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Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program further equips pastors and other ministry leaders for service using a cohort-based, group learning model in which students learn with and from other seasoned ministry practitioners in the context of trusted peer relationships and under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. Offering thought-provoking, in-depth exploration of real-life ministry issues and challenges, the program helps participants fully integrate learning with practice. The DMin program is open to ministry leaders possessing a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or other master’s-level degree; those without an MDiv may apply through our MDiv Equivalency Provision (see question 9 below).

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."

Proverbs 9:9 (ESV)

Program Overview

  • Equivalent of one full year of academic study (30 credits).
  • Structured around topical cohorts.
  • Requires meeting with a cohort for two weeks each year over a three-year period.
  • Requires a ministry project after each two-week meeting that integrates lessons from the study with ministry practice.
  • Culminates in a DMin project/dissertation that applies biblical insight and cultural understanding to specific real-life ministry issues. 

Questions and Answers About Our DMin Program

  • 1. What is the format of the DMin program?

    Our program operates on a group-based, cohort model that provides pastors and other ministry leaders with expanded opportunities for growth and learning in the midst of trustworthy peer relationships. As part of a cohort group, students pursue their studies together under the guidance of faculty mentors who also have extensive pastoral experience. Rather than a traditional classroom lecture model, students and instructors learn with and from one another through an interactive, discussion-focused format. Each member of the cohort thus benefits from and contributes to the wisdom of others who have known the ups and downs of life in ministry.

  • 2. What is a cohort?

    A cohort is a group of 12–24 ministry leaders who gather to study a ministry topic or issue based on their interests and the area of expertise of the faculty mentor who facilitates the group. See “What Will I Study” below for topics currently offered or in development.

  • 3. Who teaches the cohorts?

    Cohorts are led by experienced members of Covenant Seminary’s faculty of pastor-scholars, who will serve as mentors, guides, and facilitators through each cohort’s study of its specific topic. A variety of guest instructors—seasoned pastors and other ministry practitioners who are acknowledged masters in their fields—will also participate.

  • 4. What will I study?

    Cohorts are formed around specific ministry themes or topics based on the interests of participants and the areas of expertise of particular faculty mentors. Standing cohorts—groups focused on topics of perennial interest—are usually offered on a three-year rotating basis and include such themes as preaching, worship, counseling, educational ministry, and missions. A broad-ranging ministry skills cohort is offered annually. Currently in development are groups with emphases on youth ministry, leadership, cross-cultural ministry, church personality, church history, apologetics, and many others. (See “Learn More About Our DMin Cohorts” below.)

  • 5. Is it possible to start a new cohort?

    Yes, it is possible to start a new cohort if none exists to address the topic that interests you. However, this requires careful planning, coordination, and the development of a detailed cohort proposal. Please talk with the DMin staff for more information.

  • 6. How long is the program?

    Cohorts meet in a series of three intensive two-week residencies (many on the Covenant Seminary campus, though up to half can be held anywhere around the world) over the course of three years, plus a fourth short residency course between the second and third years in preparation for the DMin dissertation. These residencies are scheduled at times that work best for each group and faculty mentor—usually during the January term or the summer months. This intensive format allows busy ministry practitioners to participate fully in the program without the need for lengthy absences from their ministries.

  • 7. What will my time in the program look like?

    You will prepare for your DMin residencies by completing assigned readings ahead of time so that you arrive on campus ready to interact in a meaningful way with the material and your fellow cohort members and facilitator(s). Following each residency, you will complete a ministry project that integrates classroom learning with ministry practice, resulting in a 35–60-page report due three months after the residency. The program culminates in a DMin project/dissertation that demonstrates your ability to build an adequate bridge between theology and practice by handling a significant pastoral concern in a creative and meaningful way through a careful integration of exegesis, theological insight, and an understanding of contemporary social contexts.

  • 8. For whom is the program intended?

    The DMin is designed primarily for pastors currently engaged in ministry and who hold an MDiv degree. The program can also benefit others who serve in a variety of ordained or non-ordained ministry roles, such as worship leaders, leaders of men’s or women’s ministries, leaders of youth or children’s ministries, executive pastors/directors, and others. Men and women who serve in such positions and hold a master’s-level degree but not an MDiv may apply to the program under the MDiv Equivalency Provision.

  • 9. Can I enter the program if I don't have a Master of Divinity degree?

    Applicants who do not hold an MDiv degree may be admitted to the DMin program provisionally while working toward completion of the MDiv equivalency requirements. These consist of 78 credit hours of coursework and a two-part portfolio reflecting both the student’s non-formal continuing education experiences (such as conferences and seminars attended) and his or her experience in ministry practice (such as brochures, articles, or other publications demonstrating the student’s experience).

 

Download a brochure version of these questions and answers. (pdf, 252.3KB). 

Download a list of other frequently asked questions about the DMin program. (pdf, 154.68KB)

Download a more detailed description of the DMin program. (pdf, 186.76KB)

Download a timeline chart for the DMin program. (pdf, 225.78KB)

 

Find Out More About Our Current Cohorts

 

DMin Program Credit:30 units
6 credit hours for each of 3 two-week cohort residencies: 18 units
2 credit hours for each of 3 residency projects:   6 units
6 credit hours for DMin project/dissertation (and fourth short residency):   6 units
Total Program Credit 30 Units

 

 

NOTE: Participation in the DMin program is dependent upon acceptance following an Admissions evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications or MDiv equivalency, the availability of a particular cohort and faculty mentor, and the approval of the DMin committee.

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"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Matthew 4:4

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