Doctor of Ministry
Encyclopedia
The Doctor of Ministry degree is, according to The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
(ATS), a doctoral level degree oriented toward ministerial leadership often in an area of applied theology
, such as missions, evangelism
, church leadership, pastoral psychology or the psychology of religion
, church growth, church administration, homiletics
, or spiritual formation.
Under Association of Theological Schools (ATS) guidelines, one needs to have completed the equivalent of 3 years of full-time ministry after the initial theological degree, normally the Master of Divinity
(M.Div.). If the initial theological degree is not equivalent to the M.Div., preliminary coursework may be required before entering a D.Min. program.
The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to enhance the practice of ministry for persons who hold the M.Div. degree and have engaged in ministerial leadership.
The D.Min. program requires the equivalent of usually one full year of academic study and the completion of the doctoral dissertation or project. Normally, the degree requires from three to six years to complete.
The D.Min. differs from the Doctor of Theology
(D.Th. or Th.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy
(Ph.D.) in Religion or Religious Studies in that the focus is on application-oriented research. Thus, while the Ph.D. and Th.D. is granted upon the successful completion of a dissertation that makes an original contribution or synthesis to a discrete field of theoretical knowledge, the D.Min. is granted upon the successful completion of a dissertation based upon actual applied ministry. Thus, the focus of research is in different areas. The Ph.D. and Th.D. degrees are in specific niche studies in new areas and the dissertation contributes something new academically, where the D.Min. is research based on the actual application and practice of ministry.
The D.Min. degree is designed for working clergy
, and most D.Min. programs are structured to allow for part time study by priests/pastors, missionaries, and denominational leaders who are practicing ministry. Conversely, the Th.D. is considered academically oriented with theological research and language studies. The Doctor of Practical Theology
(D.Th.P.) preceded the D.Min. in the U.S. The modern Doctor of Practical Theology (D.T.P.) is a professional degree designed for advanced study and reflection in the application of theological principles to professional practice for not only ministry, but a broad range of professions. This degree is typically structured for the part-time student in continuing service as a full-time professional.
The D.Min. in the UK follows a different pattern to the U.S. and is modeled on the "first doctorate" and involves different training in research methodologies. For example, in the D.Min. program offered by King's College London
, students have a two year taught component, followed by a year long empirically based study resulting in a 15,000 word report, followed by a research project resulting in a 50,000 word thesis
examined by a viva. Research projects tend to be inter-disciplinary, drawing on both theology and social science.
Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada is an organization of seminaries and other graduate schools of theology. ATS has its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has more than 250 member institutions...
(ATS), a doctoral level degree oriented toward ministerial leadership often in an area of applied theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, such as missions, evangelism
Evangelism
Evangelism refers to the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not hold those beliefs. The term is often used in reference to Christianity....
, church leadership, pastoral psychology or the psychology of religion
Psychology of religion
Psychology of religion consists of the application of psychological methods and interpretive frameworks to religious traditions, as well as to both religious and irreligious individuals. The science attempts to accurately describe the details, origins, and uses of religious beliefs and behaviours...
, church growth, church administration, homiletics
Homiletics
Homiletics , in theology the application of the general principles of rhetoric to the specific department of public preaching. The one who practices or studies homiletics is called a homilist....
, or spiritual formation.
Under Association of Theological Schools (ATS) guidelines, one needs to have completed the equivalent of 3 years of full-time ministry after the initial theological degree, normally the Master of Divinity
Master of Divinity
In the academic study of theology, the Master of Divinity is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in North America...
(M.Div.). If the initial theological degree is not equivalent to the M.Div., preliminary coursework may be required before entering a D.Min. program.
The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to enhance the practice of ministry for persons who hold the M.Div. degree and have engaged in ministerial leadership.
The D.Min. program requires the equivalent of usually one full year of academic study and the completion of the doctoral dissertation or project. Normally, the degree requires from three to six years to complete.
The D.Min. differs from the Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Theology is a terminal academic degree in theology. It is a research degree that is considered by the U.S. National Science Foundation to be the equivalent of a Doctor of Philosophy....
(D.Th. or Th.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
(Ph.D.) in Religion or Religious Studies in that the focus is on application-oriented research. Thus, while the Ph.D. and Th.D. is granted upon the successful completion of a dissertation that makes an original contribution or synthesis to a discrete field of theoretical knowledge, the D.Min. is granted upon the successful completion of a dissertation based upon actual applied ministry. Thus, the focus of research is in different areas. The Ph.D. and Th.D. degrees are in specific niche studies in new areas and the dissertation contributes something new academically, where the D.Min. is research based on the actual application and practice of ministry.
The D.Min. degree is designed for working clergy
Clergy
Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. A clergyman, churchman or cleric is a member of the clergy, especially one who is a priest, preacher, pastor, or other religious professional....
, and most D.Min. programs are structured to allow for part time study by priests/pastors, missionaries, and denominational leaders who are practicing ministry. Conversely, the Th.D. is considered academically oriented with theological research and language studies. The Doctor of Practical Theology
Doctor of Practical Theology
The Doctor of Practical Theology is an advanced professional degree for professionals serving Church, non-profit, public, and private sector organizations, seeking to apply theological principles to their professional practice. The typical degree candidate is a part-time student who continues...
(D.Th.P.) preceded the D.Min. in the U.S. The modern Doctor of Practical Theology (D.T.P.) is a professional degree designed for advanced study and reflection in the application of theological principles to professional practice for not only ministry, but a broad range of professions. This degree is typically structured for the part-time student in continuing service as a full-time professional.
The D.Min. in the UK follows a different pattern to the U.S. and is modeled on the "first doctorate" and involves different training in research methodologies. For example, in the D.Min. program offered by King's College London
King's College London
King's College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and a constituent college of the federal University of London. King's has a claim to being the third oldest university in England, having been founded by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington in 1829, and...
, students have a two year taught component, followed by a year long empirically based study resulting in a 15,000 word report, followed by a research project resulting in a 50,000 word thesis
Thesis
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
examined by a viva. Research projects tend to be inter-disciplinary, drawing on both theology and social science.