D. James Kennedy Institute

OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION IS TO SUPPORT BIBLICALLY FAITHFUL, SPIRITUALLY VIBRANT, AND SUSTAINABLE PASTORS AND CONGREGATIONS.

―MORE INFORMATION REGARDING OUR MISSION―

Our Vision

“My mentor, D. James Kennedy, has left an enduring legacy of excellence in a host of disciplines: from personal evangelism to media outreach, from music, architecture, and literature to social reform and cultural engagement. He believed that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, and so he acted like it and lived like it. Remarkably, one of his deepest concerns was the education and training of pastor-scholars who would give their lives, as he did, to disciple the world for Christ. I am grateful to be a senior fellow with the D. James Kennedy Institute, grateful to be part of extending Dr. Kennedy’s legacy to a new generation. As the former president of Coral Ridge Ministries, I was shaped by Dr. Kennedy in more ways than I could ever enumerate. I yearn for others to drink deeply from that same well of refreshment. Now more than ever our young pastors need to marry scholarship with practical training, and our scholars need to learn how to use every means available to reach as many as possible with the Good News of the Gospel.” — Dr. George Grant, Senior Pastor, Parish Presbyterian Church, Franklin, TN; former president, Coral Ridge Ministries; board member, Faith for Living, Inc., and the D. James Kennedy Institute of Reformed Leadership.

The legacy of D J Kennedy and spirit of the DJKIRL is to be the incubator for producing the next generation of like-minded men: in short, “This ministry exists to shepherd the shepherds who will shepherd the flock with faithful, sustainable spiritual and vocational health.”

Erskine Theological Seminary is honored to be the host of the next generation of Dr. Kennedy’s impact and legacy.

Our Goal

The goal of the Institute is to produce well-rounded leaders with practical field knowledge and experience to augment their theological training.

FROM DR. MICHAEL MILTON

―THE PRESIDENT OF THE D. JAMES KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF REFORMED LEADERSHIP―

Dr. Kennedy was an incredible mentor. Dr. Kennedy once told me, “We must always aim to maximize and multiply every act of ministry—every sermon, every letter, every prayer, every visit— so that more people will hear the Gospel, more ministers will be trained, and all of this so that more souls will be gathered in heaven to give glory to God.” “Pastors must be trained for the high calling granted to them by Christ. We must prepare Christian shepherds for the dignity of the pulpit, the privilege of preaching, and the incomparable nobility inherent in being an Ambassador for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” The DJK Institute exists because of that vision. Mrs. Kennedy literally bequeathed that charge to me as we prayed in her living room about this Institute. The DJK Institute can never be separated from that legacy of training ministers who will train others to fulfill the Great Commission.

I pray that someone reading these words will contact us and join in a cohort. Invest the first year of your ministerial career in a residency that can bring a sustainable spiritual health to you, your family, and the church you serve, as well as the churches you will serve.

Live the legacy. Come and be a Kennedy Fellow. You will never regret time invested in your vocation for the glory of God and the greater advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

❝I AM GRATEFUL TO BE A SENIOR FELLOW WITH THE D. JAMES KENNEDY INSTITUTE, GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF EXTENDING DR. KENNEDY’S LEGACY TO A NEW GENERATION.❞

-Dr. George Grant, Senior Pastor, Parish Presbyterian Church, Franklin, TN-

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Michael A. Milton, PhD

FUNDING

Some initial funding will be provided from Erskine Theological Seminary (pending approval). Secondary sources may also include Presbyteries and individual churches. Funding sources will also include gifts, capital funds/endowment development, tuition, and general Synod support.

STAFFING

Staffing will initially be provided through the DJK Institute partnership under the direction of the Oversight Committee and the Council of Advisors. The Institute will operate from Due West, SC home of Erskine Theological Seminary. Dr. Milton will provide presidential guidance and oversight from his office in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Our adjunct faculty of Senior Fellows and Lecturers will contribute via our online learning management platform from around North America and the United Kingdom.

GOVERNANCE

The D. James Kennedy Institute of Reformed Leadership is an exclusive ministry of Erskine Theological Seminary by means of a Memorandum of Understanding between Erskine Theological Seminary and Faith for Living, Inc.

OVERSIGHT

Dr. Michael A. Milton, President, Provost of the Seminary, Erskine Theological Seminary
Dr. RJ Gore, Senior Fellow and Board member of Faith for Living, Dean of the Seminary Emeritus

The DJK Institute is guided by the support, wisdom, and vast collective experience of leading churchmen called the Advisory Council. Members of the Advisory Council include:

Dr. R.J. Gore, Dean, Professor of Theology, Erskine Theological Seminary; board member, Faith for Living, Inc., Senior Fellow, D. James Kennedy Institute

Mrs. Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy, emeritus (Daughter of Dr. and Mrs. D. James Kennedy)

Hon. Steve Maye, Moderator-retired, ARPC

Dr. Michael A. Milton, President, Provost of the Seminary, Erskine Theological Seminary

Dr. George Grant, Senior Minister, Parish Presbyterian Church (PCA), Franklin, TN; member, Board of Directors, Faith for Living, Inc, D. James Kennedy Ministries; Senior Fellow, D. James Kennedy Institute

Dr. James Carter, Executive Director, Presbyterian, and Reformed Commission on Chaplains

DELIVERY SYSTEM

The 12-month training and mentoring program is a multimodal design that incorporates both conceptual and tactile learning.

E-LEARNING LECTURES

In-depth teaching on the core competencies from leading pastoral practitioners provided via asynchronous delivery on our learning management system (LMS).

VERBATIM

Fellows create a carefully documented record of each month’s core competency area that is, then, used for discussion, theological reflection, and learning from senior fellows and supervisors.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS

Fellows bring their verbatim, readings, and reflections with them to think through a series of carefully crafted questions by supervisors, peers, and family members, respectively.

VIDEO TEACHING

Appropriate pre-produced video teaching segments. Learn conveniently with modern technology.

ONLINE DISCUSSION

Monthly online cohort discussions provide an opportunity to learn in community with other fellows. Competencies are shaped in community under the guidance of a senior fellow.

THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

Monthly, personal interaction with a senior fellow, like Dr. Milton, Dr. George Grant, or another qualified pastor-scholar.

FINAL PROJECT

Final project encompassing a pastoral response to a real-world church issue.

GRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE CREDIT

Erskine Theological Seminary (and others) evaluate your work and award credit for Master of Divinity (for a “fourth-year” of seminary) or for advanced academic or professional degrees (e.g., ThM, DMin.). Check with Erskine Seminary at https://seminary.erskine.edu or with your own school.

CONTACT FORM

Do you have questions regarding the D. James Kennedy Institute? We would be happy to help. Please contact us through the form provided below.

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