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.
Just outside Oklahoma City stands the Spencer Church of Christ. It is a small congregation, averaging 40 people in attendance on Sunday mornings. However, despite its size, this congregation makes significant contributions to its community. Leading this charge is their minister, Jerrard Davis.
Davis began his work with this church in 2017. Since then, he has seen his fair share of challenges. The city of Spencer has faced disinvestment and the struggles of marginalized schools. Within his congregation, Davis has experienced loss time and time again; this is a natural consequence of an aging body of believers. The church has lost 21 members during his time with them.
Though their communal grief has felt almost constant in the past nine years, there is a bright spot amidst it all. The congregation has grown increasingly closer in their bonds to each other, and they have been inspired to push themselves to stronger service toward bereaved families.
For Davis, it was vital that his intervention be focused on the members of his church, fortifying their faith in these dark times. By forming a strong and enduring foundation, these Christians are able to support each other and become pillars in their community.
“I aim to make an impact by discipling, equipping, empowering and faithfully proclaiming the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ,” Davis said. “Through these efforts, I hope to plant many seeds that will grow into a harvest of leaders, servants and faithful disciple-makers.”
As Davis approaches his ministry, he carries with him the lessons he has learned at HST. A highlight of this experience has been his cohort. This educational framework has allowed him to expand his perspective on ministry and leadership. His cohort and faculty not only support him in his academic studies but also remind him of the grace of God, which creates a path of enduring love and determination.
In reminiscing about his time at Harding, Davis says, “I chose HST to advance my education, grow my servant-leadership skills and enjoy the fellowship of God’s people. I want to stress that every child of God needs support, love and guidance. The HST program provides all three and more!”
He passes on this loving guidance to his own congregation and watches it blossom into spiritual works. Whether it be supporting the Roscoe Senior Living Center (developed by the congregation in the 1990s and serving as a place of peace for aging members), nurturing intergenerational relationships or actively participating in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Davis confidently leads his church family to God-centered self discovery.
With the compassion of the Lord pointed toward them, Davis knows there are no limits to the good this congregation can do.
For more information about the Harding School of Theology, visit harding.edu/hst.
Information for 
