DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
PURPOSE
In simplest terms, the purpose of the D. Min. degree is to enable
the minister of the gospel to increase his competence in the practice
of ministry to a level of excellence greater than normally achieved
in the basic Master of Divinity program. In some ways, the D.
Min. program serves as a delayed internship.
Students who have been in the active fulltime ministry have the
opportunity to relate their personal ministries, goals, and even
weaknesses to a seminary setting while continuing to remain in
their ministry at the same time.
The D.Min. degree may be earned following the successful completion
of 46 semester hours including a
project / thesis of
approximately 25,000 words(or letter size 140-150 page), concluded
by oral examination before the entire Faculty. The normal time
for the completion of the degree is two to three years.
The VCU has designed its Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) program to
meet the needs of persons active in ordained ministry. VCU's goal
is to enable the student to draw upon biblical, historical and
theological ministry resources and to attain a higher degree of
professional competence in the practice of ministry.
PROGRAM
PHILOSOPHY
The quality of a local pastor's church ministry depends upon his
personal walk with the Lord, his knowledge of the Word of God,
and his ability to communicate that knowledge. The Doctor of Ministry
program is designed to strengthen the Teaching Elder's ministry(pastor's)
in these areas.
PROGRAM CONTENT
1.
Personal Piety....The personal piety of the D.Min.
candidate is the first area of emphasis in the program. Daily
personal devotions, prayer life, and family worship are all encouraged
to help the spiritual discipline and growth of the candidate and
his family. Regular reports are made by the candidate to the faculty
on this area of his life. The faculty will work with the candidate
and his Presbytery to assist him to grow in grace.
2.
Knowledge of the Word....A thorough knowledge
of the content, structure, and system of doctrine in the Bible
is essential to a successful pastoral ministry. In consultation
with his faculty advisor, the D.Min. candidate will be required
to show competency in the subjects embraced in the M.Div. curriculum
of this university. If necessary, the candidate will be required
to take one or more M.Div. courses or engage in independent reading
to correct any deficiencies before being admitted to full candidacy
for the D.Min degree.
3.
Communications Skills... The enhancement of the
candidate's teaching and communications skills is another goal
of the D.Min. program. Seminars, worship, and teaching practicum
are all combined to sharpen the candidate's abilities in these
areas.
COURSE
REQUIREMENT
Each D.Min. course offered at the VCU includes approximately 1,500
pages of reading that must be completed before attending the intensive
semester class sessions. At the beginning of the first class,
the instructor must receive proof in writing of the student's
completion of the required reading assignments.
This written evidence ordinarily will include: An analysis of
the material's distinctive and significant features; An evaluation
of the theological concepts of the material; and A statement describing
the student's personal benefits gained by the reading. Besides
the preparatory reading, each D.Min. course requires resident
interaction under the VCU faculty member's direction and instruction,
and an assessment of the learning experience based on active ministry.
Ordinarily the concluding written assignment must be submitted
within two months of the end of class.
REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSION
1. The Master of Divinity degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized
theological seminary.
2. Three years of experience in a full-time ministry after receiving
the Master of Divinity degree. Exceptions to this must be made
by the Academic Dean.
3. A current place of ministry where the student can successfully
carry out a ministry-related project.
4. Evidences of competency in Bible exposition. This evidence
may be in the form of course work successfully completed(46 hours)
or a proficiency exam taken at the VCU.
5. References from three colleagues in the ministry with respect
to the applicant's moral, spiritual, and professional qualification.
PROJECT
The capstone of the D.Min program is the doctoral project which
entails writing a dissertation. The doctoral project must demonstrate
the student's ability to build an adequate bridge between theology
and practice, and to address a significant pastoral concern in
a creative and meaningful way.
The desserts for D.Min. must be sufficient in length to demonstrate
an ability to integrate exegetical and theological insight with
understanding of the practice of ministry in contemporary social
contexts.
FIELDS
OF CONCENTRATION
Students
may select one of two areas of specialty: Practical Theology,
Missions/ Intercultural Ministries. Ten elective semester hours
of study as well as the thesis (see below) must be completed in
the area of specialty;
Major Field of D.Min........30 Credits
PT
715. Seminar in Discipleship in Ministry of the Church (3)
PT 716. Seminar in Women's Studies of Bible (3)
PT 717. Seminar in Korean-American Ministry (3)
PTE 504. Seminar in Church Planting (3)
PTE 605.Seminar in Leadership and Mentoring in the Local Church
(3)
PTE 712. Seminar in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
(3)
PTED 610. Teaching in the Church(3)
PTED 714. Current Issues of Christian Education (3)
ST 800. Trinitarianism (3)
PTC 823. Theology and Counseling (3)
General/ Elective..................................10 Credits
The dissertation.................................... 6 Credits.
Total 46 Credits
