Pastoral Leadership (D.Min.)

Program Overview

The Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership is a professional doctorate for experienced pastors, ministry executives, church planters, denominational leaders, and nonprofit directors who carry responsibility for people, vision, systems, and long-term ministry fruitfulness. The program recognizes that faithful leadership is not merely charisma or management technique. It requires theological conviction, spiritual maturity, organizational wisdom, and the ability to lead change without losing pastoral integrity. Students focus on vision formation, governance, organizational health, team leadership, conflict navigation, financial stewardship, strategic planning, ministry evaluation, and leadership development. The program is designed for leaders who are already serving and want doctoral-level formation that directly strengthens their current ministry context. Graduates are prepared to lead churches, networks, schools, missions, and faith-based organizations with greater clarity, courage, and accountability. The culminating doctoral project allows students to address a real strategic challenge in their ministry setting and produce a practical contribution that can serve others beyond their local context.

Core Courses

• DML 801 — Biblical and Theological Foundations of Leadership (6 credits)
• DML 812 — Strategic Vision and Ministry Planning (6 credits)
• DML 824 — Organizational Health, Governance, and Culture (6 credits)
• DML 836 — Change Leadership and Conflict Transformation (6 credits)
• DML 848 — Leadership Development and Team Formation (4 credits)
• DML 854 — Stewardship, Governance, and Executive Communication (4 credits)
• DOC 860 — Doctoral Ministry Research and Evaluation (4 credits)
• DOC 899 — Doctoral Ministry Project in Pastoral Leadership (24 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree in theology, biblical studies, ministry, education, or a closely related field
• Substantial Christian ministry, teaching, leadership, or research experience
• Statement of purpose describing calling, doctoral goals, and intended ministry or scholarly contribution
• Current resume, ministry profile, or curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from prior institutions when available
• Writing sample, sermon manuscript, ministry portfolio, or research paper when requested