Structured Research Development for Leaders, Practitioners, and Scholars
The Research Writing Training Series (RWTS) is a structured, high-rigor course sequence within the Lightstand Project’s Community Engagement Program (CEP) designed for individuals who are ready to move from introductory research exposure into disciplined research development.
It is distinct from the Community-Engaged Scholars Program (CESP).
- CEP courses build skill, competency, and research formation.
- CESP serves individuals pursuing formal scholar pathways and extended scholarly development.
Current tuition or fee structure will be listed at the time of enrollment. (If the course is offered free during a pilot or scholarship period, that status will be clearly stated.)
Is the Research Writing Training Series For You?
RWTS is designed for individuals who:
- Have completed Orientation and are ready for disciplined advancement – Completion of Introduction to Research Writing (Orientation) is required before enrollment in the Research Writing Training Series. The orientation establishes foundational concepts, vocabulary, and expectations. RWTS assumes those foundations and builds forward with increased rigor, structure, and accountability. If you have not completed Orientation, begin here.
- Serve within churches, nonprofits, or faith-based organizations and seek research competency grounded in real-world leadership
- Are considering graduate-level study and want structured preparation
- Desire to publish, contribute to scholarly conversations, or develop formal research projects
- Understand that research writing requires sustained effort, revision, and intellectual humility
What makes the research writing training series distinct? | Why Research Writing Matters in Community Contexts? |
Program Rigor & Expectations
Participants should expect:
- Regular writing assignments
- Structured revision cycles
- Feedback integration
- Clear formatting and citation standards
- Time commitment beyond passive reading – participants should anticipate consistent weekly engagement, independent reading and drafting, and careful editing and resubmission.
The Pathway
Step 1: Complete Introduction to Research Writing (Orientation)
Step 2: Enroll in Research Writing Training Series (RWTS)
- Enrollment opens periodically based on cohort capacity.
- Because of the structured nature of the course, seats are limited.
- If you have completed Orientation and are ready for disciplined research development, you are invited to apply.
Step 3: Continue into advanced CEP training or explore CESP pathways (as appropriate)
[Complete Orientation]
[Apply for RWTS]
Research writing is not reserved for academic institutions alone. It is a tool for leaders who take their work seriously. If you are ready to write with clarity, structure, and intellectual responsibility, the Research Writing Training Series exists to help you do that work well.
