D. Min Degree with a Women in Ministry Focus

June 12, 2009

D. Min Degree with a Women in Ministry Focus

While Dallas Seminary holds the position that Scripture limits to men the roles of elder and senior pastor in the local church, it also affirms that local churches, denominational structures, parachurch organizations and ministries, educational institutions, and missions agencies all present strategic ministry opportunities for women. Such strategic ministry opportunities are many, and there is a growing interest from women desiring ministry leadership training beyond the master’s level.

Drs. Scott Barfoot, John Reed, Sue Edwards and Joye Baker share that common vision and desire to see women engaged in such pursuits. This vision was uniquely realized in the summer of 2008 when fourteen women began their D.Min Women in Ministry degree. The D.Min program with a Women in Ministry Focus is specifically tailored for women who desire ministry leadership training. The women who pioneered this program came from various parts of the U.S. and overseas, intent on using their doctoral training to open new doors of ministry within a variety of ministry settings.

Edwards and Baker earned their D.Min degrees at different institutions – Edwards at Gordon-Conwell and Baker at DTS. They combined their varied experiences at the two seminaries to design a program characterized by excellent teaching and training within a modified cohort model. Within this model, the same students move through designated parts of the program together over a three year period, taking courses specific to their track and sharpening their skills together. This uniquely designed program combines the benefit of the cohort relational experience and the flexibility to study with a variety of Dallas Seminary’s excellent faculty.

As a result, women participants have the opportunity to develop deep and meaningful relationships as they complete their course work. Some women in ministry feel isolated from other women because their leadership teams consist primarily of men. This program provides encouragement and support, especially as students relate beyond their classes.

“It is vital for a woman to feel connected and to have someone who understands her unique needs in the ministry setting,” says Baker. “Going through this program in cohorts allows women the opportunity to build relationships that will carry them both educationally, professionally, and personally. So much of ministry centers around relationship-building, so it is vital for women to feel understood and esteemed for their ministry work and training.”

Courses include Women in Leadership; The Role of Women Related to Biblical, Historical, and Futuristic Issues; Understanding Women in Contemporary Cultures; Practical Ministry Issues for Women; and Caring for Women in Pain.

Interested applicants need to have completed a theological Masters degree with a total of 80 hours of specific course work. For those who do not have eighty hours, the D.Min department will work with each applicant to advise them on which courses to take in order to be admitted into the program.

For more information on this program, please visit: http://www.dts.edu/admissions/degrees/doctoral/dmin/