DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

Program

The Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degree is designed to enhance the leadership skills of individuals who have completed previous theological training and have been active in Christian ministry.

Through this program students will become acquainted with a wealth of esteemed professors, from the academy and the church, who teach primarily for the American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW) and Graduate Theological Union (GTU).The program, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), will provide theory and practical skills that are essential for effective transformational leadership in the twenty-first century.

The interdisciplinary nature of the D.Min. program at ABSW has been specifically designed to raise the standards of ministry practied in urban multi-cultural settings.

Participants are placed into a cohort to begin their D.Min. program. The cohort system helps to foster and maintain collegiality as well as an open, effective learning atmosphere. This program offers two cohort options: 1.) English-speaking cohort and 2.) Korean-speaking cohort.

Concentrations

D.Min. students can specialize in one of three areas:

Prophetic Preaching
Urban Ministry
Transformational Church Leadership

Curriculum

Within the first two years, D.Min. students will be required to take the following courses:

Methods Course:

Seminar: Critical Interpretation & Project Development I 3 units
Seminar: Critical Interpretation & Project Development II 3 units

Leadership in Urban Communities 3 units

Advanced Electives 15 units (based on student’s specialization)

Total Course Requirements 24 units

The program will culminate in the writing of a dissertation. The dissertation committee shall consist of one advisor and one at-large committee member to be selected by the student in consultation with his/her advisor. The dissertation proposal should submitted by the end of the student’s second year of matriculation. Normally, the dissertation work will be completed within a period of eighteen months. An oral defense of the dissertation will be required.

Dissertation 6 units

Total Degree Requirements 30 units

The D.Min. typically requires no less than three years or more than six years for completion.

ABSW also offers a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Preaching and Leadership in partnership with Bakke Graduate University of Ministry. For more information about this option, contact the Director of Doctor of Ministry Program at spark@absw.edu.