Leading the Church on Mission

Starting Fall 2026 Preaching, Witness, Innovation for the Younger Generation

Dr. Rick Richardson with his students

This D. Min. concentration will focus on leadership, church revitalization, and the changing mission of the local church. We will explore how to:

Develop New Forms of the Church on Mission
Reach and Recapture the Young Adult Generation
Preach Powerfully for Evangelism, Compassion, and Justice
Innovate for Diverse Contexts and Cultures
Utilize Technology to Advance the Mission of the Church

Start Date

Fall 2026

Application Deadline

August 1, 2026

Deadline for Priority Consideration for Scholarships

June 15, 2026

Cohort Leader

Rev. Dr. Rick Richardson

Rev. Dr. Rick Richardson is a former pastor and is now the Luis Palau Chair of Evangelism, Professor of Leadership and Evangelism, and Executive Director of Research, Preaching, and Church Evangelism Institutes at Wheaton College. He is the author of numerous books on Evangelism, church revitalization, healing, prayer, and racial reconciliation.

Hear From Rev. Dr. Rick Richardson

Guest Instructors

Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates

Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago

Rev. Steve Carter

Pastor of Christ Church of Oakbrook and former pastor at Willow Creek

Daniel Yang

Author of numerous books including Becoming a Future-Ready Church

Christine Caine

Director of Propel

Alan Hirsch

Founder of Forge Australia

Concentration Courses

Reaching and Recapturing the Young Adult Generation for the Future of the Church
US and global churches are too often losing the next generation of leaders and innovators as young adults deconstruct Christian faith and choose spirituality over religion. This course will explore issues, approaches, and sensibilities that can help leaders recapture the next generation for discipleship, leadership, and genuine transformation. This course will include onsite learning at local churches.
Preaching for Changed Lives and Changed Communities
People today, especially the unchurched and the younger generations, long to see a church that is relevant to society and our changing needs. This course will explore and expand the practice of preaching to more deeply communicate the full Gospel in ways that lead to growth by adding new believers, deepening discipleship, engaging in compassionate ministry, and fostering justice in the world.

Location: Wheaton and Christ Church Oakbrook Sept. 20-24, 2027 during their annual Preaching Conference

Innovating and Leading Fresh Expressions of the Church
There is a great need to revitalize, reimagine, and reinvent the structures and expressions of the church in order to reach a changing world and a younger generation. This course will explore and experience new models, movements, and leaders for moving the mission of the church forward in the diverse contexts of our world.
Organizational and Change Leadership for the 21st Century Mission
The church needs to adapt to new innovations in technology, communication, and witness if she is to reach the world today. This course will explore the vision, skills, and latest learnings in adaptive and change leadership and new technologies for the church of the future.

Ready to Learn More? Let Us Know!

Doctor of Ministry

Billy Graham Hall, 3rd Floor
501 College Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187

630.752.7815
D.Min@wheaton.edu

Graduate Admissions Request Information