Ph.D. Academic Coordinator
Dr. Lester Hirst has completed a Ph.D. in Adult Education Studies (Trinity International University), an MDiv in Theology and Missions (Denver Seminary), and a BA in Bible and Missions (Southwestern College). Dr. Hirst joins us from Tennessee where he is semi-retired after 42 years of cross-cultural ministry, creating church-based leadership development and discipleship programs in Latin America, Asia, and the US. He served as Chair of the Department of Cross-cultural Studies and Spiritual Life Director at Arizona Bible College, and Chaplain of the Adult Continuing Education Division of Judson College. He has taught a wide range of courses, including Ethnic America, Cross-cultural communications (among many other missions courses), the Gospel of John, Research, and Spanish. He brings to BGU extensive experience in developing leaders, executive leadership, change management, and program and project management. Dr. Hirst has a global ministry, having taught workshops and seminars on all six continents. Life-long learning is his passion and brings that passion to learners in every class.
Education:
Ph.D. Trinity International University 1994 - Dissertation: 鈥淐hurch planting teams: a study of member characteristics and experiences related to effective teamwork鈥�
M.Div. Missions Emphasis, Denver Seminary 1976
B.A. Bible and Missions Emphasis, Southwestern College 1973
Research - Interest:
Intercultural Studies
Teams and Teamwork
Non-formal Education
Innovation and Change
Leadership development
Qualitative Research
Mentoring
Missionary Member Care
Projects - Papers - Presentations:
鈥淪ervant Leadership Path鈥� (Learner and Facilitator Manuals in French, Spanish, and English),聽Compassion International
鈥�Corrientes,鈥� Bi-vocational Missionary Training Curriculum
鈥淒ay of Prayer and Vision鈥� interactive CD
鈥淓l Fruto del Esp铆ritu Santo鈥� (10 workbook series)
鈥淢entoring in a Multicultural Environment,鈥澛犅燙LA
鈥淐hange Management,鈥� 3-part course
鈥�5 Languages of Appreciation鈥� 鈥� Workshop
鈥淒eveloping Yourself and Others 鈥� Leadership Principles,鈥�
鈥淭rust relationships and Language Learning,鈥澛犅營CLL
鈥淟eadership Development and Spirituality,鈥� NMTF
鈥淚nternet Strategies for Learning,鈥� IFMA/EFMA Personnel Conference
鈥淐hurch-based leadership training,鈥� World Venture
Membership - Associations - Leadership:
International Christian Mentoring Network (ICMN) (2006-2012)
ATD (Local and National, 2010-2016)
EMS (Evangelical Missiological Society)
ICLL (International Congress on Language Learning) (2003, 2006, 2011)
CLA (Christian Leadership Alliance)
Missio Nexus (Formerly EFMA/IFMA)