Doctor of Ministry Program
Scripture, Spirituality, and Leadership
PROGRAM OVERVIEW (Hegis Code 2301.00)
The Doctor of Ministry program (D.Min.) (ATS Standard E) is an advanced, professional, theological degree which is designed to enhance the practice of ministry for pastors, ministry staff, and those carrying leadership responsibilities in other Christian organizations. Its purpose is to serve and advance the church by providing an environment in which experienced church and para-church leaders can have their thinking enriched, their skills strengthened, and their spiritual lives renewed for the challenges of ministry today.
Graduates of the NES D.Min. program will be able to demonstrate:
- an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of pastoral ministry
- enhanced competencies in pastoral and cultural analysis and ministerial leadership skills
- enriched ability to think biblically and theologically about all aspects of ministry
- an ability to integrate their understanding and competencies into a theologically reflective practice of ministry
- continued growth and increased maturity in personal and spiritual formation
In short, the Doctor of Ministry degree equips people to serve Christ’s church with the highest levels of excellence, wisdom, and skill.
The D.Min. is the highest professional degree for ordained persons in the parish or related ministries. The primary emphasis of the D.Min. is the practice of ministry, which distinguishes it from the Ph.D. and other degrees that are focused more narrowly on scholarly research alone. The D.Min. degree builds on the M.Div. degree and a minimum of three years professional practice in ministry subsequent to the first graduate theological degree (both of which are prerequisites).
The D.Min. program enhances the mission of the Seminary “to prepare Christ-centered men and women for faithful, effective ministry to the church and the world.” The unique strength of the NES D.Min. program is its integrative focus on three areas of study that are indispensable for faithful service to the church and world in the 21st century: Scripture, spirituality, and leadership. Grounded in Northeastern Seminary’s commitment to the centrality and authority of Holy Scripture, doctoral students at NES will find their proficiency in biblical interpretation and application strengthened, their grasp and experience of the rich resources of human and Christian spirituality deepened, and their competence as Christian leaders and practitioners enhanced. The learning experience is enhanced at NES through coursework taken with a highly selective group of peers in ministry, and guided by NES faculty and internationally known scholar/pastors.