Best Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Programs

Aside from the typical graduate school items such as an online application, transcripts, resume, the D.Min. typically also requires professional references from those who can speak to your ministerial history and skills. Expect the schools to pay close attention to your personal essay, as this is how they understand your sense of mission, your belief system and your goals. Some schools require an academic writing sample to demonstrate the ability to engage with published research and write advanced arguments. The GRE is not a common requirement. Some schools do note a minimum GPA, commonly around 3.0, for their programs. Non-native English speakers will typically have to submit TOELF or IELTS score.

The primary requirement for all D.Min. programs is extensive ministerial experience, typically at least 3 to 5 years. Schools may look for evidence of leadership you build during the D.Min. program, in church or pastoral domains. There may be course prerequisites in ancient languages such as Greek or Latin for biblical study. Some programs may require a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or similar lower theology degree. You may have an interview with several members of the department before acceptance when you can explain your goals and experience, as well as your suitability for that program. You may also be required to provide an endorsement from someone in your church.

Accreditation is essential because it helps ensure that you both receive the education you need as well and that others in your profession will look at your degree as deserving of attention. Every region of the United States has its own regional accreditation agencies for universities so be sure that your school of choice has been appropriately accredited.

Additionally, the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredits theological schools across the United States. This accreditation speaks to the school's rigor when it comes to theology and faith-based education. Check the department's website for accreditation by ATS.

Typically D.Min programs are part-time, as well as hybrid/remote in delivery format, with some expected residency weeks throughout the years. Most programs anticipate completion within 2 to 7 years. This is generally split between 2 years of coursework and 1-5 years of the dissertation process. Coursework is likely to be reading and writing intensive and is typically one or more classes a semester, generally 35 or more credits minimum before the dissertation. All D.Min programs, due to their practical nature, expect students to continue their ministry work within their church throughout the program.

The typical core foundation classes are Bible study and research about modern leadership. This is often split into the two biblical testaments, focusing on the study of major Christian prophets and how to turn these examples into contemporary ministry. There are often studies of different forms of contemporary leadership and how each can contribute to your ministry.

Elective classes vary depending on the institution and the specializations they offer. These may include classes on tools and ministry, such as a focus on how to use different technology platforms, as well as discussions of ethics. They may include context-specific classes such as urban or rural ministries and how to engage different populations using different methods. Other electives may include:

• Church leadership
• Communication methods

Advanced biblical study

• Theology

Preparing Your Ministry Dissertation

A dissertation is a typical requirement in a D.Min and the process typically begins in the first 2 years with a seminar of intensive reading. This may sometimes be a more practical summative project, but both are around 20 credit hours or more of work. You will have a faculty advisor whose academic or ministry experience matches your project goals. This may involve identifying a ministry need for which you can propose a solution. This will begin with extensive research in consultation with your advisor, a lengthy process of reading and refining your research proposal. You will present and defend your research in front of faculty and perhaps peers then, once accepted, go on to carry out your research/project and write up your results. This final stage can take up to four or five years, depending on the project and the time allowed by the doctoral program.

Most D.Min programs feature specializations that allow you to shape your studies through electives and research based on your ministry goals. These may focus on specific forms of ministry such as youth, urban, recovery, or even global ministry. They may focus on how to build churches of varying sizes, on evangelism, on theology itself or perhaps tackle issues of leadership. Here are three examples of such specializations in detail.

Global Ministry

This specialization considers ministry leadership in a culturally diverse international setting. You will think of how to integrate biblical teaching with local community practices, and how to integrate those without alienating the community. One notable aspect of this emphasis is field experiences. It is typical of the specialization to have times of working in a foreign country to practice the theory you have been learning while talking to other ministry leaders from that country.

Spiritual Formation

This specialization sometimes requires a longer history of working ministry to allow for greater knowledge and reflection on how to improve your practice. It typically studies the history of Christian influence and how to use these lessons to improve your ministry in your chosen community. A combination of history, Bible study, and mentoring encourages students to learn new strategies as pastors. This specialization sometimes requires frequent retreats in combination with hybrid coursework.

Growing A Church

Whether you are a pastor with an existing church looking to expand your congregation or someone wishing to establish a new church, this concentration focuses on the strategic, logistic, pastoral and theological aspects of growing a Christian organization. You will likely consider how to build your church's disciples and group leaders, as well as the practical aspects of growing a church. Also expect to consider how to thrive as a leader, with discussion-based seminars around developing a vision for your church, as well as assessment methods to understand where your church needs development. Typically you consider all aspects of the church, from service to finance.

Ministry degrees are available at every level of higher education. An associate or bachelor's degree are both introductory studies of theology and ministry, often balancing bible study with ministry field experiences. There are numerous graduate options in ministry and closely related areas, with a master's degree often focusing more on textual study in some programs, more on practical ministry in others. It is possible to create a pathway to a doctorate in ministry through a combination of lower degrees and practical experience. Below, we'll dive into these degrees in more detail.

Ministry Associate Degrees

Typically aimed at those seeking support roles in the church, or beginning their journey toward full-time ministry, an associate degree will likely last two years at around 60 credits. Expect biblical study of both testaments as well a study of leadership methods in practice, including public speaking and organizational techniques. It is possible to find introductory pastoral and support positions with this associate. However, some graduates move into secular nonprofit and volunteer positions, including the Peace Corps.

Ministry Bachelor's Degrees

Like all bachelor's programs, ministry bachelor's degrees are an introduction to the formal study of theology and ministry. Other than transcripts you will likely be asked to provide a personal statement describing your volunteer experience in the church. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete and requires general education classes, as well as an introductory study of leadership and theology, to around 120 credits. A seminary bachelor's is likely to be shorter, taking two or more years with around 60 credits, by excluding the general education requirements.

Ministry Master's Degrees

A master of divinity (M.Div), theology (Th.M) or ministry (M.Min) are possible precursors to an application to a D.Min program, and the three have much in common, with M.Div/Th.M credits sometimes transferable into a D.Min program. Expect intensive Bible study from both testaments over the two years, with varying levels of focus on practical application. The M.Min is likely to be for emerging leaders in ministry, whereas the M.Div and Th.M may have a more scholarly approach to theology preparing pastors for a Ph.D. or D.Min.

Ministry Graduate Certificates

There are numerous certificate programs for emerging minsters tailored to a specific aspect of ministry. Ministry certificates, including online certificate programs, exist to help you become a chaplain, for starting as a pastor, as a children's pastor or youth pastor, as a spiritual counselor or as a transformation leader, among other roles. Crafted to build another skill set for those beginning or furthering their practice and studies, a certificate typically lasts for a year or less, with a short number of courses aimed directly at the subject in hand. Ministry certificates are typically taken in a hybrid format for maximum flexibility.

The D.Min is aimed squarely at early and mid-career Christian ministers. However, Christian ministry offers a wide range of positions for qualified and experienced candidates to consider. Most programs have specializations, as such you should consider your ministry vocational goals before and during your earlier semesters in the D.Min to allow you to tailor your education to that goal.

Become a Minister

The reason the D.Min exists is also the most common employment for graduates of a D.Min program. Positions in Christian ministry are varied, from tiny congregations to vast megachurches, and the salaries of each will be equally varied. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a cautious 2.1% growth. There is a huge range in salaries between lower and higher-income pastors, with a median salary of $105,305 and a high range beyond that for expensive metropolitan areas and larger churches.

Become a Theology Teacher

While many educators get Ph.D. before working in formal colleges some D.Min graduates will go on to work in seminaries or a collegiate setting by training future ministers. Those teaching in these settings will likely have strong writing and rhetorical skills, be able to explain complex ideas in simpler terms and have enough ministerial experience themselves to be able to train future church leaders. Seminary teachers have an average base salary of about $52,000 a year, with many variations based on the size and prestige of the teaching institution.

Become a Senior Church Administrator

Churches can be enormous organizations in need of financial and logistical control much like a business. As such, D.Min graduates with a strong focus on strategic leadership in their studies may thrive in the position of senior church administrator. Expect a position that combines pastoral concerns with C.E.O-like responsibilities, managing volunteers and employees, as well as growth strategies and financial planning. Salaries range widely depending on location and church size, with a median of around $60,000 per year.

Your prime professional organization is of course the church, which hopefully has a support system in place for ministers in training and possibilities for contributions to the church at large. The variety of denominations within Christianity means that there is not one professional organization that unites them, but the department or seminary, often taught in a cohort form, typically functions as a support and guidance system for graduating students.

Costs of the D.Min vary greatly depending on the prestige and quality of the seminar or university. A higher annual cost of part-time study may be more than $25,000 a year, whereas a lower example could be $5,000. Costs will mostly be for tuition, but additional fees may add up. Consider the additional costs of intensive residencies, of length ministry field trips (possibly to other countries) and books.

Most departments provide some form of financial aid to their students, ranging from tuition forgiveness to stipends to scholarships. Be sure to review the department websites thoroughly for financial aid options. Beyond that, the first thing to do is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This applies to all federal aid such as grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs and more in a single application. You may be eligible for several different financial options from the government to help you fund your doctorate.

There may be other funding opportunities. Consider first your own church. They have financial support for emerging leaders. Consider also other nonprofit Christian funding opportunities that may provide educational support for Christian graduate education, including the D.Min.