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Doctor of Ministry | 21st Century Ministry

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.
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Program Overview

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.

To overview a list of the courses you will be taking in the Masters of Biblical and Theological Studies, visit Anderson University (Course Requirements). 

8 Seminars

Project Methodology Workshop

Ministry Project

Most students will complete the seminars within 2-3 years. You should anticipate an additional year to develop your ministry project and report. You must complete the program within 6 years.

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Admissions and Requirements

Anderson University accepts students on the basis of academic qualification, character and evidence of the potential to benefit from the university experience. Each applicant’s record will be examined for evidence reflecting potential for intellectual and social growth, strength of character, and seriousness of purpose. The University considers all qualified applications without regard to race, religious creed, place of national origin, sex, disability, or ethnic group. Admission will be on a competitive basis, with the best qualified students receiving priority.

Transcripts

Official transcripts for all coursework leading to completion of a bachelor and/or graduate degree(s) from a regionally-accredited institution that demonstrates an acceptable undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

3 Recommendation Letters

These forms will become available to you during the application process. At least one must be from the pastor/minister of the local church where you are currently a member. If you are the pastor, then it may come from another ministry leader within the church. 

Essay

A one page essay explaining the reason for your application and the potential impact of this degree on your ministry. The purpose of the essay is to establish the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the degree and the applicant’s professional goals.
Official sealed transcripts are to be directly mailed to Admission Operations, 316 Boulevard Box 1127, Anderson, SC 29621

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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.)
Dissertation

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.)

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) vs. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) is a professional doctoral degree focused primarily on the practice of ministry. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is primarily a research degree with greater focus on making a contribution to the theory of ministry and less focus on practical issues in ministry. The D.Min is less rigorous. However, if you have any interest in teaching in the future, typically a D.Min. is insufficient to teach full-time. In that case, the Ph.D. may be a better fit and will provide greater opportunity for future endeavors.