Imagery of Regent people and campus

MSF Journaling Guidelines

Why Journaling?

Some propose that truly effective leaders are so not merely because of their strong intellectual ability but because they continually record and reflect on their experiences. Research indicates journaling is an effective form of action-reflection as it encourages us to reflect about new ideas we encounter.

As you embark on this phase of your leadership journey the hope is that you will move from information to knowledge to transformation.

How To Journal

The following items serve as guideposts as you journal. In the journal you should reflect on themes, readings, experiences, lessons etc. that stand out and impact who you are, how you think and how you hope to translate theory into practice.

  1. Readings: Comment on the impact of selected readings. Identify any authors and titles that have particularly struck you. Write a short annotation or say how the book has influenced you.

  2. Scripture: Share one Bible text that has most resonated with you this period. Say how and why this text feeds into your unfolding leadership journey.

  3. Impact: Share any ideas you encountered up to this point that may have confirmed or disconfirmed previous knowledge and understanding or provoked new ideas and meanings. Describe your feelings. Recall specific feelings, ideas, individuals or events. Be honest and specific even if your thoughts may seem somewhat negative. Select items that have impacted you personally. Explain what you learned. How are you processing these lessons? What are your emerging thoughts? Explain personal strengths, weaknesses and plans for personal growth. Reflect on what you learned and how you will put this into practice in the future.

  4. Is There Anything Else? Share anything else you would like to add relating to your leadership journey.

When Are Journals Due?

  • Journals are only required in the program's core courses (LMOL 601 - LMSF 602 to LMSF 607).
  • Two journals are to be submitted to the student's academic advisor per core course; one at the end of period two and the other at the end of period four.