Introducing:

The Center for Steward Leader Studies

Every Christian a faithful STEWARD.
Every leader a STEWARD leader.

Our Mission

The Center for Steward Leader Studies exists to advance the awareness, understanding, and practice of the steward leader, inspiring and equipping leaders globally to advance the kingdom of God.

Our Vision

The Center for Steward Leader Studies strives to become the premier thought-leader in the field of steward theology in the world.

Our Core Values

  1. Theological Integrity: Committed to the highest standard of theological method, investigation, and practice.
  2. Biblical Vigilance: Committed to align everything the Center produces and teaches with Biblical truth.
  3. Practical Integration: Committed to equipping leaders for excellence in the practice of the steward leader.
  4. Academic Rigor: Committed to advancing the highest level of relevant research and application.
  5. Kingdom Focus: Committed to maintaining a kingdom-focus that drives everything we do.
  6. Global Application: Committed to the contextualization of all Center works for use globally.

boat

The Need

Christ came to free us from the bondage of sin and set us on a life-long journey to walk with Him as faithful stewards. That journey is marked by faith, trust, obedience and joy. It is a journey that takes us to new heights of loving God with all our heart, mind and strength, loving ourselves as His beloved and redeemed children, loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, and caring for creation as His commissioned caretakers. It is the good news of the coming of the kingdom of God and our invitation to walk the kingdom path.

Despite this good news and amazing invitation, we continue to choose to be owners instead of stewards, lords instead of servants. As a result, we place ourselves right back into the bondage from which Christ set us free. Given the choice for freedom we continue to choose to live as people in bondage.

We believe the global body of Christ is in desperate need of a renewed call to experience the freedom that is theirs in Jesus Christ. To know that freedom we must walk this journey together and let the Holy Spirit unlock the chains that bind us, that in our freedom the world might know the God in whose image we are made, the Son who lives in us, and the Spirit that shines through everything we say and do. We need the body of Christ to be set free to take the gospel to an enslaved and enslaving world.

The journey of the faithful steward is the path of discipleship, obedience, discovery, adventure, service, and joy. It is the way of freedom and the way of the cross. It is the journey of every follower of Jesus. It is on this journey that we experience deeper levels of surrender, increased intimacy with Christ, clearer identity, more robust faith and greater passion to serve. It is the path upon which we become the image bearers of Christ in our world.

Our driving motivation is to equip and inspire God’s people for this journey of the faithful steward.

trailThis journey has implications for leadership. Despite nearly 100 years of study, research, education and training in leadership, we are facing a global leadership crisis. Followers of Christ who are called into positions of leadership are struggling to provide the leadership necessary to impact the world for Christ. This is happening in the church and para-church, and every sector of society and culture where Christians serve in leadership positions. In the face of this crisis, we believe God has provided us with a renewed understanding of leadership that can change the global face of how Christians lead. 

The theology and practice of the steward leader is uniquely biblical and profoundly effective. We believe it has been developed for such a time as this. Its distinctiveness is found in its highly relational, comprehensive approach and its primary features of freedom, faithfulness, transformation, and joy. Simply put, steward leaders have been set free to steward the people they lead and the organizations they serve with an unprecedented degree of humility and excellence. For this reason, the steward leader is an integral part of the ministry and mission of the Center for Steward Leader Studies.

Three Areas of Work

Based on this need, the work of the Center for Steward Leader Studies will focus in three areas:

1. Educating God’s people with high quality resources

The Center for Steward Leader Studies producing resources so people can learn, live and love the journey of the faithful steward. These resources include books, bible studies, videos, devotionals, curriculum, pastoral helps, blogs, webinars, podcasts, and more.

2. Equipping God’s people through effective teaching and training

The Center for Steward Leader Studies uses these resources to teach, train and equip pastors and leaders globally to lead others to be faithful stewards with boldness and passion. Our definition of success is described in our vision – every Christian a faithful steward and every leader a steward leader.

3. Engaging God’s people through proclaiming God’s truth

The Center for Steward Leader Studies challenges our declining moral culture by calling God’s people to repent of our thirst for ownership and control and encounter the God that created them to be faithful stewards set free to follow Jesus in a radically counter-cultural way.

Structure

The Center for Steward Leader Studies is a non-profit ministry led by Dr. Scott Rodin and Dr. Brian Simmons is governed by a board of directors. It is supported by the prayers and financial gifts of people who believe in its mission.

Why People Partner With The Center for Steward Leader Studies

  1. To advance a shared passion for seeing people set free from the bondage of ownership to experience the joy of the faithful steward;
  2. To raise up a new generation of leaders who hold obedience and faithfulness as their driving definitions of success;
  3. To see marriages healed and families strengthened by viewing both through a steward’s lens;
  4. To equip new church leaders around the world to lead God’s people as faithful stewards;
  5. To engage in the spiritual battle against an enemy who has lied to us and put us in bondage to an owner’s mindset;
  6. To spread the gospel through the message of a generous God who so loved the world that He gave;
  7. To be a prophetic voice for repentance and freedom in a declining moral culture.

If you would like to partner with us on this journey you can:

  1. Subscribe to our blog below
  2. Let us know you will commit to pray for us regularly
  3. Support us financially
  4. Connect us with people with whom we can collaborate and partner

The Center for Steward Leader Studies is to learn this calling, live it out fully and love the life God created for us.

Join the journey today and become a member of the CSLS community. You’ll receive weekly inspiration and a free eBook, Three-Dimensional Discipleship!

Join the community!

The CSLS Board of Directors

Dr. R. Scott Rodin – Founder and Content Specialist

International Writer and Speaker On:

  • The Steward Leader
  • The Journey of the Faithful Steward
  • Three-Dimensional Discipleship
  • Strategic Planning on Kingdom Values
  • Raising Money as Kingdom Ministry
  • Creation Care 

Scott Rodin has a passion for helping Christian ministry leaders take a biblical approach to leadership development, strategic planning, board development and raising kingdom resources. Over the past thirty years he has worked with hundreds of organizations in the U.S., Canada, Middle East, Great Britain, China, India, the Philippines and Australia.

Dr. Rodin is content specialist for the CSLS and serves as Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Consultant with The FOCUS Group. He is a Senior Fellow of the Association of Biblical Higher Education and is the board chair of ChinaSource.

Dr. Rodin holds Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Systematic Theology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

His books include:

  • The Seventh Key (Kingdom Life Publishing, 2015)
  • Christ Centered Generosity (Kingdom Life Publishing, 2015)
  • Development 101 (Kingdom Life Publishing, 2015)
  • The Choice (ECFA Press, 2014)
  • Three Dimensional Discipleship (Kingdom Life Publishing, 2013)
  • The Million-Dollar Dime (Kingdom Life Publishing, 2012)
  • The Third Conversion (Kingdom Life Publishing, 2011)
  • The Steward Leader (InterVarsity Press, 2010)
  • The Sower (ECFA, 2009)
  • The Seven Deadly Sins of Christian Fundraising (KLP, 2007)
  • Stewards in the Kingdom, (InterVarsity Press, 2000)

Dr. Rodin is married to Linda and they reside in Spokane, Washington.

Order books at: www.kingdomlifepublishing.com

Dr. Brian Simmons – Chairman of the Board

Dr. Brian S. Simmons is the Vice President for CIU Global and Professor at Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia, South Carolina. In his current role, Dr. Simmons serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet providing leadership for CIU.  He serves on the Board of Directors of the Center for Steward Leader Studies as the Chair and is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Ben Lippen School.  

Brian is a lifetime educator and has served as a teacher, Superintendent of two Christian schools, university Vice President, adjunct professor and association President.  Dr. Simmons’ life mission states, “Brian Simmons exists as a visionary builder to further the kingdom of God through education, teaching and influencing others.”  Dr. Simmons’ primary goal in life is to be a faithful steward of all the Master has entrusted to his care.  

Following high school graduation (1978) from Elkhart Christian Academy (ECA) and graduation from Cornerstone University and Calvin College (1982), Brian returned to ECA as a mathematics teacher (1982-1989).  After teaching for seven years, he became the Superintendent  of ECA (1989-1996). While serving at ECA, Brian completed his MS in Secondary Education and earned his EdD in Educational Administration.  

Following fourteen years of fruitful ministry in Elkhart, Indiana, he and his family moved to Indianapolis were he accepted the role of Superintendent of Heritage Christian School (HCS, 1996-2005).  

After a decade of service at HCS, Brian accepted a new role as Vice President for University Relations at IWU (2006-2009).  Following this time at IWU, Brian served for four years as President of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI, 2009-2013).  Today, Brian serves as a senior leader at CIU (2013-present).  Brian also owns a consulting business (Nehemiah Group, LLC).  As a consultant, Brian specializes in executive coaching, strategic planning, executive searches, and leadership development.

Dr. Simmons  holds a B.A. from Cornerstone University, a B.S. Calvin College, a M.S. from Indiana University South Bend, and an Ed.D. from Ball State University. He has a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana School of Philanthropy.

He and his wife, Bonnie have four adult children: Jared, Drew, Lindi and Aubrey.  Jared is married to Mary Claire, Drew is married to Stefanie, Lindi is married to Matt, and Aubrey is married to Zach. Brian and Bonnie have twelve grandchildren.

Dr. Al Hearne II – President

Dr. Al Hearne II is the Superintendent of Redwood Christian Schools, an adjunct Professor at Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia, South Carolina, and the President of Christian Charities USA. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Center for Steward Leader Studies as the President.

Christian school education has been a part of Al’s life since he became a Freshman at Central Valley Christian High School in 1992. Since then, he has served as a Christian school teacher, administrator, and superintendent. He has served faithfully at Redwood Christian Schools (RCS) since 2002, teaching core classes such as 7th-grade English, 8th-grade math, and Bible. In 2008, he left the classroom to become the Middle School & High School Principal and, in 2012, the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. In 2016 he became the third superintendent of RCS in its 46-year history. Dr. Hearne’s passion is to help students grow and develop now so that they will be ready to fulfill God’s calling in their next phase of life.

In 2019 after completing his Ph.D. Al joined the faculty at Columbia International University School of Business. He teaches Organizational Behavior in the Masters of Organizational Leadership and Board Leadership and Dissertation I: Problem Statement Identified in the Ph.D. of Organizational Leadership. In addition, Dr. Hearne serves as a Lead Mentor and Mentor for Ph.D. Candidates.

Dr. Hearne holds a B.A. from Bethany College, an M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary, an M.A. from Brandman University, and a Ph.D. from Columbia International University. He also holds a Clear Single Subject California Teaching Credential in Mathematics and a Clear California State Administrative Services Credential.

He and his wife, Megan, have three adopted children: Oscar, Stephen, and Elliot.

Andrea Leigh Capuyan – Director

Andrea serves as the executive director of a local Christian ministry, The LPC, in Laurel, Maryland. The LPC is a local, grassroots agency providing practical help and counseling-based services for women and men needing help during pregnancy or impacted by reproductive loss, including post-abortion grief. The LPC team is centered on Christ, believing that God meets us in life’s most challenging circumstances. The LPC team is an awesome testimony to the power and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, reminding us that our story isn’t over, and in situations of life and death, God resurrects and renews.

Andrea writes and presents on the topic of steward leadership. She participated on the writing team for the Steward Declaration. She is a contributing author for A Call to Action, A Companion Guide to the Steward Declaration, published by Kingdom Life Publishing in January 2023. Andrea serves on two boards – the Center for Steward Leader Studies and the Steward’s Journey. She regularly writes about steward leadership topics for the Christian Leadership Alliance’s Higher Thinking blog. Andrea is passionate about developing steward leaders and helping others experience abundance as they lead with open hands. She believes collaborative team management creates a robust, creative, and responsive organization where personal strength is built through relationships and community. She especially enjoys working with other women who are changing careers and vocations. 

Born and raised in Auburn, Alabama, Andrea has made the Washington DC area her home with
her husband, Wayne, since 1996. Andrea holds a B.A. from Toccoa Falls College, and an M.A.
from York College, Nebraska. She is a Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader with the
Christian Leadership Alliance and has a Certificate for Nonprofit Accounting Professionals from
the Nonprofit CPAs Alliance.

Andrea loves to cook, travel, and sing. She says, “Music moves me, and I love singing in a roomful of women in harmony.” She is always ready for deep conversation over a warm cup of coffee.

Dr. Brian Dougherty – Director

Dr. Brian Dougherty is the Head of School at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis, Indiana. HCS is a K-12 school serving nearly 1600 students. He is also an ordained pastor in the Southern Baptist denomination.

Dr. Dougherty is a lifelong Christian school educator with over 30 years of service. He has served as an intermediate and middle school teacher, middle school principal, and head of school in four different Christian schools in Indiana and Georgia.

His passion is to assemble a team of gifted educators to lead students to Christ and help them find their God-ordained purpose in life through K-12 education. In addition, he enjoys partnering with parents to help them raise godly children and see the words of 3 John 4 come true, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Dr. Dougherty holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Purdue University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Ball State University. He has served on the Eastern Division Council for the Association of Christian Schools International, is a member of Rotary International, and is a Paul Harris Fellow, a Leadership Albany (GA), Inc graduate. He has served on the Leadership Albany, Inc. board and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce board. He is an adjunct professor at Columbia International University in South Carolina.

Dr. Dougherty is the blessed husband of his wife Rachel, who also serves in Christian education, and the proud father of two 13-year Christian school graduates, Colin & Caroline.

Dr. Marybeth Leavell – Director

Marybeth Leavell, Ed.D., is a full-time Adjunct Faculty member, Administrator and Methodologist in the CIU Global PhD in Organizational Leadership program at Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Center for Steward Leader Studies, she is also an ordained elder in the Fellowship of Bible Churches.

Marybeth’s heart cry is for Christ to be at the center of all she is and does, by being sensitive to His voice and leading, and by living as an obedient steward. Her passion is to experience Him drawing others to Himself in both big and small ways.

Dr. Leavell lived in Colorado 43 years, prior to moving to the Atlanta GA area in 2001 and in 2020, to Bonita Springs, FL. She has been involved in organizational leadership in various settings. Initially, she was a private practice therapist focusing on women’s issues. For the next 15 years, she worked in Hospital and Nursing Home Administration. Following a shift to the field of education in 1999, she served as Executive Director for a community-based non-profit organization that provided educational and vocational programs for high-risk youth.

Following completion of her EdD in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2016, Dr. Leavell served as a full-time missionary as Provost at West Africa Theological Seminary in Lagos, Nigeria, for two years, and as Vice-President of Academics at Emmaus University of Haiti for a year and a half. Her quantitative dissertation was focused on the relationship between faith maturity and steward leadership among top-level Christian leaders.

She and her husband, Mark, have two amazing sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and six delightful grandchildren.

Dr. Mark L. Vincent – Director

Mark L. Vincent, Ph.D., EPC is an Executive Advisor walking alongside accomplished executives in the third turn of their careers. He loves leaders who love leaders. He continues to grow his capacity for wise advising, artful facilitation, and client-specific presentations, having worked internationally with more than 900 clients.

Mark has founded Maestro-level leaders, Design Group International, and the Society for Process Consulting and hosts the Third Turn Podcast. His writing includes the books: Untold Stories of Advent (Faith and Life Press), A Christian View of Money: Celebrating God’s Generosity and Speaking about Money: Reducing the Tension (Herald Press), Fighting Disease Not Death: Finding a Way Through Lifelong Struggle (Design Group International), and Listening Helping Learning: Core Competencies of Process Consulting (Tenth Power Publishing)

Dr. Vincent holds a B.A. Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies from Fort Wayne Bible College, an M.A.min from Moody Graduate School, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Development from Capella University.

Married to Patricia Teall Vincent, a community builder and life coach, their time divides between family, work, and imaginative conversations in coffee shops and diners across the country. You can learn more about them at www.teallvincententerprises.com.