About Harris Institute
The World Is Our Classroom
At the Harris Institute, we believe that learning knows no borders. The world itself is our classroom—where we travel, teach, and learn together. Our mission is to explore the interconnection between theology and practice, nurturing leaders who embody education, service, and Christ-centered leadership.
We have established three initial Global Conceptual Centers as part of this vision:
- Oxford & Cambridge (college towns in the UK): Convening two Global Think Tanks that gather leaders and scholars to address pressing issues of faith, leadership, and the public square.
- Accra & Kumasi (urban cities in Ghana): Leading experiential learning journeys that foster cross-cultural understanding and youth empowerment—through museums, slave castles, village outreach, Ghanaian worship and traditional cuisine, drumming, and dance.
- Ruhija (highlands in Uganda): Supporting the Bakiga Tribe to provide primary and adult education, orphan care, medical assistance, sustainable farming practices, and business development.
These select destinations model the broad landscapes that make up the cities of the world. While they are the initial global centers, our vision is to establish more of them in various regions of the world, on all of the continents.
Through our global centers, we mentor teenage boys, cultivate a worldwide community of learners, and advance the mission of Christ through education, leadership, and service. We explore innovative ways to incorporate faith into public life, develop forward-thinking ministry paths, and support personal and spiritual growth. Our centers are dedicated to providing lifelong learning experiences that help individuals deepen their faith while excelling in knowledge, service, and leadership.
At Harris Institute, we believe that human flourishing extends beyond abstract philosophy or theology; it embodies the fundamental human desire to live well. This desire is holistic, beginning with deep reflection on the human experience—including community, culture, context, personal needs, desires, spiritual connections, and virtue-driven learning.
The pursuit of “the good life” is not merely a human need; it is a practical theological concern because living well is a lifelong journey that is God's idea. We discover the good life through prayer and community.
All of life and the world serve as classrooms, where we discover God, understand, and build meaningful connections with others. It is where we find opportunities to reach out to others through acts of kindness and for the sake of human progress.
Antipas, a young boy from Manchester, Georgia, faced learning challenges and a speech impediment but had big dreams of attending Ivy League schools, earning a PhD, and ultimately changing the world through education. He learned to read by reading missionary stories. As a boy, Antipas aspired to build schools and community centers to train future pastors. His dreams began to take shape when he graduated from Christian Way Academy, a small school associated with a rural church. He went on to enroll in LaGrange College, Emory University, Yale University, Boston University, and St. Thomas University. As a lifelong learner, Antipas discovered that education occurs both in the classroom and through exposure to the world and its diverse people. This realization led to his philosophy of education. In response to the Rev. John Wesley’s famous words, “The world is my parish,” Antipas responds, “Yes, indeed.” He adds, “Also, the world is my classroom.”
Harris Institute embraces the philosophy that “The world is my classroom.” We cultivate innovative leaders who will transform the church and the world through mentoring, travel seminars, global think tanks, and educational missions. By leveraging modern technology and our global network, we empower our participants for impactful leadership.
Harris Teen Forge is a mentoring group tailored for teenage boys. Meanwhile, the Oxford and Cambridge Colloquies bring together high-level leaders for important discussions, networking, workshops, seminars, and forums. Our virtual courses provide lifelong learning opportunities that enhance spiritual and theological growth, while our collaborative educational programs equip leaders for a global impact.
Through local events, global outreach, and virtual programs, we aim to inspire our mentees, resident delegates, and students to reach their full potential. Together, we engage in transformative service, critical learning, and visionary leadership, all driven by a commitment to Jesus and education as we work toward changing the world!
SERVICE - EDUCATION - LEADERSHIP - SERVICE - EDUCATION - LEADERSHIP
Introduction to Biblical Languages
This course provides a foundational introduction to the biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek, equipping students with essential tools for engaging with the Scriptures in their original languages. Designed for beginners, the course focuses on helping students become familiar with the languages and learn to use the dictionary to discover deeper meaning of the words. Students develop a basic understanding of key vocabulary and grammar to enhance biblical interpretation and deepen theological study.
Key Outcomes
- Acquire basic proficiency in biblical Hebrew and Greek vocabulary and grammar
- Gain confidence in using language resources for preaching, teaching, and personal study.
This course is ideal for seminarians, pastors, and anyone seeking to enrich their understanding of the Bible by exploring its original languages. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Greek is required.
Learning to Study the Bible
This course introduces students to the Inductive Bible Study method, an approach to Scripture that emphasizes observation, interpretation, and application. Designed to equip participants with the tools to engage deeply with the biblical text, this method fosters a direct, personal encounter with God’s Word while ensuring a contextually sound understanding.
Students learn to observe textual details, ask critical questions, interpret Scripture in its historical and literary context, and apply its timeless truths to contemporary life. The course integrates hands-on practice with guided instruction, enabling participants to develop confidence in studying the Bible independently and sharing insights with others.
Key Outcomes:
- Master the three steps of Inductive Bible Study: observation, interpretation, and application.
- Develop skills to identify key themes, literary structures, and cultural contexts.
- Cultivate a disciplined and prayerful approach to personal Bible study.
- Apply biblical insights to real-life situations.
This course is ideal for laypersons, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking a structured and transformative way to study the Bible. No prior experience with biblical study methods is required.
The Bible and Social Justice
This course explores the Bible as a foundational text for understanding and pursuing social justice. Through an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates theology, ethics, and history, students will examine biblical narratives, laws, and prophetic traditions that call for equity, liberation, and the flourishing of all people.
Key themes include justice in the Old Testament law and prophets, Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God, and the early church’s practices of community care and advocacy. The course will also consider how the Bible has been both a source of inspiration and contention in historical and contemporary justice movements.
Students engage in critical discussions, explore case studies, and develop strategies for applying biblical principles of justice to personal, communal, and societal contexts.
Key Outcomes:
Key Outcomes:
- Gain a biblical understanding of justice, mercy, and righteousness.
- Analyze how biblical texts have been used to address systemic injustices such as poverty, racism, and oppression.
- Reflect on the intersection of faith, activism, and social transformation.
- Develop practical ways to integrate biblical justice principles into ministry and advocacy.
This course is ideal for faith leaders, community advocates, students of theology, and anyone committed to living out their faith through the pursuit of justice and equity.