Discern Next

A launchpad for exploring your next most faithful step

Our online course offerings are designed to provide young adults opportunities to discover vocational possibilities, explore discernment practices, and discern next steps toward their own sense of calling.

Courses

Doctoral

Discerning a Call to Doctoral Studies

Discerning a Call to Doctoral Studies

A four-week course for underrepresented and underserved individuals considering a Ph.D. in Religious/Theological Studies and related disciplines. Through discernment practices, a community of peers, inspiring storytelling, and many other resources, participants will have access to the support they need to explore what it takes to achieve a doctorate.

Course Type
Course StyleOnline, Self-Paced
Course Type
DurationFebruary 2026 - March 2026
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Discerning a Call to TheoEd Executive Leadership

Discerning a Call to TheoEd Executive Leadership

A four-week course for underrepresented and underserved Ph.D. students in their dissertation writing stage. Scholars will receive invaluable resources within a supportive community, engage in insightful discussions, and receive practical guidance and strategies for entering the academic job market and becoming competitive applicants.

Course Type
Course StyleOnline, Virtual Gatherings
Course Type
DurationJuly 2026 - August 2026
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Phinishing & Discerning Next Steps

Phinishing & Discerning Next Steps

A four-week course for underrepresented and underserved professors interested in Chief Academic Officer positions (V.P. of Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, Dean) or the President role at a theological school. Scholars and administrators in theological education will learn about the perspectives, approaches, and experiences of theological executives, and participate in a cohort of high-performing peers discerning a potential call to executive leadership.

Course Type
Course StyleOnline, Virtual Gatherings
Course Type
DurationJanuary 10 – APRIL 15, 2026
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Ministry Partner

Leading & Practicing Vocational Discernment

Leading & Practicing Vocational Discernment

A course that builds on The Art & Science of Vocational Discernment course and offers a seven-step approach and process to implementing the discernment disciplines. This course offers practices and activities to try in your context.

Course Type
Course StyleOnline
Course Type
DurationComing Spring 2026
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The Art & Science of Vocational Discernment

The Art & Science of Vocational Discernment

Description: A five-week course for ministry practitioners working with young adults. It explores six key disciplines of discernment, the science behind their efficacy, and how to use them with diverse groups of young adults. This course is a prerequisite to Leading & Practicing Vocational Discernment.

Course Type
Course StyleOnline
Course Type
DurationComing Spring 2026
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Young Adult

Discerning Pathways to Ministry

Discerning Pathways to Ministry

A six-week course to engage young adults in exploring ways to serve God and their communities through work in the church and the world. Participants will learn more about congregational ministry, chaplaincy, community organizing and activism, and social entrepreneurship, guided by small group leaders and their peers.

Course Type
Course StyleOnline
Course Type
DurationComing Fall 2026
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Discerning Purpose, Passion, and Call

Discerning Purpose, Passion, and Call

A self-led course that introduces learners to concepts of vocational discernment and leads them to find the Sound of the Genuine within themselves. This course will also be offered periodically in a webinar format for live engagement and is a prerequisite to the Discerning Pathways to Ministry Course.

Course Type
Course StyleOnline, Self-Led or Online, Live Webinar
Course Type
DurationComing Fall 2026
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January 10 – APRIL 15, 2026

Course Type
Course StyleOnline, Virtual Gatherings

Phinishing & Discerning Next Steps

A four-week course for underrepresented and underserved professors interested in Chief Academic Officer positions (V.P. of Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, Dean) or the President role at a theological school. Scholars and administrators in theological education will learn about the perspectives, approaches, and experiences of theological executives, and participate in a cohort of high-performing peers discerning a potential call to executive leadership.

Enroll
INSTRUCTORS

Coming Fall 2026

Course Type
Course StyleOnline

Discerning Pathways to Ministry

A six-week course to engage young adults in exploring ways to serve God and their communities through work in the church and the world. Participants will learn more about congregational ministry, chaplaincy, community organizing and activism, and social entrepreneurship, guided by small group leaders and their peers.

Enroll
INSTRUCTORS
Abigail Clauhs
Adam J. Copeland

Coming Spring 2026

Course Type
Course StyleOnline

The Art & Science of Vocational Discernment

Description: A five-week course for ministry practitioners working with young adults. It explores six key disciplines of discernment, the science behind their efficacy, and how to use them with diverse groups of young adults. This course is a prerequisite to Leading & Practicing Vocational Discernment.

Enroll
INSTRUCTORS
Abigail Clauhs
Adam J. Copeland