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Doctor of Ministry
Are you seeking a doctoral program that offers individual attention from recognized leaders and emphasizes personal ministry development?
Phoenix Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry provides those currently serving in the ministry an environment that focuses on contemporary issues and ministry trends. Both you and your ministry service will greatly benefit.
Degree Purpose
What is the purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree?
The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to enhance the leadership competency and ministry effectiveness of students, holding the M.Div. or its equivalent and currently engaged in vocational ministry, with the highest level of expertise in applying biblical and theological truth to their ministry context in the church or para-church.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is the highest professional degree for those engaged in local church ministries, para-church ministries, world missions and other similar ministries. The traditional Ph.D. degree, by comparison, purposes primarily to equip students to engage in scholarly research and teaching.
The Doctor of Ministry program allows students to remain in the location where they are ministering. Each course builds on ministry experience and endeavors to integrate learning with the student’s present ministry as well as his or her future goals.
Degree Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Ministry degree program should be able to:
- Construct biblical solutions to the student’s specific contextual cultural ministry problems;
- Demonstrate how to speak the truth in love contextually to people;
- Develop a biblical theology of spiritual formation;
- Come to a greater understanding of their leadership style as it pertains to their specific ministry;
- Explain biblical and theological truths effectively.
Courses are designed to challenge and enrich students both personally and professionally. This happens in several ways:
- Interaction with outstanding resident and adjunct faculty mentors who have proven track records in ministry
- Exposure to contemporary resources designed to help students keep their ministry both biblically accurate and culturally relevant
- Camaraderie with ministry peers that will encourage the student’s heart and stimulate the student’s mind
- Involvement in practical ministry projects that will enhance the student’s current ministry
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Doctor of Ministry program requires an earned Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent, including at least three semester hours of Greek and three semester hours of Hebrew, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited institution. Applicants who do not meet this minimum GPA requirement may petition the Admissions Committee for special consideration.
Applicants to the Doctor of Ministry program must normally have at least three years of full-time ministry experience completed after receiving the Master of Divinity. Current involvement in vocational ministry is required for both admission and continuance in the program. Evidence of mature Christian character and significant ministry achievement must be demonstrated through the application process. For general admission requirements see page 42.
Degree Requirements (30 Hours)
D.Min. Core Requirements
| Course | Name | Hours (14) |
|---|---|---|
| DM 701 | Effective Biblical Leadership | 4 |
| DM 711 | Contemporary Theological Issues | 4 |
| DM 792 | Doctoral Project | 6 |
D.Min. General Electives
| Course | Hours (16) |
|---|---|
| * Choose four courses from the DM course division. | 16 |
Core Courses
DM 701 – Effective Biblical Leadership
This course seeks to develop a philosophy of leadership that is biblically accurate and culturally relevant. Through the course you will gain exposure to some of the best thinking and most current research on the subject of leadership. The following practices of a successful leader will be explored: challenging the process, inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, modeling the way, and encouraging the heart.
4 hours.
DM 711 – Contemporary Theological Issues
This course identifies, biblically evaluates, and provides resources for men and women in ministry concerning a variety of theologically-oriented issues facing the church in contemporary society. These current issues have theological origins as well as cultural manifestations. This course equips those in ministry to serve more effectively in a changing world.
4 hours.
DM 792 – Doctoral Project
The Doctoral Project is designed to involve the student in practical ministry research. The project allows the student to select a specific aspect of ministry to explore more fully. The subject, length, and form of the project are determined by the student in consultation with the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program.
6 hours.
Elective Courses
Phoenix Seminary offers a range of Doctor of Ministry electives. A partial listing of past courses includes:
DM 706 – Growing & Multiplying Missional Churches
Dr. Gary McIntosh
DM 712 – Ethical Issues: Classic and Contemporary
Dr. Scott Rae
DM 714 – Biblical Theology of Manhood & Womanhood
Dr. Wayne Grudem
DM 715 – Theology of Spiritual Formation
Dr. Fred Chay
DM 716 – Christian Apologetics in a Non-Christian World
Dr. Fred Chay
DM 732 – Increasing Relevancy in Your Preaching
Dr. Don Sunukjian
DM 752 – Counseling in Contemporary Culture
Dr. John Trent
DM 754 – Counseling Dysfunctional Families
Dr. Sandra Wilson
DM 790 – Conflict Management
Dr. Roger Ball
All courses are offered in an intensive block format, with each course consisting of three parts:
- Pre-Residency (approximately three months): preliminary reading and other assignments
- Residency: one week intensive classroom interaction
- Post-Residency (approximately three months): a final course assignment that applies what the student has learned to life and ministry
Transfer Credit
Up to four hours of Master of Theology credit and eight hours of Doctor of Ministry credit may be transferred from other accredited seminaries with the total transfer hours not to exceed eight. For further information on transfer credit see page 53.
Graduation Requirements
The Doctor of Ministry requires the completion of 30 semester hours within six years with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Additional General Graduation Requirements are detailed on page 73.