Doctor of Ministry

Equipping Pastoral Leaders with Spiritual Depth and Ministry Leadership
The program equips pastors and ministry leaders to deepen theological foundations and spiritual formation, strengthening pastoral care and leadership. Integrating theology and practice, it prepares students to respond to contemporary challenges and develop future Christian leaders.
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D.MIN. PROGRAM

Purpose

The Doctor of Ministry program provides opportunities for continuing education to current full-time ministers and professionals in related ministries, fostering spiritual maturity, strengthening theological foundations, and enhancing excellence in ministry.

Program Video

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry program, students will be able to:

1

Develop a biblically and theologically grounded framework for effective ministry in diverse contemporary contexts.

2

Design doctoral-level applied research in a chosen field of study.

3

Reflect on and evaluate personal life experiences to foster inner healing and growth, and develop a plan for lifelong learning and ongoing development.

4

Effectively manage and lead churches or Christian organizations.

5

Cultivate a global perspective and communicate the Christian faith across cultures and people groups.

6

Train other leaders to advance the ministries of local churches and organizations.

Admission Requirements

  1. Hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent degree from an ATS- or ATA-accredited institution, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B or 83.5–86.4%). Applicants whose GPA does not meet this requirement may provisionally take two courses; formal admission may be granted if the average grade for both courses is B or higher. Applicants holding a Master of Arts in Christian Studies or an equivalent degree must complete supplementary M.Div. credits or the degree. These supplementary credits must be completed before earning 18 doctoral credits.
  2. Demonstrate at least three years of effective full-time ministry following completion of the M.Div. Applicants with a Master of Arts in Christian Studies must have at least five years of effective full-time ministry experience. The Admissions Committee will holistically consider full-time ministry experience gained before completion of the M.Div. or another master’s degree (such as the Master of Arts in Christian Studies).
  3. Provide recommendations from at least two ministry colleagues (pastors, elders, or deacons).
  4. Demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing English.

Curriculum

Curriculum and Course Schedule

  1. Students must complete 34 credits, including 30 coursework credits and 4 dissertation credits.
  2. Courses fall into five categories: Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry (including leadership and expository preaching), Missiology, Counseling, and Other Studies. No more than five courses from any one category may count toward graduation.
  3. All courses are offered in one-week intensive formats. Each course carries three credits, with five hours of instruction per day.
  4. The D.Min. academic year consists of Spring (January 2 – April 20), Summer (May 1 – August 20), and Fall (September 1 – December 20) terms.
  5. Spring intensives: Four to six courses are offered on the main campus each January–February.
  6. Summer intensives: Six to eight courses are offered on the main campus each June.
  7. Fall intensives: Six to eight courses are offered on the main campus each September–October.
  8. A minimum enrollment of five students is required for a course to be offered.

Program Duration

Duration and Location of Study

  1. The program, including coursework and dissertation, requires a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years. Students may apply for a one-year extension. Exceptional cases are considered individually.
  2. Credits earned through off-campus instruction or transferred from another institution may not exceed two-fifths of graduation credits in either category; the combined total may not exceed one-half.
  3. All courses are taught at the Los Angeles main campus. Students are encouraged to attend in person, while synchronous online participation is also available. The dissertation may be completed off campus.

Required Courses

PTS815

Spiritual Formation of Believers in the Local Church

3

TSS848

Theology of Ministry

3

TSS870

Introduction to Doctor of Ministry Research

3

TSS871

Guided Writing of the D.Min. Dissertation Proposal

3

TSS872

Dissertation

4

Graduation Requirements

1

Complete 34 required credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B).

2

Complete the dissertation and pass the oral defense.

3

Complete all graduation clearance procedures.