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.

Phoenix Seminary and Western Seminary believe the time has come for a Kingdom-focused consortia approach to Doctor of Ministry education in the Western United States. To facilitate this, the two seminaries have entered into a formal agreement to allow their Doctor of Ministry students to take courses from either institution. Courses will be taught primarily on campus in Phoenix, AZ and Portland, OR, but courses may also be offered at the Western Seminary extensions in San Jose, CA and the Mt. Hermon Conference Center in CA.

Students will continue to be admitted into the respective DMin programs, and will be free to take courses at either institution. The required core courses will remain distinct to each school, and each school maintains the right to modify or change core courses as its mission and needs may dictate.

For a full listing of upcoming Doctor of Ministry courses at Phoenix Seminary and Western Seminary, please see the Doctor of Ministry Registration Packet.

Degree Purpose

What is the purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree?

The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to prepare students currently in vocational ministry with the highest level of expertise in the biblical and theological application of God’s truth to their contextual ministry setting in the church and 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 PhD 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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Ministry degree program should be able to:

Construct biblical solutions to the student’s specific contextual and cultural ministry problems;
Demonstrate how to shepherd with biblical wisdom, compassion, and justice;
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.

Our 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 ministry experience completed after receiving the Master of Divinity and evidence of capacity for an advanced level of competence and reflection. Ongoing engagement in ministry in a specific ministry context is required for continuance in the program. Evidence of mature Christian character and significant ministry achievement must be demonstrated in the application.

Alumni Tuition Benefits

Phoenix Seminary and Western Seminary MDiv Alumni receive an alumni discount of 20% on Doctor of Ministry credit tuition for courses taken at either institution. Additionally, Phoenix Seminary and Western Seminary DMin alumni may audit one course per year at either school at no cost (space permitting).

Degree Requirements (30 Hours)

DMin Core Requirements

Course	Title	Hours (30)
DM 711	Contemporary Theological Issues	3
DM 792	Doctoral Project	6
GENERAL ELECTIVES		21

Core Courses

Contemporary Theological Issues—DM 711

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. 3 hours. Instructor: Dr. Fred Chay. Frequency: Even Summers. Required for DMin Prerequisite: None.

Doctoral Project—DM 792

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. For additional information, see the Doctor of Ministry Dissertation Manual. 6 hours. Instructor: Varies. Frequency: Every Spring. Required for DMin Prerequisites: DM 711 and 21 hours of electives. Notes: Doctoral Project is one year in length and may be extended.

Elective Courses

Phoenix Seminary offers a range of Doctor of Ministry electives. A partial listing of past courses includes:

Growing and Multiplying Missional Churches—DM 706
Dr. Gary McIntosh

Biblical Theology of Manhood and Womanhood—DM 714
Dr. Wayne Grudem

Theology of Spiritual Formation—DM 715
Dr. Fred Chay

Christian Apologetics in a Non-Christian World—DM 716
Dr. Fred Chay

Increasing Relevancy in Your Preaching—DM 732
Dr. Don Sunukjian

Sharpening Exegetical Skills for Expositional Excellence—DM 738
Dr. Dennis Wretlind and Dr. Fred Chay

Counseling in Contemporary Culture—DM 752
Dr. John Trent

Counseling Dysfunctional Families—DM 754
Dr. Justin Smith

Conflict Management—DM 790
Dr. Roger Ball

All courses are offered in an intensive block format, with each course consisting of three parts:

Pre-Residency (approximately one month): preliminary reading and other assignments.
Residency: one week intensive classroom interaction.
Post-Residency (approximately two months): a final course assignment that applies what the student has learned to life and ministry.

Transfer Credit

Up to six hours of Master of Theology credit and fifteen hours of Doctor of Ministry credit may be transferred from other accredited seminaries with the total transfer hours not to exceed fifteen.