by Ava Swearingen, student writer
Harding School of Theology houses the graduate theological studies programs at Harding University. Here, church leaders and scholars fortify their faith and grow in their skills, becoming better able to guide disciples through God’s word. HST challenges its students to be active in ministry throughout their programs, bringing knowledge and experience into the real world. Those pursuing the Doctor of Ministry must defend a dissertation based on an active ministry project they are involved in. This April, the 2026 D.Min. cohort returned to campus to defend their dissertations.
At the edge of the North American continent, Jeffrey Smith is working to create connections for the Lord everywhere he goes. Based in Alaska, he serves the Anchorage Church of Christ as their young adult and family minister. Beyond this, his passion lies in statewide ministry.
Smith grew up in Alaska and moved back a few years ago to work with various congregations and leaderships in the state. There are around 20 Churches of Christ in the entire state, and Smith felt moved to foster connections and support between them.
In Alaska, the winters are dark, cold and lonely. That loneliness is amplified by the sheer size of the state. Battling the mental health challenges that come with this darkness is a vast undertaking for ministers in the aptly nicknamed Last Frontier. This is especially difficult when some congregations are hundreds of miles away from the support of neighboring Christians.
For Smith, it is necessary to shift from a survival attitude to a missional attitude in these times. He focuses on fellowship in the winter months, searching for resources to help preachers and elders do their work well and avoid burnout.
Smith feels the support of his broad Christian community through this endeavor. He is encouraged by the persevering relationship of Alaskan congregations, saying “...there's an intentional unity and connection between the congregations that I have not seen elsewhere. I am inspired by the rugged faith of many Christians up here who bear witness to the gospel in a challenging context.”
In his time at HST, Smith has grown in his own rugged faith, bringing fresh perspective back to his home ministry. Smith accredits this largely to the cohort model at HST and his well-qualified professors. Not only has he created lasting relationships with ministers who work in contexts very different from his own, but he has strengthened his love for the Lord, the church and his community.
This constantly nourished love is what allows Smith to tackle a seasonal ministry where every day is different from the last. When he shares memories of unpredictable moments, like the time he slept on a water ferry while traveling to visit the church in Kodiak, it is with a passionate spirit.
As he approached his dissertation defense this April, Smith had a rich story to tell about a people who would overcome anything to create warmth amongst the cold and preserve Christian fellowship with one another, all while reaching out to share with the expansive community they cherish.
For more information about Harding School of Theology, visit harding.edu/hst.
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