Dr. J. T. Harless

Professional life

Dr. J. T. Harless has been a pastor (ordained) for 20 plus years, is a former adjunct professor, a credentialed theologian, church leadership scholar, and certified life coach passionate about equipping the church and its leaders to integrate faith, wisdom, and practical strategies for transformational impact. He holds a PhD in Church Leadership, a DMIN in expository and evangelistic preaching and a ThM in Biblical Studies, with dual master’s degrees in Divinity (MDiv) and Religion in Church Ministries (MAR). This unique blend of advanced theological study and leadership training positions him as both a thought leader in Christian theology and a recognized authority in leadership development.

Dr. Harless has been called to and has dedicated his career to Christ and His church. He has done so first by providing messages from the Word of God to inspire others to come to faith and then to live in greater faith. He challenges the church to strike the water in their life and discover God still moves! Dr. Harless thrives in engaging others at men's retreats, youth camps, evangelistic and leadership conferences. He has spoken in crusades as far aways as Africa and India and coached or taught leaders from as far away as Australia. Secondly, and for the last decade, Dr. Harless has also emphasized empowering churches, pastors, ministry teams, and organizational leaders to navigate change, build healthy systems, revitalize, and lead with integrity. His certification as a professional life coach enhances his ability to help individuals and organizations unlock potential, clarify vision, and achieve sustainable growth. Whether preaching, teaching, writing, or coaching, Dr. Harless brings clarity, depth, and inspiration to those he serves.

Through his efforts, Dr. Harless tirelessly calls people to Christ and inspires believers to a greater, water striking faith. Dr. Harless also continues to bridge the gap between biblical truth and practical leadership, helping leaders not only succeed but also flourish in their calling with integrity.

Theologically Dr. Harless has been published in theological journals (Aletheias: Journal of Biblical Studies, Theology and Ministry/Journal of International Society of Christian Apologetics) and has presented at the Evangelical Theological Society. His published efforts focus on origins apologetics and evangelism.

You can check pastor Thad out in real time at Real Life Church (tab above), a inner city urban church, that Chases God, Lives Sent, and ministers as a body of Christ that is ethnically and socio-economically diverse to the glory of God!

Personal Life

Dr. Harless is a husband to his wonderful, change agent wife Rachel for over 20 years (who is a gifted SPED educator, women's communicator and praise singer). He has 3 children. His oldest is a freshman in college, he has another in middle school, and one in elementary school. Prayers are appreciated!

He is also a very former bodybuilder, strongman and competitive powerlifter who consistently injures himself believing that he is still in his mid-thirties. And no, his wife does not feel sorry for him when he injures himself.