The Doctor of Ministry program at Drew is a quality, multidisciplinary program for ministerial leaders who have distinguished themselves in the practice of ministry.
It demands both a “group process” (of finding your passion and becoming a prophet) and a “professional contribution” (an implemented, evaluated and critically articulated act of ministry) in a professional thesis project. The degree requires at least six semesters for completion, and features a stellar, mobile faculty and flexible curriculum. Most groups form in the fall, continue to meet through winter and spring, and come together after the first year for a three week summer intensive at the Drew campus. The program culminates in a professional project and publishable paper of one’s process, findings and learnings.
A Time to Grow
You’ve been in ministry for a few years now and you’re feeling a need for a new stimulus. New issues that were not even on the horizon when you were in seminary are now challenging you. The demands of ministry are draining your spiritual life. You want to focus on an important need in your ministry and you want a disciplined structured way to renew yourself for ministry. But…you are having a hard time finding a place for serious conversation about ministry. And… it is difficult to find something that will fit your schedule. The Doctor of Ministry Program at Drew can be that place where you find the future of your ministry.
Learn more about what makes our program right for you.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Students must have met the following requirements for admission to the D.Min program:
- Applicants must have completed the M.Div. or its equivalent (defined as 84 credits of graduate theological education), with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) in previous degree programs. Applicants with a 2-year Masters plus additional theological education will be considered. (see Drew’s MDiv equivalence template)
- Applicants must have at least three years of full-time professional experience beyond their first theological degree.
- Applicants must be engaged in a recognized ministerial position at the time of application.
- A writing sample, in the form of a personal statement, must be submitted for review.
- E-mail capacity is required of all admitted students
Curriculum
Curriculum
Three required core courses, a methods course, 2 elective courses, and a project-thesis (for a total of 30 credits) are required for graduation. Check the area of concentration for more specific curricular offerings.
Concentrations
Areas of Concentration
The Hilliard/Sweet Cohort (new concentration)
Prepare for your future ministry! The Doctor of Ministry Program at Drew is pleased to announce a new style of DMIN learning! Participants will work in an academic and mentoring relationship with Dr. Leonard Sweet and Bishop Donald Hilliard to review, reform, and revision, a personal style and approach to ministry through preaching. Through three intensive courses candidates will be exposed to cutting edge thinking on preaching and transformation of the church. Learn more.
- Application deadline: 7/1/12
- Start Date: Fall 2012
Hawai’i Regional DMIN in Contextual Ministry (Hawaiian Regional Group)
This focus of this Doctor of Ministry concentration is ministry in the Hawaiian context with attention to a narrative methodology.The concentration is carefully designed to assist pastors and others engaged in ministry in assessing their context of ministry and employing new insights for growth and development in their settings. Students will engage in a new narrative approach to research in ministry and enjoy new insights for conducting ministry in the 21st century. Learn more.
- Application deadline: 7/1/12
- Start Date: Fall 2012
Congregational Growth and Development (North Carolina Regional Group)
The group will focus on a biblically-based and theologically-informed approach to ministry and congregational development with integrity. This Doctor of Ministry concentration is carefully designed to assist pastors in assessing their context of ministry and employing new insights for growth and development in their settings. Students will engage in a new narrative approach to research in ministry, gain skills in using a systems approach to leadership, and enjoy new insights for conducting ministry in the 21st century. Learn more.
- Application deadline: 7/1/12
- Start Date: Fall 2012
Global/Online Doctor of Ministry
This program concentration is open to ministerial leaders anywhere in the world who meet qualifications for admission and have access to the Internet. A futurist-oriented program designed for ministerial leaders with a distinguished record of innovative ministry, the online curriculum includes: change leadership, leadership navigational skills, Christian futuring, ancient/future ecclesiology, and postmodern evangelism. Requires attendance at three online courses and a three-week summer intensive. Learn more.
- Application deadline: 7/1/13
- Start Date: Fall 2013
Worship, Spirituality and Preaching
The Worship, Spirituality, and Preaching DMIN concentration is offered to those specializing in ministries of music, liturgy, preaching and spiritual formation; and who are sensitive to the spirituality of geography, sacred space and seasonal emphasis. It features team-teaching, travel-study, intensive sessions and active learning at multiple geographical and seasonal sites. Learn more.
- Application deadline: 7/1/13
- Start Date: Fall 2013
Practicing Mind-Body-Spirit-Healing for Congregations and Clergy
The approach in the Practicing Mind-Body-Spirit-Healing for Congregations and Clergy concentration begins with the idea that health is a process, not a state of non-illness or disease. It presumes, therefore, that a healthy community considers conflict a normal part of existence, and that healthy community teaches people both how to forgive and to be reconciled with differences and loss. The approach found within this concentration also understands that communities must develop symbols and structures of meaning making that sustain them during times of crisis and trauma, including rituals for losing and incorporating new members. These and other skills will be taught in this exciting new Doctor of Ministry Concentration. Learn more.
- Application deadline: 7/1/14
- Start Date: Fall 2014
Grad Comments
Graduate Comments
“My experience in the D. Min. program has changed my ministry and my life. The diverse makeup of my class truly educated me as to the variety of cultures, personalities, and demeanor of over 50 different ministries.”
“It was a wonderful growing experience that has launched me forward in a positive way for the last half of my career.”
“I am more focused on leading effectively and more confident in my ability to navigate in the 21st century waters. I am better at working out of my strengths.”
“It was a very productive three years.”
“It has changed my life. I am much more healthy emotionally. Now that I know what “healthy” looks like. I am more likely to be a “non-anxious presence” and to promote the “health” of the congregation.”
“It was a positive growth engendering experience for me.”
“I experienced tremendous personal growth, both intellectually and spiritually, while at Drew.”
“I learned to love, trust, participate in joys, laughter and struggles with the Hispanic D. Min. colleagues that continues to this day.”