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Doctor of Ministry | Biblical Preaching
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.
Program Overview
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.
You should anticipate spending approximately 3 years for coursework with an additional year to report on your ministry project. You must complete the program within 6 years.
3 Residency Seminars
9 Credit Hours
Summer Course
1 week on-site*
Event
Seminars
9 Credit Hours
Fall or Spring Event
1 week on-site*
Ministry
Project
9 Credit Hours
Fall or Spring Event
1 week on-site*
*Each seminar requires a substantial amount of preparation, including reading and completion of written assignments, prior to the seminar.
Academic Calendar
Event Seminars
The three Event Seminars coincide with a major preaching-related event sponsored by Anderson University’s Clamp Divinity School. These events include the annual Clamp Lectures on Preaching (held each fall), the National Conference on Preaching (typically held in May in a major American city), and the International Congress on Preaching (which has been held in such UK cities as London, Edinburgh, and Cambridge.)
The Clamp Divinity School Preaching Lectures
The Clamp Divinity School Preaching Lectures is an event for students and church leaders featuring the nation’s pioneering teachers in preaching. The event is free to the public.
The National Conference on Preaching
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.
What is the Sermon Colloquia?
The Sermon Colloquia will provide DMin students with a semester-long, guided lab for honing their skills in preaching. The online course will generate peer and instructor evaluation of the student’s sermons. The evaluations will analyze both content and delivery. This workshop will help students apply the concepts learned in residency and event seminars to the sermons that they preach in their ministry setting.
Ministry Project
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 final goal of the ministry project is to become a self-directed, self-motivated ministry leader.
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.