Leading the Church on Mission

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

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

Begins Fall 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.  

Concentration Courses

• Course 1—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. 
• Course 2—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.  
• Course 3–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. 
• Course 4- 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.

Intensive Locations

• Course 1 — Progressive Baptist Church, Chicago, integrated with their annual Preaching Conference
• Course 2 — TBD
• Course 3 — Wheaton College
• Course 4 — Wheaton College and various local churches