School of Diplomatic Leadership

Academic Research Council

A structured council project for developing a rigorous body of work in the theological perspectives, principles, and practices of the Kingdom of God—and advancing the scholarly field of Theological Diplomacy.

The Scholarly Mandate

Research that becomes a disciplined body of work.

The Academic Research Council is designed to convene seven to twelve experienced academic and faith leaders for a collaborative cycle of research, critical dialogue, documentation, peer review, publication, and public engagement.

Its work is not limited to collecting information. Council members examine Scripture, test theological claims, identify coherent principles, develop responsible practices, and communicate their findings in forms suitable for academic, ecclesial, and public audiences.

7–12Council Members

12Core Research Months

8Dissemination Months

Main Areas of Focus

Perspective. Principle. Practice.

Each area answers a different scholarly question while contributing to one coherent account of the Kingdom of God.

01

Theological Perspectives

Research the Kingdom of God canonically and examine how Scripture presents its nature, purpose, government, and fulfillment.

02

Theological Principles

Identify coherent principles of the Kingdom of God capable of shaping an accountable belief system.

03

Theological Practices

Translate perspectives and principles into daily practices for leadership, diplomacy, formation, and public witness.

Council Composition

Experience joined to humility, rigor, and communication.

The council is intentionally small enough for serious exchange and broad enough for interdisciplinary insight.

  1. 01

    A genuine interest in learning and teaching about the Kingdom of God.

  2. 02

    At least ten years of relevant experience in academia and/or faith leadership, especially pastoral leadership.

  3. 03

    A willingness to conduct objective research that leads to informed, supportable conclusions.

  4. 04

    Proficiency in oral, written, and technical communication for articles, books, presentations, video, audio, and related media.

Core Research Cycle

Six phases from formation to dissemination.

The framework establishes a twelve-month core cycle, followed by extended publication, public presentation, engagement, reflection, and archival work. Dates may be adapted for each appointed council cohort.

01Months 1–2

Formation & Orientation

Invite qualified members, establish goals, define roles, set ground rules, confirm research questions, and create the shared working environment.

02Months 3–4

Individual Research

Conduct objective, in-depth research; document sources and findings; and report progress against agreed milestones.

03Months 5–6

Collaborative Work

Present preliminary findings, test assumptions, identify shared themes and disagreements, and pursue interdisciplinary connections.

04Months 7–8

Creation & Documentation

Develop articles, academic papers, book chapters, presentations, audio, video, and other scholarly materials.

05Months 9–10

Peer Review & Revision

Apply constructive review, strengthen clarity and coherence, verify citations, and revise work to meet the council’s standards.

06Months 11–12

Finalization & Dissemination

Complete quality assurance, prepare publication and presentation materials, identify audiences, and establish a release strategy.

Academic Standards

Clarity, evidence, respectful critique, and accountable publication.

01Objective ResearchClaims are examined through Scripture, relevant scholarship, documented sources, and clear reasoning.

02Collaborative InquiryMembers share findings, identify intersections, surface disagreements, and challenge assumptions respectfully.

03Peer ReviewWritten and multimedia work receives specific, constructive review before revision and release.

04Quality AssuranceCitations, references, attribution, accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with project objectives are verified.

Council Outcomes

Scholarship prepared for meaningful dissemination.

01

Scholarly Writing

Articles, academic papers, research reports, book chapters, and an integrated body of work.

02

Public Scholarship

Lectures, seminars, webinars, workshops, and moderated conversations with faith and academic communities.

03

Digital Media

Recorded presentations, audio teaching, video, study resources, and an accessible digital repository.

04

Doctoral Foundation

A rigorously documented body of work supporting further development in Theological Diplomacy.

Doctor of Theological Diplomacy

The Doctor of Theological Diplomacy is offered through the School of Diplomatic Leadership. The Academic Research Council supports the development, documentation, peer review, and dissemination of advanced scholarship in the field. Admission and completion requirements are governed by current official academic documents.

Academic Council Inquiry

Request the current project framework.

Inquire about council formation, current research priorities, participation criteria, meeting schedule, and institutional expectations.