About the Course
The rationale for this course is to develop one’s own life-regenerating leadership along the long arc of social change and transformation that existed before our time and will continue after us. We will explore ways of engaging and directing energy within an ecosystem so as to encourage diversity and distribution of leadership. This includes rediscovering our agency in challenging environments while leading in a way that honors the leadership present in any given moment, as well as the leadership that preceded and will follow such moments.
This course is online, synchronous, interactive, and informed by Taoist, Zen, and Somatic praxis. Students will be expected to complete readings, reflections, and activities that will deepen their leadership practice. Students must have consistent internet access to relevant technology.
J. Tyson Casey

Professor J. Tyson Casey
J. Tyson Casey is a professional coach, facilitator, and educator whose work centers on a simple truth: leadership is an action anyone can practice.
Before graduating in 2010 from Starr King School for the Ministry’s Master of Arts in Social Change (MASC) program, Tyson solidified his vision to cultivate just, equitable, accessible, and regenerative communities – where power is dispersed, where agency is exercised, where informed consent is the status quo. To create conditions for this vision, he employs experiential, academic, somatic, and participatory methods.
Who Would Benefit From Taking This Course?
Anyone interested in integrating life-regenerating leadership skills for use in both religious and secular arenas, including lay leaders, congregants, practicing ministers, and community organizers who want to improve their leadership skills. This is also for those looking to develop these skills in Taoist, Zen, and Somatic formats.
Next Steps
While exploring Starr King, you can take a class as a special student before you are fully enrolled. Special students are those who wish to take a course and are NOT enrolled in a degree program at Starr King or other Graduate Theological Union (GTU) school.
If you successfully complete the class and decide to enroll in one of our certificate or degree programs, this special student course will transfer. Spots for special students are limited and on an as-available basis. To register for this course, click the button below.