Ministry Leadership Concentration, DMin

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree is designed for those who hold the M.Div. degree or its equivalent and who have significant experience in pastoral or cross-cultural ministry. Students will build on previous studies and ministry experiences to attain higher levels of competency.

This degree program is designed to advance students’ knowledge of the foundations of and current developments in ministry, to deepen understanding of their philosophy of ministry, to enhance their ability to function professionally, to increase their capacity to think and act purposefully in ministry, and to strengthen their spiritual and moral integrity. Demonstration of significant progress in these areas is an essential ingredient of the program. Progress is observed through a constant mentoring relationship with an assigned member of Columbia International University’s Seminary & School of Ministry (SSM) faculty.

Admission Requirements

• Students whose GPA falls between 2.8 and 3.0 may be considered for admission on a probationary basis if they submit their requests in writing accompanied by appropriate rationale. Their applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the Doctor of Ministry Committee on a case-by-case basis.
• A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree with a minimum “B” (3.0) average. Applicants who do not hold the M.Div. degree but have completed another graduate theological degree and believe they have theological training equivalent to an M.Div. may submit evidence of work completed to the Admissions office for assessment.
• At least three years of active involvement in ministry subsequent to completion of M.Div. studies. Applicants to the missions concentration are required to meet this requirement in active cross-cultural ministry unless their primary assignment is North American missions administration.
• A completed D.Min. application, including forms and instructions, available through the Admissions office.
• International students must demonstrate proficiency in the use of the English language.
• Any additional requirements set by the SSM or the Admissions office.

Academic Information

While the D.Min. program is noted for its flexibility, the individualized program of studies must be appropriate to the concentration. With the exception of the Chaplaincy concentration (which allows a maximum of 6 semester hours of transfer credit from chaplaincy training), 24 semester hours of study, including the dissertation project, must be taken at CBS at the 9000 level. No more than six semester hours may be transferred in or taken at the 6000 or 7000 level. All requirements for the D.Min. degree must be completed within six years, beginning from the date of the student’s first enrollment in a doctoral course following  acceptance into the program. Extending studies beyond the sixth year will result in an annual continuation fee.

Prospective students may be admitted as non-degree seeking students (NDSS), complete up to two D.Min. courses, and apply those courses to their program at a later date. Each course completed before acceptance into the program will be considered as three months of program time.

Program Outcomes

Because of the individualized nature of D.Min. studies, CBS uses the dissertation-project to assess achievement of program outcomes. In the production and oral defense of their final dissertation-projects, students will:

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the biblical-theological foundations of ministry and an ability to gather, use, and synthesize key resources.
• Demonstrate an ability to think and plan creatively while using innovative concepts, methods, and approaches to the theory and/or practice of advanced professional competence.
• Demonstrate an ability to present the results of research professionally and to receive and respond to constructive criticism graciously and humbly.
• Demonstrate an ability to function responsibly in the context of a supervisory relationship while exhibiting CIU’s core value of victorious Christian living.

Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy occurs when students have successfully completed all coursework and their dissertation project proposals have been accepted by the dissertation committee.

Ministry Leadership Concentration

The Ministry Leadership concentration is designed to develop students’ knowledge, theoretical clarity, and competence in the profession and practice of ministry through lifelong learning in leadership. This concentration is a popular option for pastors and church staff as well as those involved in other organizations.