Ministry, D.Min.

Purpose

The Doctor of Ministry degree provides the opportunity for advanced study in the areas of vocational and leadership formation and community building. Integrating theological reflection and ministerial practice with these areas of study, Christian leaders build their theological knowledge and gain skills to effectively engage in ministerial work in contexts of change and transition.

The goals of the degree are to (1) seek vocational depth and direction; (2) gain theological knowledge and understanding of vocational and leadership identity in tandem with developing skills for relevant practices of ministry that build communities in context; and (3) acquire knowledge, critical insights and skills to exercise leadership grounded in Christian vocation in contexts of transition and change within the Church and the community.

The D.Min. curriculum follows a cohort system for students. Cohorts will progress through 24 credit hours of courses that integrate the areas of Christian vocation, leadership, and community building. Students then work independently in the final six credit hours, preparing for and completing the writing project that brings the course work to bear on a specific practice of ministry.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate expertise in the theology of vocation, leadership and community building in the context of ministry.
2. Students will demonstrate superior ministerial skills in adaptive leadership and community building.
3. Students will integrate practice based on sound theological and contextual analysis.
4. Students will demonstrate professional integrity and ongoing growth.

Requirements for Admission

The professional nature of the D.Min. requires that students have leadership responsibilities in their ministry setting. Application deadline is March 15 for June admission to a cohort. Applicants wishing to enter the D.Min. program must have:

1. An Association of Theological Schools-approved M.Div. degree or equivalent with a cumulative GPA in the master’s-level program of at least 3.000 on a 4.000 scale (grade of B or 80). In cases of demonstrated extraordinary ability in the practice of ministry, applicants with a lower grade average may be considered for conditional admission with the requirement to complete the first term with a grade of B or better in order to be granted full admission and continuation in the program.
2. Significant experience and demonstrated competence in ministry and leadership, as attested by two references.
3. A minimum of three years of full-time experience following completion of the M.Div. degree (or its equivalent). Applicants who have demonstrated years of ministry or Christian leadership in a community or an organization before or while completing the M.Div. (or its equivalent) will also be considered.
4. The ability to reflect theologically and communicate effectively as reflected in a short essay addressing the theological meaning of vocation, leadership, and community building. The essay should include (a) a statement of objectives in pursuing the D.Min. degree, and (b) the anticipated contribution of the writing project to the applicant’s vocation, understanding of leadership and commitment to community building.

International applicants who hold a religious worker visa (R-1) may be considered for admission. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English with a minimum score of 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based TOEFL score. NOTE: No Perkins funded financial aid is available to international students.

Because the Doctor of Ministry is a degree given in the context of ministry, generally no transfer credit is accepted.

Requirements for Graduation

The D.Min program requires 30 credit hours including the completion of a writing project.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 is required for graduation.

The D.Min. degree is a 3 year program. Under extraordinary circumstances, a student may petition for a one year leave of absence. The director may approve a one year leave of absence, but such a leave is not guaranteed. During the writing of the thesis, a student may petition for an additional year to complete the thesis. The director may approve an additional year to complete the thesis, but such an extension is not guaranteed.