LAUNCHING THIS SUMMER 2025

NEXT Strategist Certification

Perfect for church leaders ready to lead strategic change

Every pastor knows this moment…

You’re sitting in your office, vision burning in your heart, but the path forward isn’t clear. The gap between Sunday’s sermon and Monday’s reality feels wider than ever. Your volunteer teams need direction. Your programs need alignment. Your resources need optimization. Your leadership needs multiplication

And those “church growth” books on your shelf? They’re either too theoretical or designed for churches 10 times your size.

What if you could provide a clear, proven path to help turn their God-given vision into reality?

The NEXT Difference

A Clear Pathway from Vision to Impact

NEXT Strategists help churches turn vision into reality through personalized strategy, measurable outcomes, and actionable steps. Our proven method empowers you to assess, analyze, and activate strategic plans tailored to each church’s unique context. NEXT Strategists don’t just identify problems—they create customized roadmaps that lead churches step-by-step toward their God-given potential.

  • Conduct assessments
  • Create strategic briefs
  • Help guide leaders
  • Provide strategic solutions
  • Build new relationships
  • Join an exclusive network

Become a Certified NEXT Strategist

Learn how to guide churches from uncertainty to clear direction. NEXT Strategists are trained to gather and analyze critical ministry data, then transform those insights into actionable strategies that produce measurable results.

Your Path to Certification

Data Collection Mastery

Complete our comprehensive video curriculum at your own pace, learning the three-pillar assessment methodology that forms the foundation of effective church analysis and strategic planning.

Strategic Analysis

Work through the specialized assessment workbook, applying analytical frameworks to identify growth opportunities and develop data-driven recommendations for church revitalization.

Implementation Planning

Participate in three virtual strategic planning sessions led by experienced NEXT strategists, where you'll develop skills to transform data into actionable ministry roadmaps through real-world case studies.

Strategic Brief Creation

Translate complex data into a clear, actionable 16-page strategic brief tailored to each church's unique situation. Upon approval, receive your official NEXT Strategist credentials.

Why get Certified?

Navigate Churches to Their NEXT Level

  • Help church leaders see their current reality
  • Energize leaders with growth opportunities
  • Provide step-by-step implementation
  • Help create measurable milestones
  • Provide a roadmap for sustainable ministry
  • Tap into flexible consulting opportunities that generate additional income

Key Questions Answered

We’ve compiled answers to questions that matter most to future certification candidates.

The program is self-paced, allowing you to progress according to your schedule. Most participants complete their certification within 8-12 weeks.

You’ll have access to five interactive group training sessions, comprehensive workbook materials, twelve instructional videos, and ongoing support from experienced NEXT instructors.

While ministry experience adds valuable perspective to your strategic consultations, the NEXT Strategist certification is accessible to ministry leaders at various stages. Seasoned veterans will find their years of wisdom enhance their ability to interpret assessment data, while motivated leaders with less experience can still master our proven methodology. What matters most is your commitment to helping churches transform vision into measurable impact through data-driven strategies.

Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to consult with churches, conduct revitalization assessments, lead renewal workshops, and provide specialized guidance to congregations seeking transformation. This certification opens doors to both volunteer and paid consulting opportunities.

Begin Your NEXT Strategist Journey and take the first step toward becoming a certified strategic ministry consultant. Your enrollment gives you immediate access to our complete assessment toolkit, including data collection frameworks, strategic analysis tools, and implementation planning resources. Join a community of strategic advisors who are helping churches transform data into direction and vision into reality. Reserve your spot today and start your journey toward making a lasting impact through evidence-based church revitalization.

Note for Inaugural Class Participants:

The inaugural session of our NEXT Strategist Certified Training will be conducted live via Zoom and recorded as the instructor teaches. These recordings will be professionally edited and later added to our on-demand NEXT Strategist Video Course. As a member of the inaugural class, you will receive access to the full video series once production is complete—available through the AOCLI website.

Enrollment Options

AOCLI Member

$600
  • Twelve comprehensive videos featuring the NEXT Strategist methodology creator
  • Five strategic consultation sessions with certified NEXT instructors
  • Official NEXT Strategist assessment toolkit (digital)
  • The complete NEXT strategic analysis system and templates (digital)
  • Access to all NEXT Strategist marketing and presentation materials
  • The rights to deliver NEXT strategic assessments to churches

Standard Non-Member

$840
  • Twelve comprehensive videos featuring the NEXT Strategist methodology creator
  • Five strategic consultation sessions with certified NEXT instructors
  • Official NEXT Strategist assessment toolkit (digital)
  • The complete NEXT strategic analysis system and templates (digital)
  • Access to all NEXT Strategist marketing and presentation materials
  • The rights to deliver NEXT strategic assessments to churches