We are pleased to announce a new educational opportunity for church leaders and members seeking preparation for faithful service in today’s world. Harbinger Institute, an educational ministry of the Nashville Church of Christ, offers the Advanced Certificate in Church Leadership for the Contemporary World, a nine-month online academic program that begins in September 2026 and concludes in May 2027.

This certificate program is designed to form thoughtful, biblically grounded, and culturally aware church leaders. The program combines theological study, cultural reflection, and practical leadership training for those serving in the church.

The program is intended for elders, deacons, preachers, emerging leaders, and church members seeking deeper preparation for service. Because this is a rigorous and collaborative course of advanced study, enrollment is limited to individuals with demonstrated involvement and faithful service within congregations and ministries associated with the Nashville Church of Christ and related works with which we share fellowship and labor. Applicants should possess a recognized history of Christian service, leadership potential, and faithful engagement in the work of the church.

Program Vision and Purpose

The Advanced Certificate in Church Leadership for the Contemporary World prepares leaders to think biblically, engage culture wisely, and lead faithfully. Participants will engage Scripture through rigorous theological and scholarly study, explore the unity of the biblical canon, examine the influence of contemporary culture upon the church, and reflect on the responsibilities of Christian leadership.

The curriculum integrates theological reflection with practical application. Participants will engage academic material while developing a framework for faithful leadership amid the complexities of modern life.

Program Structure

The program is organized into four intensive academic modules designed to integrate theological study, cultural engagement, and applied church leadership. Participants should expect to devote approximately 6–10 hours per week to live instruction, reading, research, and written coursework.

All instruction will be conducted online through Zoom. Weekly live sessions will meet on Fridays from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM Central Time.

Each module follows the same structure:

• Week One: Preparatory Reading and Orientation
• Weeks Two–Six: Intensive Online Instruction and Guided Discussion (18 hours of live instruction)
• Week Eight: Intensive Writing, Research, and Submission

At the conclusion of the four modules, participants will complete the Final Integrative Assignment (FIA), a capstone paper synthesizing the theological, cultural, and leadership themes explored throughout the program.

Module One: A Biblical Theology of the Human Body

Instructor: Larry D. Mathis, PhD, DMin, MDiv, MSc, MA

This module establishes the theological foundation for the entire program through the study of biblical theology, theological anthropology, and Christian eschatology. Central to the course is the theological significance of the resurrection as the framework for understanding human existence, redemption, eternal life, and the hope revealed in the resurrected Christ. Participants will explore embodied life, the human condition, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes in Christ as the foundation for faithful leadership in the modern world.

Schedule

• Reading and Orientation: September 7–13, 2026
• Intensive Sessions: September 17 – October 22, 2026
• Writing and Research Week: October 26 – November 1, 2026
• Final Paper Due: November 6, 2026

Module Two: The Bible and the Contemporary World

Instructor: Spencer L. Davidson, DPhil Candidate, MLitt

This module examines the authority and message of Scripture within the intellectual, moral, and cultural challenges shaping contemporary society. Participants will engage issues surrounding biblical interpretation, secularism, technology, ethics, identity, globalization, political polarization, artificial intelligence, and human dignity while considering how Scripture speaks faithfully and authoritatively to the modern world.

Schedule

• Reading and Orientation: November 9–15, 2026
• Intensive Sessions: November 16 – December 17, 2026
• Christmas and New Year Recess: December 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Writing and Research Week: January 4–10, 2027
• Final Paper Due: January 15, 2027

Module Three: The Human Predicament

Instructor: Shawn D. Mathis, PhD, MSc (Oxon), MA with Professor Alex Carter, PhD, MA, Academic Director for Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Cambridge; Fellow, Fitzwilliam College.

This module examines sin, human brokenness, and the need for redemption within the realities of contemporary life. Participants will engage in theological and practical questions related to suffering, disease, mental and spiritual health, violence, moral confusion, injustice, natural disasters, and human-inflicted crises. The course equips leaders to think biblically and respond faithfully to the major challenges confronting humanity and the church today.

Schedule

• Reading and Orientation: January 18–24, 2027
• Intensive Sessions: January 28 – March 4, 2027
• Writing and Research Week: March 8–14, 2027
• Final Paper Due: March 19, 2027

Module Four: Applied Church Leadership

Instructors: Larry D. Mathis, PhD, DMin, MDiv, MSc, MA; Shawn D. Mathis, PhD, MSc (Oxon), MA; Spencer L. Davidson, DPhil Candidate, MLitt; and Eppechal T. Smalls, EdD, MA

This module applies the theological, cultural, and practical insights developed throughout the program directly to ecclesiology and church leadership within the contemporary church of Christ. Participants will examine the mission of the church, the responsibilities of Christian leadership, congregational health, pastoral responsibility, and the practical realities of leading faithfully within modern society.

Schedule

• Reading and Orientation: March 22–28, 2027
• Intensive Sessions: April 1 – May 6, 2027
• Writing and Research Week: May 10–16, 2027
• Final Integrative Assignment Due: May 21, 2027

Applications and Timeline

Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open and will remain open through July. Applicants will be notified in August regarding placement in the cohort. Classes will begin in September 2026.

Equipping Leaders for Faithful Service

The goal of this program is to equip leaders to think biblically, engage culture thoughtfully, and lead faithfully in today’s world. We believe this program provides an important opportunity for the church to invest in spiritually mature, intellectually prepared, and mission-minded leadership for the future.

We look forward to welcoming the first cohort and beginning this work together through Harbinger Institute.