| The Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degree is an advanced professional degree designed to enable students to practice ministry at a high level of competency. Building on the general theological preparation of the Master of Divinity degree the program moves toward a concentration that combines theory and significant experience in ministry. The professional character of the degree prepares students for effective ministry rather than preparing for research and teaching vocations. Students in the DMIN program can choose from three different tracks: Pastoral, Missions, and Christian Education.
The program of study integrates the classical disciplines of biblical, historical, theological, social, and linguistic studies with those significant tasks of one involved in the practice of ministry. It assists those whose responsibilities range broadly in pastoral, missionary, Christian education, or administrative ministries by enhancing both competency and excellency in the practice of ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry program is expected to accomplish the following objectives:
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To help students develop a theology of ministry which is responsive to both the leadership of God and the needs of their church, missions context, or ministry |
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To satisfy the demand for continuing education in ministry |
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To renew the personal life of faith and servanthood of the participant |
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To stimulate continued growth in biblical and theological foundations |
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To develop skills that facilitate intellectual inquiry, creativity, and critical
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To enable the participant to communicate the truth of God's Word effectively and develop greater competency in the total practice of ministry |
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To enable those serving in mission ministries to gain competence in the practice of mission ministries and |
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To prepare students for excellence in ministry leadership in a complex and changing world |
MODIFIED COHORT SYSTEM OF STUDY
A cohort system of study operates on the principle that groups of people who share a common goal or experience are better able to learn and to finish a course of study within a defined period. Building on that principle, the system of study employed by the D. Min. Program at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary consists of a “modified cohort system” designed to take three years to finish, with a five-year maximum.
The modified cohort system will operate as follows: Prior to entry into the Program, every student must take Graduate Research & Writing (G. R. & W. offered in June). Upon satisfactory completion of the G. R. & W. course and all the prerequisites required for admission, the student will receive an acceptance letter and will begin seminar work in September of the same year. From that point on, the student will follow the prescribed curriculum according to one of three tracks, Pastoral Ministries, Missions: North American/International, or Christian Education.
Cohort System Advantages
By utilizing the modified cohort system various advantages accrue:
· Insures interaction with teachers from various fields of study. Each of the core courses are taught by a representative from each track of the D. Min Program.
· Allows for interaction between students in various fields of study (Core courses involve students from all three tracks).
· Serves to provide built in incentives for members to finish together.
· Promotes camaraderie and fellowship within the specialty cohort groups while still allowing for interaction with students in other tracks.
· Increased numbers in the seminars provides for a wider variety of inputs from the students enhancing the learning environment.
· Both on-campus and online offerings for the International Missions track provides flexibility and convenience for overseas students.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. Any exception must be approved by the Doctor of Ministry Committee.
Applicants must have completed the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Other two-year master's programs may be considered, but the applicant must complete the Master of Divinity required courses of the Seminary to enter the program. In such cases, the Seminary does not grant the Master of Divinity degree but establishes its equivalency. An applicant must have maintained an average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in his Master of Divinity work.
Applicants must have two years of ministry experience. Applicants with one year of full-time ministry after the Master of Divinity may request consideration if they have prior full-time ministry experience. Any exception must be approved by the Doctor of Ministry Committee.
An applicant must complete all procedures and requirements for approval by the Seminary's Doctor of Ministry Committee (see the Catalog for a full description of these procedures and requirements). Sixty days should be allowed for processing applications. Applicants will receive notice of approval from the Dean of the Doctor of Ministry Program.
Completion Requirements
The degree requires thirty-two semester hours of doctoral-level work above the Master of Divinity or its equivalent. The student must complete a two-hour Graduate Research and Writing seminar, six (6) four-semester-hour seminars plus the Major Ministry Project (six semester hours of credit). The The program is designed to be completed in three years with a five year maximum. Continuous enrollment is required.
The Major Ministry Project is a supervised project, which may be done in a local church or ministry setting, or it may be a research project. Details are provided in the Doctor of Ministry Handbook.
Upon the completion of all seminars, the student must take a comprehensive examination. The exam will cover each of the seminars taken (including reading, intensive session, and the post-seminar written project). In addition, after the submission and completion of the Major Ministry Project, the student must present and defend the project. They discuss inception, justification, development, implemention, evaluation, and impact of their project. The professional and creative presentation is considered a major component in the overall grade of the project.
For a complete description of all requirements, please see the Catalog.
Summary of Requirements
| Graduate Research and Writing |
2 Hours |
| Functional Major (six seminars) |
24 Hours |
| Major Project |
6 Hours |
| Total |
32 hours |
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