DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is the highest professional degree for those engaged in local church and parachurch ministries. The DMin is structured to improve the leadership qualities of a ministry leader while sharpening their discernment and focus within their area of ministry. Participants complete the STS Doctor of Ministry program in ministry rather than in residency and remain in their vocation–incorporating their studies immediately through our focused schedule. See a full description of this degree along with FAQs here. For questions and more information, contact the DMin program director, Dr. Andy Burggraff.
CREDIT HOURS
Unique Conentrations
CONCENTRATION CREDITS
YEARS TO COMPLETE
CORE CURRICULUM
Required in all Doctor of Ministry concentrations
| DM 808 | Doctoral Preparation | 0 |
| DM 802 | Ministry Leader as Theologian | 4 |
| DM 804 | Ministry Leader as Disciple | 4 |
| DM 812 | Ministry Leader as Communicator | 4 |
| DM 814 | Ministry Leader as Administrator | 4 |
| DM 880 | Dissertation Preparation | 3 |
| DM 885 | Dissertation Project I | 3 |
| DM 887 | Dissertation Project II | 3 |
| Total DMin Core Credits | 25 |
* Students can elect to take another course in their concentration rather than DM 881/882.
PROGRAM BY YEAR & SEMESTER
| FALL SEMESTER | SPRING SEMESTER | |
|---|---|---|
| YEAR 1 | Doctoral Preparation | *Ministry Leader as Communicator OR *Ministry Leader as Administator |
| *Ministry Leader as Theologian OR *Ministry Leader as Disciple |
||
| Concentration Course | Concentration Course | |
| YEAR 2 | *Ministry Leader as Theologian OR *Ministry Leader as Disciple | *Ministry Leader as Communicator OR *Ministry Leader as Administator |
| Concentration Course | Dissertation Preparation (offered in winter semester) | |
| YEAR 3 | Dissertation/Research Project I | Dissertation/Research Project II |
CONCENTRATIONS
Biblical Leadership
Biblical and Theological Studies
Biblical Exposition
Biblical Counseling
| The Biblical Leadership concentration is designed for leaders in nonprofit organizations, parachurch ministries, and local churches. This concentration is particularly suited for Senior Pastors, CEOs, and executive church staff who desire to take their management and administrative skills to a higher level of competency as servant leaders. In addition to the general learning outcomes for the DMin degree program, upon completion of this concentration students will be able to: 1) enhance their ministerial skills in the areas of leadership and administration; and 2) refine their ability to lead congregations effectively in situations of change. |
| The Biblical and Theological Studies concentration is based on the understanding that pastors are practicing theologians. As such, this concentration seeks to improve the student’s biblical and theological competencies through advanced studies in hermeneutics and exegesis, advanced theological methodology, awareness of contemporary theological issues, and enhance the student’s skills necessary to creatively and meaningfully communicate biblical and theological concepts to those under their care. In addition to the general learning outcomes for the DMin degree program, upon completion of this concentration students will be able to do the following: 1) increase their understanding of biblical, systematic, and pastoral theology, and relate this understanding to contemporary biblical, theological and ministerial issues; and 2) apply proper hermeneutical methods across the various genres of Scripture. |
| The Biblical Exposition concentration is designed to equip one for the practice of public speaking at a higher level of competence than that achieved in the foundational work done in the MDiv. Attention will be given to teaching in large and small group settings. Additionally, students will consider how the various genres of Scripture should be handled in the pulpit, classroom, and small group setting. Different philosophies will be considered, including expositional vs. topical preaching, Christ-centered preaching vs. contextually sensitive preaching, and preaching the big idea or having multiple points. In addition to the general learning outcomes for the DMin degree program, upon completion of this concentration students will be able to do the following: 1) enhance identified ministerial skills in public speaking; 2) knowledgeable prepare contextually sensitive messages for each genre of Scripture; and 3) evaluate the various preaching and teaching philosophies current in evangelicalism. |
| The Biblical Counseling concentration is designed to equip ministry professionals for leadership in ministering and counseling from a biblical foundation. The purpose of the concentration is to equip students for a high degree of competence in areas associated with pastoral counseling. Specifically, the degree is designed for congregational ministers and others who serve in counseling roles. In addition to the general learning outcomes for the DMin degree program, upon completion of this concentration students will be able to: 1) practice theological reflection with issues of human need and pastoral care; 2) enhance their own skills in counseling and soul care; and 3) communicate and apply God’s Word effectively through personal counseling, teaching, preaching, writing or other media. |
No time is better than the present to apply!