The DMIN in 21st Century Ministry degree is designed to better equip pastors and church leaders for effective service in a shifting culture. This D.Min. engages multiple fields – from leadership and church health to pastoral ministry and evangelism – with an emphasis on “leaning forward” into the future. As cultural and generational change create ever greater challenges for churches and ministry organizations, the D.Min. in 21st Century Ministry will give you tools to understand how to lead and serve in a culture of change.

The Doctor of Ministry is a 35-credit hour program that can be completed fully online. In addition, you will participate in the 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.

*Each seminar requires a substantial amount of preparation, including reading and completion of written assignments, prior to the seminar.
**On-site meeting is included in the residency seminar week.

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.