Doctor of Ministry Program
Pastoral Leadership is the organizing theme of the seminary’s D.Min. program. Through reflection on pastoral leadership, the program offers ways of empowering pastors and ministerial leaders to open up the resources and potential of mainline congregations and agencies for participating in the “praxis of God.” This phrase, coined by theologian Peter Hodgson, points toward our conviction that pastoral leadership, as opposed to other forms of leadership, involves a dynamic interplay between contemplation of the activity of God, now and throughout history, and energetic participation in that activity.
The M.Div. degree is the academic foundation of the D.Min. program, and experience in the art and practices of ministry is the practical foundation. Accordingly, applicants are expected to be familiar with the theological disciplines of Biblical Studies, History of Christianity, Systematic Theology, and Practical Theology. They must also have significant professional experience in ministry. The ATS, the Seminary’s primary accrediting association, defines significant professional experience as a minimum of 3 years of full-time ministry following the completion of the M.Div. degree. Academic preparation and experience in ministry enable applicants to identify certain aspects or issues in ministry on which they wish to focus in their doctoral studies.
Students apply to one of four Specialization tracks in which they will concentrate their work:
For more information on the DMin program, go to the 2008-2009 PTS Catalog.