National Cohort · January 11, 2027
Earn Your Certificate in NextGen Ministry Leadership
A year-long online certificate and professional development program equipping student ministry leaders with practical, theologically grounded training to shape the faith and future of Gen Alpha, developed by Dr. Jay Strack and Charleston Southern University.
- 7 Practical Courses
- 1 Guided Year
- Global Cohort Community
Save $250 with code LEAD250.
Starts January 11, 2027.
Dr. Jay's Vision
Training the leaders who will shape the next generation.
For decades, Dr. Jay Strack has invested in students, pastors, and ministry leaders with one clear mission: raise up a generation that knows Christ, leads with conviction, and reaches the world around them.
The Jay Strack Global NextGen Certificate and Professional Development Program turns that mission into a guided year of biblical formation, practical ministry training, and ongoing professional development you can apply in the ministry God has entrusted to you.
See What the Year Includes →
A Lifetime of Raising Up Leaders
The Heart Behind NextGen
Cultures and communities change when we raise up a generation brave enough to change them.
One Mission · Many Nations
Equipping NextGen leaders around the world.
The program is already serving leaders across multiple nations. Now enrollment is open for the next National Cohort for youth pastors, volunteers, educators, and emerging ministry leaders.
Free NextGen Webinar
Shepherding an Anxious Generation.
Join Drs. Tim and Zach Clinton for a timely conversation about the mental health challenges facing today's students and how ministry leaders can respond with wisdom, compassion, and biblical hope.
Dr. Tim Clinton
Dr. Zach Clinton
With Drs. Tim & Zach Clinton
Shepherding an Anxious Generation
Students are growing up in a culture marked by anxiety, uncertainty, pressure, and unprecedented mental health challenges. Join Tim and Zach Clinton for a practical conversation about what today's students are facing and how pastors, youth leaders, educators, and other trusted adults can come alongside them with biblical truth, meaningful connection, and hope.
Register for Free ↗Program Overview
More than another event. A year of formation.
Designed for youth pastors, youth volunteers, ministry staff, educators, and emerging leaders who want to reach and disciple the next generation with biblical conviction and practical wisdom.
Seven practical courses
A structured path through student ministry, leadership, discipleship, communication, culture, apologetics, and the future of ministry.
Monthly professional development
Regular guidance from Dr. Jonathan Denton and experienced leaders who understand the real pressures of student ministry.
Cohort community
Learn beside leaders who carry the same burden for students, families, churches, and communities.
A ministry plan you can use
Build a plan shaped by Scripture, practical strategy, and the needs of the students God has entrusted to your care.
Hear From the Program Director
Meet the program director guiding your development through the year.
Dr. Jonathan Denton guides leaders through the training experience with practical insight, ministry experience, and a deep commitment to forming Christian leaders for the next generation.
Built for the Work You Actually Do
Formation that meets the real world of youth ministry.
Training you can bring back
Use what you learn in your next volunteer meeting, teaching plan, parent conversation, or ministry strategy session.
Professional development for the work ahead
Work through real ministry questions with leaders who understand the calling, pressure, and privilege of serving students.
A cohort that reminds you you're not alone
Grow beside leaders who can sharpen your thinking, encourage your calling, and celebrate progress with you.
Theology-informed and ministry-minded
Hold biblical conviction and practical leadership together so strategy serves discipleship, not the other way around.
How the Year Works
A guided rhythm from learning to ministry practice.
Choose each step to see how the program moves you from biblical foundations to a ministry plan you can lead with confidence.
Learn
Start with clear, theologically grounded teaching.
Work through focused course content created for leaders serving students and the next generation.
Course Schedule
Seven courses. One guided year of ministry formation.
Move from a strong foundation to a practical next-step plan. Scroll or use the arrows to explore the full journey.
The Great Foundation
Begin with the biblical and theological foundation that gives every ministry strategy its purpose.
FoundationCrafting Your Ministry Future
Clarify where your ministry is going and build a faithful, practical path forward.
VisionAuthentic Leadership
Lead from character, self-awareness, and a calling rooted more deeply than a platform.
LeadershipShepherding in an AI World
Help students navigate technology, identity, formation, and faith with wisdom.
CultureCompelling Preaching and Teaching
Communicate Scripture with clarity, imagination, and faithfulness to today's students.
CommunicationApologetics and Cultural Engagement
Equip students to understand their faith and engage difficult questions with conviction and grace.
ApologeticsThe Future of Your Ministry: Your Move
Bring the year together in a ministry plan built for your church, students, and community.
ActionProgram Cost
One year of focused investment in the ministry God has entrusted to you.
The full program is $1,200 per leader and includes seven practical courses, year-long formation, professional development, cohort community, and a certificate from the Strack Center for Global Leadership and Ministry at Charleston Southern University.
- Seven practical ministry courses
- Professional development and cohort-based formation
- A ministry plan you can carry home
- Certificate upon completion
National Cohort · January 11, 2027
Save $250. Pay $950 with code LEAD250.
Your Certificate
Serious ministry training without stepping away from your calling.
The certificate is issued by the Strack Center for Global Leadership and Ministry at Charleston Southern University. This is not an accredited degree program; it is designed for leaders who want substantial ministry training without enrolling as a part-time or full-time student.
If you later want to pursue a degree, the Program Director can walk you through the next steps after completion and help you explore how the program may give you a head start toward a degree pathway, subject to university admissions and academic policies.
Meet Our Team
Experienced leaders. A shared burden for the next generation.
Dr. Jay Strack
For decades, Dr. Jay Strack has equipped students, pastors, and ministry leaders to lead with conviction and reach the next generation.
Dr. Jonathan Denton
Dr. Denton guides the cohort experience with practical ministry leadership, focused professional development, and a commitment to forming faithful leaders.
Bring the Program to Your Network
Start a cohort for your church or organization.
Churches, schools, ministry networks, and organizations can create a dedicated cohort and form leaders together.
Contact Dr. Jonathan DentonFrequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for your next step.
Still deciding whether this cohort is right for you or your ministry? Start here.
Ask a Different Question →Who is this program designed for?
This program is designed for youth pastors, youth volunteers, student ministry leaders, ministry staff, educators, and emerging Christian leaders who want to strengthen their ability to reach and disciple the next generation.
Who issues the certificate?
The certificate is issued from the Strack Center for Global Leadership and Ministry at Charleston Southern University. This is not an accredited degree program, but it is a strong option for leaders who want serious ministry training without enrolling as a part-time or full-time student. After completion, the Program Director can help leaders interested in becoming degree-seeking students explore possible next steps.
When can I enroll?
Enrollment is now open for the next National Cohort, which starts January 11th, 2027.
How much does the program cost?
The program is $1,200 per leader for the full year. Use code LEAD250 at checkout to save $250, bringing your tuition to $950.
What is included in the program?
The program includes seven practical ministry courses, a year-long learning experience, professional development, cohort-based formation, and training designed to help leaders build a ministry plan they can carry back to their church, students, and community.
Is this only for paid youth pastors?
No. This program can serve paid youth pastors, volunteer youth leaders, church staff, ministry interns, teachers, and leaders who carry a burden for students and want to grow in biblical conviction and practical ministry leadership.
Can my church or organization start its own cohort?
Yes. Churches, schools, ministry networks, and organizations interested in starting a dedicated cohort can contact Dr. Jonathan Denton at [email protected].
How do I enroll?
Choose "Join the National Cohort" in the Program Cost section and enter LEAD250 at checkout to save $250. The next National Cohort starts January 11th, 2027.
National Cohort Enrollment Is Now Open
Become a stronger leader for the students God has entrusted to you.
Join the next National Cohort, starting January 11th, 2027, and save $250 with code LEAD250.