Harding School of Theology moves to Searcy, AR

Hannah Diles, Marketing Coordinator

GCS partners with Harding School of Theology to offer foreign students a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry while they minister in their own communities. This past year brought significant changes for both GCS and HST, including staff changes at GCS and HST’s relocation from Memphis, Tennessee, to Searcy, Arkansas, in August 2024.

HST, one of the first programs in Churches of Christ to offer graduate and doctoral programs, started as a Harding University program in 1952. It moved to Memphis in 1958 due to growth and remained there for 66 years before relocating to Searcy.

The heart of HST remains true to its motto, “Deeper Faith, Higher Standards.” The mission of HST is to build Christian leaders through immersive coursework and academic rigor. Through this extensive training, students are equipped to pour into their respective communities and beyond.

Dr. Monte Cox, dean of the College of Bible at Harding University, is eager to witness HST’s mission and Harding’s culture come together. “In the relocation, our commitment is to continue that same tradition of academic rigor,” says Cox. “That is what we are trying to inculcate in our students. We are hopeful that students will see that a graduate degree in theology is now more accessible and affordable.”

Dr. Peter Rice, the newly appointed dean, shares what HST offers to students now and in the future. “HST prepares students for ministry, which often takes the form of a concrete career: as congregational ministers, missionaries, chaplains, teachers, and other professionals,” says Rice. “We train students in practical skills like sermon delivery and also help hone them in less measurable but indispensable ways, like clear thinking and spiritual formation. The relocation of HST to Searcy has allowed us to provide more cost-effective theological education for more students, expanding our reach and reducing students' financial burden. I'm excited to be part of a talented, collaborative team that shares the common goal of preparing ministers for service.”

GCS is proud to continue to partner with HST. With lower tuition rates, GCS can provide more financial assistance to prospective students. The new GCS staff will support collaborative efforts with HST and embrace these changes with courage.