Leading the Church on Mission

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

• 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.