Application Essays
Application Essay
The application essay is a narrative of approximately 1,500 words in which applicants review and reflect on their ministerial experience and articulate how the doctoral program will enhance their future ministry. This paper should include attention to grammar, syntax, spelling, choice of words, development of argument, and felicity of expression. This paper will be one of the main sources from which the committee can evaluate the quantity and quality of the applicant’s experience and understanding of how the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program can enrich ministerial skills. The paper should demonstrate:
- Vocation & Ministry Alignment - A clear articulation of your vocation and a narration of the types of ministerial assignments that you have assumed, together with an assessment of how these assignments have matched your vocation
- Cultural Responsiveness - Describe how your ministry has responded to contemporary cultural needs
- Personal & Spiritual Formation - Describe your journey towards personal and spiritual formation and how you hope the D.Min. program can help improve this area
- Dissertation Interest - Briefly present areas of interest you'd like to explore for your dissertation
Graduate Theological Paper
The theological paper will be one of the main sources from which the committee can evaluate readiness for doctoral-level work in theology. The paper may be any of the following three options:
- A paper written for a previous course or on a theological topic of your choosing (15 to 20 pages)
- An exegetical paper on a text of your choosing (4 to 5 pages)
- A written sermon series expounding on a passage of Scripture of your choosing
The paper should demonstrate the ability to carefully observe, thoughtfully interpret, and contextually apply a passage of Scripture for one's ministry context. Among other things, the following should be considered when submitting the paper:
- Attention to grammar, syntax, spelling, choice of words, development of argument, and felicity of expression
- Rich use of appropriate biblical passages and quality secondary sources with careful documentation of all the sources; use of Chicago or another recognized style of writing for research papers
- Full demonstration of the complexity in theological debates and fairness in the presentation of divergent viewpoints
- Awareness of how the theological issue being examined might be applied to the complexities of contemporary ministry; clear and logical articulation of the applicant’s own viewpoint