Program Purpose

 

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) progam is designed to equip experienced and qualified ministry leaders by providing them the opportunity to develop critical thinking to move beyond routinely accepted ministry leadership toward innovative strategies for transforming crises and challenges into opportunities for service.

The DMin program will be offered in a hybrid format – online and on-campus classes, and module format. Students will choose the program hybrid format or module format which is manageable to complete the program.

  1. In the hybrid format, there are two terms/semesters a year. The hybrid format requires 4 intensive seminars (on-campus), 4 online courses, and a final DMin dissertation. For the intensive on-campus seminar, classes are held two weeks online and followed by 5 days of intensive campus classes – a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops.
  2. In the module format, there are two terms/semesters a year. The module format requires 4 intensive seminars (on-campus), and a final DMin dissertation. All workshops and seminars will have advance assignments, and will be followed by a two-week intensive on-campus seminar.

30 hours

3 to 5 years

Course Requirements

This program is an overview of the DMin program and an introduction to both theoretical and practical aspects of research methodology. It is designed to guide students in planning their study and to instruct them to research/writing skills in preparation for their seminar work. (3 hours)

The purpose of the course is to assist students with the proposal and dissertation writing processes. In this seminar, students will present their dissertation proposal. Professor(s) and participants will respond to the proposal by identifying problems and will contribute appropriate technical form or methodology. (3 hours)

This course aims at introducing students to the fundamental concept of the theory of interpretation and various understandings of interpretation. While an exploration on the historical development of hermeneutics is made, the scope of the course expands beyond questions about the rules for textual interpretation towards the question of the nature of meaning and understanding of text (scripture) and tradition (dogma) in conversation with culture. (3 hours)

This course is the exploration of approaches to counseling in marriage, sexuality and family. At the same time, it aims at presenting the theological concepts of marriage, sexuality and family for pastoral counselors in order to have healthy marriage, healthy sexuality, and healthy family. (3 hours)

This course explores the process and goals of spiritual formation in the life of Christian minister, counselor or leader. The student is introduced to the historic disciplines and practices of the Christian faith in the tradition of the Church. (3 hours)

The purpose of this course is to address the issues and implications of conflict resolution and crisis management in the Church, community and organizations. Utilizing biblical principles, theological analyses, and case studies, students will examine conflict intensity levels, determine best practices, enhance leadership skills, and develop strategic actions related to conflict resolution and crisis management in Church, community and organizations. (3 hours)

In this course, students will examine leadership principles and styles in the context of the Church, community and organizations in order to explore the appropriate models and formulate their personal leadership and administration style for their respective Church, community and organization. (3 hours)

The intention of this course is to study the paradigm shift in theology from modern theological thought to postmodern theological thought. It will cover liberal theology, neo-orthodox theology, existential theology, political theology, postliberal theology, postcolonial theology, feminist theology, and public theology. (3 hours)

This course examines the main features of the postmodern culture in the light of faithfulness to the gospel, the good news of God’s salvation, and the nature and mission of the Church. The course reflects on the identity of the Church as missionary and hence the Church needs to take the world seriously and have to respond to its struggles seriously. In addition, the analysis on the changing landscapes and context of contemporary mission will be made. (3 hours)

This course is a study of the personal and professional ethics required of Church ministers, religious counselors, and other “ministerial professionals.” Particular emphasis is given to the minister’s professional code of ethics, structure of practice, and personal character. (3 hours)

The purpose of this course is to explore the different perspectives of Christian faith in different regions of the world to understand how Christian faith has different expressions. The study includes Asian-American theology, Black Theology, African Theology, and Asian Theology. (3 hours)

This course focuses on fundamental concept of Christian theology particularly on God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Mankind, the Church, and Eschatology via a close look at various creeds including Nicene and Chalcedon. From the councils and controversies, students will explore the relationship between theology and history with attention to its historical context. In doing this, students will be able to imagine how theological concepts are developed in the given historical context. (3 hours) 

The student will prepare on the project dissertation describing the area and methodology that s/he is going focus and employ, and then submit to the school. The school will assign mentor(s) or supervisor(s) to assist and complete the dissertation. The mentor(s) or supervisor(s) will provide guidance for the student in terms of critical analysis of research and the theological reflection on the findings. The length of dissertation shall be about 40,000 words or 100 – 140 pages. (? hours)

* Students must take this course in the first semester: however, students will not receive credit hour.
**Students are to prepare and present their dissertation proposal for approval. Students are required to present their proposal in person.   

Zolai