Doctor of Ministry

Purpose
The Doctor of Ministry is a practical, professional degree program that enables persons working in full-time Christian ministry to reflect critically upon their vocations, engage in rigorous theological reflection, engage in advanced learning experiences, and grow in their competence in ministry.

The program is centered around a "praxis" model of theological reflection that stresses the continual interaction of the biblical, theological, and historical disciplines of inquiry, with the practical application of those disciplines in ministry. The Doctor of Ministry degree program is built on the foundation of the Master of Divinity degree.

Objectives
The Doctor of Ministry program is designed for the continuing development of persons who have exhibited exceptional leadership and academic ability. By integrating academic excellence with contemporary Christian leadership skills, the program prepares ministers to demonstrate the following:

Maturity in self-understanding and effective self-direction;
Firm commitment to the authority of Scripture and to the mission of the Kingdom of God;
Seasoned and coherent understanding of the Christian faith;
Fully developed theology of ministry and an approach to ministry consistent with that theology;
Ministry leadership that demonstrates a proficient and highly competent practice of ministry.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Ministry Program consists of 30 semester hours of work that includes:

Foundations Seminar (3)
Three required Core Seminars (9)
Three Directed Learning Experiences (9)
Online Research and Writing Seminar preceding the Final Project Seminar (0)
Final Project Seminar (3)
Final Project (6)
Development of a peer learning cluster consisting of other ministry professionals to give feedback, reflection, and support for the student while in the program.

The program is divided into the following three phases:
Entry Phase - 3 hours
The entry phase includes acceptance into the program and enrollment in the Foundations Seminar. Upon successful completion of the requirements of the Foundations Seminar, the student is ready to begin the seminar and directed learning phase.

Seminar and Directed Learning Phase - 21 hours
The seminar and directed learning phase consists of the three required Core Seminars, three Directed Learning Experiences, the Online Research and Writing Seminar, and the Final Project Seminar. After successfully
completing all of the above requirements, the student may apply for candidacy.

Candidacy Phase - 6 hours
A student is admitted to candidacy upon approval of the Final Project Prospectus by the student’s Doctoral
Committee. The Doctoral Committee consists of the student’s faculty advisor, a Final Project second reader, the Doctor of Ministry Director, and other faculty as deemed necessary. In the candidacy phase the student works with his or her Doctoral Committee to complete the Final Project. Upon completion of the Final Project, the candidate will have a final competency evaluation with his or her Doctoral Committee and/or an expanded faculty committee before being approved for graduation. A student is expected to complete all program requirements within six years of initial enrollment.

Concentrations for Doctor of Ministry Studies
New students will be asked to declare an area of concentration at the beginning of their doctoral studies. One's area of concentration gives direction to the Directed Learning Experiences and ultimately provides focus for the Final Project. A student may change concentrations with the approval of the Doctor of Ministry Director and the student's faculty advisor. Areas of concentration include:

1. Proclamation of the Gospel
2. Ministry Leadership
a. Rural Church Leadership
b. Missional Church Leadership
3. Pastoral Care
4. Marriage and Family Studies
5. Spiritual Formation
6. Biblical/Theological Studies in Ministry

Requirements

Completion of a Master of Divinity degree (or its equivalent) with a B average or higher, from a school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (or an equivalent accrediting body outside of the United States or Canada).
Three years of full-time ministry experience after completion of the Master of Divinity degree program.
Active engagement in a full-time ministry setting.
Completion of all application material.
Approval of the Doctor of Ministry Committee.

Cost Structure
Tuition
(For students entering the program on or after September 2, 2008)

Total Cost of Tuition - $11,520
Monthly Payment Plan - $320 (per month for 36 months)
OR
Cost per semester hour - $384

Other Fees
(Fees subject to change from year to year.)
Continuation Fee beyond 4 years (per year) - $500
Professional Ministry Evaluation Fee - $150
(This assessment is part of the Foundations Seminar)
Final Project Fee (approximate) - $200
Thesis Binding Fee - $95
Graduation Fee -$90

Additional information on the Doctor of Ministry program including admissions requirements, seminar descriptions, and a typical sequence for completing the degree is available in the academic catalog.

Please feel free to contact:

Nathan Helling
Director of Enrollment
Phone: 800.440.6227
E-mail: nhelling@sfseminary.edu

Dr. Gary Strickland
Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program
Phone: 800.440.6227
E-mail: gstrickland@sfseminary.edu