The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) is a professional doctoral degree focused primarily on the practice of ministry. The degree differs significantly from the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in that the latter is primarily a research degree with a lesser focus on practical issues in ministry. The D.Min program guides students in seeking understanding not for its own sake, but rather for practical ends. Therefore, the contribution is primarily to the practice of ministry, specifically the role of preaching in ministry. The degree program will be appropriate for students with experience in ministry who desire to hone their preaching skills.

The Doctor of Ministry is a 35-credit hour program that will be delivered through a hybrid approach, involving independent and online study, three residency seminars, three event seminars, as well as development and implementation of a significant ministry project and subsequent dissertation. Seminar coursework begins up to 2 months prior to seminar class time. The student will be expected to plan, carry out and evaluate a doctoral level project.

The Broadus Lecture series is an event for students and church leaders featuring the nation’s pioneering teachers in preaching. The event will be free to the public.The lectureship is named in honor of John A. Broadus, who was one of the four founding faculty members in 1859 of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Greenville, SC; the seminary moved to Louisville, KY in 1877. He served as professor of preaching and later President of the seminary. His classic book, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, was written while teaching in Greenville and was the nation’s preeminent text on the subject for the next century.

NCP is a gathering of pastors and church leaders with a focus on the preaching of God’s Word. You’ll hear outstanding addresses linked to the conference theme, challenging messages, and helpful workshops on a variety of preaching-related topics. The National Conference on Preaching began over two decades ago for the purpose of bringing preachers from every denomination together for encouragement, inspiration and the common passion of sharing God’s Word with His people. Founded by Dr. Michael Duduit, Dean of the College of Christian Studies and Clamp Divinity School at Anderson University in Anderson, SC and founder and executive editor of Preaching magazine. The conference has been held in varies locations including most recently in Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Washington, D.C. The National Conference on Preaching features a broad array of the most influential pastors and ministry leaders in the country. Guest speakers have included Andy Stanley, Ed Stetzer, Robert Smith, James Merritt, Ralph Douglas West, Bryant Wright, Charlie Dates (pictured), Mac Brunson, Bryan Chapell, Eung Yul Ryoo, and Dave Stone, along with many others.

Visit NCPNOW.COM to find out about the next upcoming National Conference on Preaching.

The earning of a professional doctorate signifies the highest level of formal academic achievement in one’s field. Following the third residency seminar, the student will plan, implement and evaluate a significant ministry project designed to enhance their understanding and practice of ministry. A director-approved field supervisor to offer guidance and assistance in the ministry project.

Following the completion of the project, the student will prepare and write a dissertation. Upon approval of the project-dissertation committee, it may be possible for the student to do the dissertation in an alternate format (such as a book demonstrating the results of the project, a course design, a website, etc.)

The project will not only enhance the student’s own ministry skills, but should provide insights that will be useful to other churches and ministers. This process should demand significant personal and professional reflection and analysis.