D.Min. Course Design

The D.Min. degree at Dallas Seminary is “in ministry” rather than “in residence.”  You may find yourself in Dallas only two weeks out of an entire year!  This allows you to remain in your current ministry, incorporating your studies directly and immediately.

Students complete relevant reading and assignments before and after a one-week resident portion, which meets on the Dallas campus, at Philadelphia Biblical University, or in a variety of church settings.  Each D.Min. course is three semester credit hours—the one-week resident portion of the course normally occurs in Dec./Jan. or July.

During preresidence, students prepare for the resident portion by reading assigned books and completing practical assignments. The resident portion is the week during which students meet together as a class with their professors. The postresident portion calls for the integration of the course content with the student’s ministry.

A Flexible Approach

The heart of the Dallas D.Min. is flexibility. At the beginning of the program, you’ll create an overall plan of study. You may focus on one of several areas (such as education, leadership, or preaching), or you can design a program with a varied approach. Your plan, which is evaluated annually, originates from your individual goals, your ministry needs, and your assessment of perceived strengths and limitations.

How do D.Min. studies work?

We combine the best of adult learning and professional ministry education. D.Min. studies are built on a foundation of biblical theology and ministry theory, but focus on practical aspects of ministry.

Before and after the resident portion of each course, you’ll complete assignments related to your individual ministry. Then, at the end of the entire D.Min. program, you’ll write an applied research project which implements and evaluates ministry in your particular context. The strategies you learn for creating and assessing ministries will be invaluable throughout your ministry career.

Professional Ministry Education

The D.Min. program builds on the M.Div. (or equivalent) or Th.M. with little or no repetition. While professors bring their expertise to the classroom, significant participation by the students is encouraged and learning is a collaborative process. Lectures may introduce a topic, but from there you’ll discuss, debate, problem solve, and strategize together in a relaxed atmosphere. D.Min. learning is intentionally relevant to ministry and life.