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Overview of Doctor of Ministry Programs

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree is an advanced professional doctorate degree in ministry. The purpose of this program of study is to equip persons who are committed to a Christian vocation for a high level of excellence in the practice of ministry.

The distinctive features of the Doctor of Ministry degree program include:

• Participation in interdisciplinary academic seminars
• Practical application of classroom learning to the student’s ministry setting
• A written research project or thesis that is related to the student’s ministry setting
• An oral defense of the written project

In the School of Church Ministries the D.Min. degree is offered in two functional concentrations:

• Family Ministry
• Leadership
• Christian Worship

Registration

Students accepted into the Doctor of Ministry program must register for their first seminar no later than two years after acceptance to the program. After initial registration, a student is expected to register for seminars every term and for Applied Ministry Experience or Ministry Research Project writing every semester.

Unforeseen circumstances do at times require that students temporarily halt their studies. Any interruptions in study, however, are strongly discouraged for the following reasons. First, students who interrupt their studies must recognize that faculty supervision may be affected by prolonged interruptions. As a result, the student may not be readmitted back into the program unless alternate and acceptable departmental supervision can be arranged. Second, programs with a group experience are disrupted and progress toward graduation is delayed.

Students who must take time off from the program of study must request permission for “Continuing Enrollment Status” from the Director of Professional Doctoral Studies at least one month prior to the first day of classes in the semester. Students are allowed a maximum of two semesters of Continuing Enrollment.

Length of Time Allowed

Students in the program are expected to pursue their degree concurrentl with full-time vocational involvement in ministry. Students should allow at least three years of study to complete their program. Students should take no more than four years to finish their degree. If a student officially takes time off from the program, that absence does not count toward the four-year limit. Students who take longer than four years will be assessed an additional fee for each semester of extension beyond the four-year limit. Under no circumstances shall a student extend the time of completion beyond six years.

Minimum Grade Point

For each individual component of the program, a student must receive a minimum grade of “B-” (2.7 on a 4.0 scale). If a student receives a grade that is lower than a “B-” on any individual component, that component must be repeated. Furthermore, that student is placed on probation. If a student receives two successive grades that are lower than a “B-”, the student will be terminated from the program.

Attendance

Because the foundational seminars are accelerated, attendance is required at every session for the entire duration of these seminars. Absence from any portion of any foundational seminar will necessitate retaking that seminar. Class participation will affect the student’s final grade.

Assignments

The accelerated plan for foundational seminars and applied ministry experience mandates that all assignments be completed on time, including reading and book critiques that are to be done before the seminar and any papers that are to be done after the seminar. Faculty will work with students to maintain a submission schedule for all assignments.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding and integration of ministry into various theological disciplines.
• Students will be able to demonstrate applied knowledge & skills pertinent to his/her vocational ministry.
• Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to use standard research tools and methods in the chosen field of study.
• Students will be able to research, plan, and implement a project relevant to his/her vocational ministry and to communicate the plan and its results effectively.
• Students will be able to contribute to the understanding and practice of ministry through the completion of a written project report suitable for inclusion in the seminary library.