Doctor of Ministry

Objectives of the Doctor of Ministry Program

The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry program is to equip the student for the practice of ministry at a high level of professional competence. The program provides opportunities for advanced study in intensive seminars, courses, and field settings. It combines academic study and experiential learning under faculty and field supervision to integrate theology and practice. It is the goal of the Doctor of Ministry program that all students will successfully fulfill the following learner outcomes:

• Participate in an interactive peer learning community where experienced ministry practitioners engage each other and world-class scholars to address critical ministry issues.
• Display competence in biblical and theological reflection on ministry as well as reflection on personal, spiritual, and professional development.
• Identify the basic principles of Christian leadership with special application to Christian ministry in both the church and the community.
• Establish a growth initiative within their respective ministries that is biblically sound, measurable, and effective.
• Contribute to the Church and to the fulfillment of the Great Commission through research and practice.
• Complete training for a successful Ministry Project under the supervision of a supervisory committee.
• Complete a written Project Report that analyzes and researches an issue in the Great Commission and describes a ministry implemented to address the issue.

Admissions Requirement for the Doctor of Ministry Program

Students may seek admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program at anytime during the academic year. The on-campus intensive seminars will normally be taught in March and October. Application must be approved prior to the beginning of a seminar in order to participate in that course.

Admission Criteria

Graduates of accredited colleges and universities, who have also earned a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency or the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and have otherwise demonstrated aptitude for academic work on the doctoral level, may apply for admission to the program of studies leading to the Doctor of Ministry degree. A minimum cumulative master’s level grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for consideration for this program. Applicants with a lower grade point average may be admitted on academic probation if they successfully complete all other requirements including any additional required standardized testing and assignments as determined by the Dean.

The Doctor of Ministry Program is most effective when the students bring to it a period of experience in ministry that follows the attainment of the first professional degree. In most cases applicants must have three years of full-time post-Master of Divinity ministry experience prior to beginning the Doctor of Ministry Program and must be continuously engaged in some type of Christian ministry during enrollment.

The program of study required for the Doctor of Ministry degree will be no fewer than three academic years and no greater than six. Entering students must understand the high level of commitment that is expected and required to actively participate in this degree program year round for this period of time. Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is determined by an evaluation of the applicant’s academic ability and potential for excellence in ministry.

Cost

On-Campus courses are $300 per credit hour. Online courses are $360 per credit hour.

Year One: Two four-hour seminars, two two-hour applied ministry co-requisite courses (online)
Year Two: Repeat of Year One format, plus a 2 hour research process seminar
Year Three: Written Project, 6 hours