Function 8 Community (Loving Relationships)
Chapter 8-9; Warren
Core Function 7 Outreach (Need Meeting Evangelism)
Church Finances Case due
Church Health and Life Releasing Change
Chapter 10, 12
(cont.)
*Reading Report Due with Insights (can be hard copy) OR Reflection Paper

Final Exam Dec 17 Time: ________

Ministry Analysis II Due

I am willing to provide a comprehensive final exam for you to take that reviews the content of the course. However, I have a deal
for you!! If you will come that day ready to participate (bring course notes, text, hand outs) in a full, two hour evaluation of the
course, then I will exempt you from the exam. The evaluation will involve a review of various aspects of the content of the course
and the educational methods used. It is a tremendously important part of improving the course for future generations of students, as
well as my development as a teacher. If you do not come to the class that day, or if you come but do not participate in the
evaluation, then you will need to take the exam at IGSL within two days. What do you think? Deal?

NOTE: Please keep track of the time it takes you to do an assignment.

Note this at the end of the Reading Report.
Grade % (Time est.) My Actual time:
Reading then Reading Report or Reflection Paper
15 % (12 hrs)
_____
Team Metaphor Report
10 % ( 2 hrs)
_____
Ministry Analysis I (Intro, Metaphor & System)
25 % ( 4 hrs)
_____
Spiritual Gift Assessment
10 % ( 2 hrs)
_____
Church Finances Analysis
15 % ( 5 hrs)
_____
Ministry Analysis II (Core Functions & Life Systems)
25 % ( 5 hrs)
_____
Total
100 % (30 hrs)
_____

COURSE GRADING

NOTE: As required by IGSL policy, turning in assignments late will result in a drop of 3% per day,
not including Sundays.
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COURSE MISCELLANEOUS
Instructor:

Bong Baylon
Wife Gina Baylon
Sons JD (23) and JI (16)
Cell: 0917-773-7317

Office: Adjunct Room

Home phone: 8686692
E-mail: rlccphil@gmail.com
Social media: look for rlccphil or bongbaylon

Turnitin Usage
We realize that some students have not previously been in academic environments that encouraged independent and
critical thinking. These are important to your long-term effectiveness, integrity, and maturity as a leader. To help
you with these goals, IGSL uses Turnitin in this course as part of our educational process of equipping students to
practice ethical and responsible writing as a part of your leadership development. Turnitin is a web-based software
that checks the originality of your papers. Here are the mechanics for the use of Turnitin:

Students Responsibilities:
All written assignments (research, reflection, exegetical papers) must be submitted to Turnitin.
Step 1: Enroll in the course. Go to the Turnitin website (www.turnitin.com), log on, and enroll in this course using
the Class ID: 8754046
and the Password: LS550A2014
Step 2: Rough Draft
Your papers for this course will be submitted to the Turnitin web based service that recognizes matched
text. Submit a draft of your paper to be sure that you have properly cited all sources you have used.
Step 3: Final Draft
After making adjustments for originality and citation based on results of the rough draft, submit the final
version of your paper to your instructor through Turnitin. The submission of you final paper to Turnitin must be
completed by the time and due date given by the instructor. Any paper submitted after that will be considered
late and penalized in accordance with the Late Assignment policy found in the Student Handbook. Your
instructor will tell you if a hard copy of your assignment must also be submitted by the time and due date.
Submit any notes to the instructor by text, email, FB message, or in writing to his/her mailbox.
Do not include personal notes in the final draft of your assignment.

Turnitin Results:
> Results upon submission of your Rough Draft
An originality report is generated by the Turnitin software showing how much of your paper matches the
wording of published books and journals, web pages, and previously submitted papers. You may use the results
from the Turnitin rough draft paper to help you revise your paper. This helps you to learn how to write original
content and integrate sources effectively with intellectual integrity in your scholarship.
Note: if the assignment follows a standard outline with set headings & set phrasings (e.g., "I believe my
spiritual gifts are . . .") those have been used by previous students. Don't worry about Turnitin "matching" these.
> Results upon submission of your Final Version
The instructor will receive your final paper and the originality report from Turnitin which helps speeds the
checking of your paper for source citation so that the instructor can focus on other aspects of your assignment
and learning. They will interpret that report in light of what they know of the standard format for the paper
(headings, phrasings), your English ability and your personal writing style.
Please note: Students who submit papers to Turnitin retain the copyright to the work they created. A copy of
submitted papers is retained in a Turnitin database archive to be compared with future submissionsa
practice that helps protect and strengthen copyright ownership. (Copyright Protection,Turnitin,
http://turnitin.com/en_us/about-us/privacy-center/copyright-protection accessed October 29, 2012.)

READING REPORT
Due Dec 10, 2015 - Date Handed in __________
For :

Church Health

Your Name__________________________________ Your Box # ____

Reading assignments are to be completed before class on the day they are due if they are to be considered done on
time. Check off the amount read before the due date class, and check off if you finished reading the material after
the class time due. Record one or two personal insights or applications from each reading

Example: The amount "1/2" means you have read 1/2 or more but less than 3/4 of the reading assigned before
class. "Finished late" means you completed the rest of the reading sometime after the class. "Time" means the
amount of time taken to finish the reading (in hours and minutes, e.g., 1.45 = 1 hr and 45 minutes).

Pages Finished On Time

Due
Date

Reading

10/15

302-327
Handout D

1/4 1/2 3/4 All

X

Finshd

Time

Late

(hrs.min)

1.45

Personal Insight or Application

I realize that Jesus view of leadership
needs to form my values more than merely
the cultural patterns Ive grown up with.

REMEMBER - If youve already read McIntosh & Reeves book, then scan; then read another book of equal length from collateral reading list.

Pages Finished On Time

Due
Date

Reading

10/8

Intro

10/15

Chptr 1

10/22

Chptr 2

10/29

Handout A&B

11/5

Chptr 6,7

11/19

Chptr 3-5

11/26

Chptr 11

12/3

Chptr 8-9

12/10

Chptr 10, 12

1/4

Finshd

Time

1/2 3/4 All Late

(hrs)

Personal Insight or Application

ALTERNATE READING REPORT

Due Dec 18, 2006 - Date Handed in __________
For :

Church Health

Your Name__________________________________ Your Box # ____

(Class )

If you have already read the Schwarz (98 pages) or Warren (112 pages) books, then read an equivalent number of
pages from an alternate approved book(s). See the collateral reading list. Finish the alternate reading by the date
above. If you have read both Schwarz & Warren, then only use this report and record nine (9) insights from your
alternate reading. Spread out the insights across chapters or sections of the reading.
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If you have only read Warren already, then cross his name off the original Reading Report and still use it to record
just four insights from Schwarz (not necessary to do all nine slots). If you have only read Schulz already, then cross
his name off the original Reading Report and still use it to record four insights from Warren.
Then, if you have read Warren or Schulz but not both,
use the report below to record at least five (5)insights from the alternate reading you do.

Date
read

Reading (include full bibliographical info

one time for each book)

Time
(hrs)

Personal Insight or Application

COURSE WORK Time Tracking

Reading then Reading Report or Reflection Paper
Team Metaphor Report
Ministry Analysis I (Intro, Metaphor & System)
Spiritual Gift Assessment
Church Finances Analysis
Ministry Analysis II (Core Functions & Life Systems)
Total

Time estimate My Actual time:

12 hrs
_____
2 hrs
_____
4 hrs
_____
2 hrs
_____
5 hrs
_____
5 hrs _____________
30 hrs
_____