You've been in ministry long enough to know what you do well and what you don't. You want to sharpen your strengths. You also want to remedy your weaknesses. You've already been to seminary, and besides, you wouldn't want to leave your current ministry to go back to school. What can you do?
If you find yourself in this situation, Central Seminary's Doctor of Ministry program may be for you. Central Seminary's D.Min. brings you into a fellowship of learning without requiring you to abandon active ministry. It gives you the opportunity to strengthen your core competence in biblical and theological knowledge while sharpening your skills for the hard work of ministry.
Purpose
The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry program is to enable students to increase their theological and ministerial skills as spiritual Christian leaders.
Admissions
Applicants must have a recognized M.Div. degree or its equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B). A limited number of students with an average grade lower than B may be admitted on a probationary basis, if otherwise acceptable.
The applicant must normally have completed four years of significant vocational ministry subsequent toreceiving the M.Div. degree. In exceptional instances, applicants may be considered who have fewer than four years of post-M.Div. experience, but never those with fewer than two years.
The applicant must demonstrate growth and competence in church ministry and leadership. He must give evidence of the potential to minister effectively while successfully completing doctoral studies. The applicant must be engaged in vocational ministry when he enters the program. If at any time he leaves vocational ministry, he may be suspended from the program. The applicant must secure the endorsement of his church or other ministry to pursue the D.Min. degree. References from others who know his ministry will also be required.
The applicant may be required to pass an entrance interview with a faculty committee. In some cases, the student may be granted provisional acceptance and the interview may be held in connection with the student’s first seminar. Other academic, psychological, or spiritual examinations may be required at the discretion of the seminary.
Normally, the applicant will submit a 10-page paper on sanctification. Otherwise, the faculty may administer an examination in connection with the application. At the faculty’s discretion, the applicant may be required to pass a written examination of theological and biblical competence.
Central Seminary is not obligated to grant admission to any student, even if he possesses all of the above qualifications. Enrollment in the program is a privilege and not a right. The decision of the seminary will be influenced by several factors, including the number of openings available in the program and the likelihood that the student will contribute to the aims of Central Seminary and the intellectual and spiritual advancement of his fellow students.
Curriculum
Course Abbreviation/Credit Value/Course Name
DM 822 4 Hermeneutics & Homiletics
DM 830 4 A Theology of Counseling
DM 857 4 A Theology of Pastoral Ministry
DM 840 4 NT World Evangelism
____ 12 Elective Seminars
DM 895 4 Major Project
Total 32 Hours
