This course explores the “why” behind Indigenous leadership, framed by global Indigenous perspectives related to self-determination, cultural identity, community well-being and the recognition of Indigenous rights. It examines the intersection of these themes with Indigenous Christian leadership, using Māori contexts in Aotearoa New Zealand as a comparative illustration.
Learners will engage with Western leadership theories such as servant and relational leadership theory, gaining insights into how these can be redefined and enriched by incorporating Indigenous perspectives and values into Indigenous church leadership. The course emphasises how Indigenous leadership research challenges and reshapes established Western leadership paradigms, offering new insights and approaches to understanding and practising leadership.
Encouraging critical reflection, the course invites students to draw parallels, explore differences, and adapt Indigenous leadership principles in ways that align with their cultural insights and experiences.
The goal is to foster an environment of mutual learning and respect, valuing diverse Indigenous experiences and wisdoms, and integrating them into a comprehensive understanding of contemporary church leadership in its Indigenous expressions.
Course will be taught in person at VST and via Zoom for distance students (degree students must connect synchronously if studying via Zoom).