Ministry
Doctor of Ministry
Designed for completion in two years, this innovative DMin program offers a powerful combination of relevant coursework, cultivating ministry well-being and personalized research that gives a distinct edge over other DMin programs. Tailored for those in ministry, this program allows you to focus your second year on a ministry-related project of special significance and value to you. The program is in a distance education format, meaning no travel to classes needed and quick access to remarkable faculty.
About the Program
Learn to Lead with Courage and Clarity in a Complex World
In today’s changing and complex world, ministry leaders need to be adaptable and innovative. We must also lead with the courage and clarity that comes only from being deeply rooted in the power and presence of Christ. Jessup’s DMin program pairs innovation principles, entrepreneurial leadership and design theory with the essential ministry skills of discernment, shepherding and changemaking. Seasoned ministry leaders will find that this innovative DMin program will empower them to courageously drive positive change, and lead with newfound ministry clarity.
The Doctor of Ministry is a two-year program (32 credits) offering a professional degree to experienced ministry leaders, providing them with advanced further education and training. The program revolves around a major project relevant to the student’s ministry.
Because this program is designed for experienced ministry leaders, students are usually engaged in vocational ministry. This degree is suitable for:
- Senior and solo pastors
- Associate pastors and program staff
- Church planters
- Nonprofit and parachurch ministry leaders
- Community outreach/mission pastors and missionaries
- Chaplains (military, prison, hospital, hospice, etc.)
This program is approved by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools.
Through their courses in Ministry, students completing the master will possess the ability to:
Applicants must meet general admission requirements outlined in the “Admission and Financial Information” section of the catalog.
Education Requirements
- A Master of Divinity (MDiv) from an accredited institution, or
- A Master’s degree in a ministry-related field with a broad base in Bible and Theology, relevant to their current context or vocational calling, from an accredited college or university.
- Applicants without an MDiv must demonstrate the following in essay form:
- The ability to thoughtfully interpret the Bible and their theological tradition
- The capacity to adapt their ministry to their cultural context
- An understanding of their ministerial identity and calling
- A commitment to ongoing personal and spiritual formation
- Significant ministry experience that enables the applicant to engage as a ministry peer with other students
Additional Requirements
- Minimum of three years of ministry experience.
- Active engagement in current ministry leadership.
- Affirmation of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in their Master’s program. Applicants whose master’s level GPA is below a 3.0 may be admitted provisionally, with the status lifted upon demonstrated doctoral-level competency.
Required Documents
- Applicants must submit:
- Three references
- One from a ministry peer or colleague
- One from a board member or elder
- One personal reference
- A letter of support from the applicant’s spouse (if married).
- A professional resume demonstrating at least three years of ministry leadership experience.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Admissions Essay One: “Proposed Focus of Study”
- Admissions Essay Two (Non-MDiv Applicants only): “Foundations for Advanced Ministry”
Optional: 20 -30 minute interview with DMin Associate Director if more information is needed beyond the provided documents.
Program Courses (32 units)
Orientation
- DM840 | DMin Gateway
Core Courses (16 units)
- DM841 | Navigating Cultural Complexity
- DM842 | Developing Ministry Clarity
- DM843 | Bible and Theology in Ministry
- DM844 | Leading Change
- DM850 | Spiritual Wellness
- DM851 | Intellectual Wellness
- DM852 | Emotional Wellness
- DM853 | Relational Wellness
- DM854 | Financial Wellness
- DM855 | Vocational Wellness
- DM856 | Environmental Wellness
- DM857 | Physical Wellness
Research & Writing – Contextual Application (14 units)
- DM861 | Comprehensive Reading
- DM862 | Focused Reading
- DM863 | Research and Design/Writing 1
- DM864 | Research and Design/Writing 2
- DM865 | Research and Design/Writing 3
- DM890 | Final Project & Thesis Defense
In our DMin program, you’ll engage with faculty who are both scholars and practitioners, gaining insights that bridge the gap between academic excellence and real-world challenges. Join us to transform your ministry and lead with confidence.
– Ruben Alvarado
Faculty
Jessup’s dedicated community of faculty, both full-time and adjunct, are here to walk alongside you, equipping you with the knowledge and values you’ll need to establish a meaningful career, grow spiritually, and succeed in all areas of your life. Learn more about our full-time faculty.
Program Director MAGDJ, Associate Professor, Multnomah Biblical Seminary
Associate Program Director, DMin, Assistant Professor, Multnomah Biblical Seminary
Associate Dean, Seminary, Associate Professor, School of Theology & Leadership
Professor, Multnomah Biblical Seminary
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