Doctor of Ministry-Family Ministry

Curriculum Plan

The program of study consists of four areas:

•Foundational seminars: 16 hours

•Applied ministry experience: 8 hours

•Project methodology: 2 hours

•Ministry research project: 6 hours

Total D.Min. credit hours: 32

Foundational Seminars

Four on-campus foundational seminars, for a total of 16 credit hours, are required:

• 80823 Models of Student and Family Ministry 4

• 80821 Christian Formation of Children and Adolescents 4

• 80822 Issues in Student and Family Ministry 4

• 80554 Marriage and Family Counseling 4

These seminars are not taken concurrently and may be taken in one of two ways. A student can enroll in the seminars when they are offered on the Louisville campus. Each seminar meets for five days (Monday through Friday all day and in the evenings) during a winter or summer term. A student also can enroll in the seminars when they are offered at selected extension sites.

Prior to the time the seminar meets, students are required to complete a significant amount of work (such as reading a minimum of 2500 pages plus completing written assignments). After attending the seminar, students are to write a reflection paper.

Applied Ministry Experience

Because this degree is a professional degree, it is expected that students will incorporate classroom material into their ministry setting. Through Applied Ministry Experience, students can develop higher competence and can increase skills in the performance of ministry. Students are to complete the following courses, each of which corresponds to a specific foundational seminar:

• 80834 Applied Ministry Experience – Family Ministry I 2

• 80834 Applied Ministry Experience – Family Ministry II 2

• 80834 Applied Ministry Experience – Family Ministry III 2

• 80834 Applied Ministry Experience – Family Ministry IV 2

Each course requires one or more projects or assignments related directly to course material covered in the foundational seminar that accompanies it. The projects accomplish two purposes:

• to reinforce, expand, and provide a practical experience relative to the seminar content

• to assist the student in preparing for the research project that will culminate the student’s degree program

Project Methodology

Students are required to complete one project methodology course for a total of 2 credit hours:

• 80600 Project Methodology 2

Course 80600 is attached to the third foundational seminar. The project methodology course is held during a three-day period of time and provides preparation for the research project.

Ministry Research Project

The ministry research project (course 80700) is the culmination of the program of study. Through a written report of 100-125 (+/–10%) pages, the student has the opportunity to apply professional knowledge and documented research into the context of ministry. The entire project is supervised by a committee comprised of the faculty supervisor and the professor who taught course 80600. Prior to beginning the ministry research project, the student must secure approval of a proposal. To secure approval, the student must submit a project prospectus to the two-person committee mentioned above. Once this committee approves the prospectus, the Director of Professional Doctoral Studies will recommend the prospectus to the Associate Vice President for Doctoral Studies for recommendation to the faculty for final approval. Once the prospectus is approved, the student engages in simultaneous research and practice to conduct the project. The results of the project are compiled in written form per specific guidelines. After the project paper has been written, the student must successfully defend the project in an oral exam before a committee of two persons. This committee includes the faculty supervisor and the professor of the project methodology course or a second professor selected by the Director of Professional Doctoral Studies.

Communities of Learning

Students are part of a community of learning that helps to foster collegiality and facilitate an open and effective learning atmosphere.

Faculty Supervision

Upon acceptance into the program, a student becomes part of a community of learning and is assigned a faculty supervisor who will guide the student through out the program of study.