Virginia Christian University

DOCTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

PURPOSE

In simplest terms, the purpose of the D.C.E degree is to enable the minister of the gospel to increase his competence in the practice of ministry to a level greater than normally achieved in the basic Master of Divinity program. In some ways, the D.C.E 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.C.E 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 Christian Education (D.C.E) program to meet the needs of persons active in ordained ministry. The 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.

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 Christian Education program is designed to strengthen the Teaching Elder's ministry(pastor's) or the worker of Christian school in these areas.

1. Personal Piety....The personal piety of D.C.E. 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.C.E. candidate will be required to show competency in the subjects embraced in the D.C.E. curriculum of this university. If necessary, the candidate will be required to take one or more D.C.E. courses or engage in independent reading to correct any deficiencies before being admitted to full candidacy for the D.C.E. degree.

3. Communications Skills... The enhancement of the candidate's teaching and communications skills is another goal of the D.C.E program. Seminars, worship, and teaching practicum are all combined to sharpen the candidate's abilities in these areas.

COURSE REQUIREMENT

Each D.C.E 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.C.E course requires resident interaction under a 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(MCE, MA) 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 VCU.

5. References from three colleagues in the ministry with respect to the applicant's moral, spiritual, and professional qualification.

The capstone of the D.C.E 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 the D.C.E. 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.

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.C.E.......30 Credits

PTED 505. Work of the Christian Educator(II) (3)
PTED 606. Spiritual Formation(II) (3)
PTED 609. Biblical Models of Education (3)
PTED 610. Teaching in the Church(II) (3)
PTED 711. Curriculum Survey (3)
PTED 712. Education Practicum(II( (3)
PT 605. Seminar in Leadership and Mentoring in the Local Church (3)
PTED 713. History and Philosophy of Christian Education (3)
PTED 714. Current Issues of Christian Education (3)
PTC 712. Pastoral Counseling (3)
ST 800. Trinitarianism (3)

General/ Elective..................................10 Credits
The dissertation.................................... 6 Credits.

Total 46 Credits