The Doctor of Ministry is a professional doctoral degree designed for experienced ministry practitioners seeking advanced competencies in leadership, biblical interpretation, and spiritual formation. This 40-credit hour program builds upon the foundational knowledge of the Master of Divinity and equips graduates to serve with excellence in various ministerial contexts. The program emphasizes scholarly research, practical application, and spiritual renewal to foster transformative leadership in the local church and beyond.
Aim of the Program
The aim of the D.Min. program is to enhance leadership and ministry effectiveness. Foster deeper theological reflection and integration. Equip leaders with research and practical skills to address contemporary ministry challenges. Promote spiritual growth and personal renewal.
Prerequisite Requirements
Standard Admission
Master’s degree from a recognized accredited institution.
Only “B” or above work will be accepted into the program.
References and academic transcripts.
Written statement of purpose.
For Applicants with a Secular Master’s and Some Christian Training
Such applicants must complete Leveling/Prerequisite Coursework (24 credit hours) to reach the equivalent of a master’s in biblical studies. These courses ensure a solid foundation in biblical, theological, and ministerial studies.
Prerequisite Coursework (24 Credit Hours)
Each course is 4 credit hours, 8 weeks in length.
Prerequisite Courses
BIB 111 Old Testament Survey
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Old Testament, exploring its historical context, literary structure, and theological significance. By studying the Old Testament from a biblical apostolic perspective, students will gain a deeper understanding of God’s revelation and his redemptive plan for humanity. Textbook: “Old Testament Survey: Second Edition” by Paul R. House. (4 credit hours).
BIB 114 New Testament Survey
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the New Testament, examining its historical context, literary structure, and theological significance from a biblical apostolic perspective. Through this study, students will gain a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the development of the early church, and the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. Textbook: “New Testament Survey” by Merrill C. Tenney. (4 credit hours)
MST 511 Systematic Theology
This course offers a thorough overview of the major doctrines of the Christian faith. This course will explore key theological concepts, such as the nature of God, the work of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit, while encouraging critical engagement with scripture and historical perspectives. Through systematic study, students will develop a coherent understanding of theology that informs their faith and practice, preparing them for thoughtful leadership in the church and beyond. Textbook: “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem. (4 credit hours)
MCH 591 Church History
This course will provide an overview of significant events, movements, and figures throughout church history, fostering an understanding of how historical developments influence contemporary faith. Students will gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of the church, preparing them to navigate the complexities of modern Christian practice with historical awareness. Textbook: “Church History in Plain Language” by Bruce L. Shelley (4 credit hours)
MBH 600 Biblical Hermeneutics
This course is a thorough framework for understanding the principles and practices of interpreting biblical texts. This course will equip students with the essential skills for hermeneutical analysis, emphasizing the significance of context, language, and genre in scripture interpretation. Students will learn to navigate the complexities of biblical texts, enabling them to communicate their meanings effectively within various ministry contexts. Textbook: “Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Guide to Interpreting Scripture” by Bruce Corcoran. (4 credit hours)
MCE 581 Christian Ethics
This course will explore moral principles and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of glorifying God in ethical decision-making. Through engaging with case studies and scriptural teachings, students will learn to apply ethical principles to contemporary issues, equipping them to serve as moral leaders within their churches and communities. Textbook: “A God To Glorify” by Michael Mangum. (4 credit hours)
BAP 200 Advanced Pneumatology
In this course, we will explore the person, work, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit from a biblical apostolic perspective. Building upon foundational knowledge of pneumatology, we will delve deeper into the complexities and nuances of the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of the believer and the Church. Textbooks: “God’s Giftings To The Church” and “Spiritual Gifts” by Michael Mangum. (4 credit hours)
MHP 620 Homiletics (Preaching)
This course provides essential guidance for developing and delivering effective sermons rooted in scripture. This course will focus on the principles of expository preaching, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and clear communication. By engaging with Robinson’s methodologies, students will enhance their preaching skills, equipping them to communicate God’s word powerfully and persuasively in their ministries. Textbook: “Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages” by Haddon W. Robinson. (4 credit hours)
Doctor of Ministry Curriculum (40 Credit Hours)
Each course is 4 credit hours, 8 weeks in length.
Typical duration: 3 years part time (including Dissertation)
Core Courses
ABL 500 Advanced Biblical Leadership
ABL 500 Advanced Biblical Leadership is a doctoral-level course that explores spiritual leadership through the lens of Scripture. Focusing on God-centered leadership rather than human techniques, this course emphasizes intimacy with God, dependence on the Holy Spirit, godly character, and obedient service. Designed for experienced ministry leaders, this course will challenge you to move beyond leadership techniques to a God-centered, transformative approach to leading. Students will critically engage key themes—such as discerning God’s voice, leading as servants, and guiding God’s people through change—and will apply these principles to their own ministry contexts to refine a thoroughly biblical philosophy and practice of leadership. Textbook: Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby & Richard Blackaby.
CIM 505 Contemporary Issues in Ministry
This course invites students to explore the evolving landscape of church life, leadership, and mission in today’s culture, emphasizing how congregations can become missional, spiritually healthy, and deeply impactful in their communities through practical, transformative ministry strategies. Textbook: “Transformational Church” by Stetzer & Rainer.
AHE 510 Advanced Hermeneutics & Exegesis
This course equips students to interpret Scripture with scholarly rigor and spiritual discernment, guiding them through advanced principles of meaning, context, and application to develop responsible exegesis that informs faithful preaching, teaching, and ministry practice. Textbook: The Hermeneutical Spiral, 2nd ed. by Grant Osborne.
TRCT 515 Theological Reflection and Practice Contextual Theology and Culture
This course invites students to engage theological reflection at the intersections of faith, culture, and context, exploring how cultural insight, mission-minded discernment, and robust theological method shape practices of ministry, justice, and contextual proclamation in diverse communities. Textbook: Models of Contextual Theology by Stephen Bevans.
SFR 520 Spiritual Formation & Personal Renewal
This course invites students into a transformative journey of intentional spiritual growth, practicing disciplined rhythms that cultivate deeper intimacy with God, healthier personal formation, and renewed capacities for ministry, service, and missional living through reflective prayer, community, and sustained spiritual disciplines. Textbook: Celebration of Discipline, Updated by Richard J. Foster.
PCA 525 Pastoral Care and Counseling in Advanced Ministry
This course equips students to thoughtfully integrate pastoral care and counseling into advanced ministry contexts, addressing relational spiritual formation, ethical practice, and evidence-based approaches to support individuals, families, and communities with compassionate, clinically informed, and theologically grounded care. Textbook: The Practice of Pastoral Care, 3rd ed. by Carrie Doehring.
MICM 530 Ministry Innovation & Change Management
This course equips students to lead transformative change in ministry settings by applying adaptive leadership concepts, navigating uncertainty, and fostering innovative strategies that honor core mission while engaging diverse stakeholders, teams, and communities through practical, ethical, and sustainable change initiatives. Textbook: Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald A. Heifetz.
Dissertation Proposal Seminar: Developed and approved during the seminar.
Guided development of the dissertation topic, research questions, literature review, and methodology. Textbook: Quality Research Papers by Nancy J. Vyhmeister.
Only “A” coursework will be accepted for graduation.
Dissertation (minimum 200 pages), 60,000 words
An oral defense of the dissertation
Publication Encouraged: Students are encouraged to publish their research in scholarly or professional journals.