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Doctor of Ministry

At Phoenix Seminary, we major in the majors of biblical studies and systematic theology, and our Doctor of Ministry reflects our commitment to training pastors and ministry leaders who know God’s word and who can apply it faithfully in ministry. Prepare with us for a more excellent, biblically and theologically robust ministry.
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Become a Better Shepherd

Biblically Focused

We believe that the word of God creates better practical ministry. Our D.Min. core curriculum focuses on taking you deeper in the text and in theology to help you build a more faithful ministry.

Cohort Based

In the D.Min. program, you’ll learn, study, and fellowship alongside a group of like-minded shepherds through the duration of your degree. You’ll build a network of co-laborers who will push you, encourage you, and teach you beyond just your D.Min. courses

Practical

Our motto is scholarship with a shepherd's heart, and we take that seriously. This program is for mature and experienced ministers. Your course work, papers, and final project will help you answer practical questions directly related to your ministry context.
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Build a More Theologically Driven Ministry

The D.Min. program at Phoenix Seminary highlights our residential faculty. Below are some of the professors you can expect to study with at Phoenix Seminary.

Train For a Lifetime of Faithful Ministry

An ideal option for those who want to pursue a Ph.D., teaching, pastorate, or further academic research

Program Requirements

30 credit hours, 6 trips to campus, 2 years of coursework, and 1 pastoral project.

Admission Requirements

Specific requirements for acceptance into the Doctor of Ministry program.

Cost and Financial Aid

Learn about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

6

Trips to Campus

2

Years of Coursework

1

Pastoral Project

The Pastor as Prophet: Studies in Biblical Ethics: 4 Credits Total

A prophet speaks to the surrounding culture in a way that makes plain their allegiance to the unflinching truth, surpassing value, and redeeming love of King Jesus.

The purpose of this course is to resource pastors to navigate, and to help their congregations to engage, the ethical challenges presented by our culture in a biblically faithful way.

The Pastor as Reader: Exegesis of the English Bible: 4 Credits Total

An active reader engages the text in an attentive, humble, and joyful manner in an effort to faithfully trace, and be transformed by, the author’s flow of thought.

The purpose of this course is to equip pastors and teachers for more a faithful and fruitful engagement with the text of Scripture.

The Pastor as Sage: Studies in Systematic Theology: 4 Credits Total

A sage embodies wisdom; the fruit of careful thinking about God which exercises an ardent love for God and overflows in conformity to his character and obedience to his commands.

The purpose of this course is to contemplate facets of the revelation God has given us of Himself and to do so in such a way that He becomes more lovely to us and we become more like His Son.

The Pastor as Shepherd: Pastoral Counseling and Soul Care: 4 Credits Total

A shepherd leads and protects, but also personally knows and prudently tends the flock of God that has been entrusted to his care.

The purpose of this course is to encourage and equip pastors for the Christ-like work of caring well for the souls of their congregation.

The Pastor as Disciple: Studies in Biblical Theology
:4 Credits Total

A disciple is one who follows Jesus; particularly one whose heart burns within them as he opens, across the whole of Scripture, the things concerning himself.

The purpose of this course is to explore the variegated ways in which God has woven his word together as a Christ-exalting unity, and therefore as the Spirit-given text for Christian worship and discipleship.

The Pastor as Herald: Expository Preaching: 4 Credits Total

A herald proclaims the message of the authority he represents, with special emphasis on fidelity to both the manner and the matter of the word.

The purpose of this course is to resource pastors and teachers in more faithfully and effectively delivering God’s word across its different genres.

Project: 6 Credits Total

The doctoral project is designed to involve the student in practical ministry research. The project allows the student to select a specific aspect of ministry to build or strengthen with robust biblical theological analysis, contextualization, and leadership. The subject, length and form of the project are determined by the director of the D.Min. program and the project supervisor.

Total Credits: 30 Credits 

Colloquium

A colloquium is an academic seminar that introduces outside resources for the purpose of discussing contemporary issues facing the discipline.

The purpose of this colloquium is to draw on the experience of like-minded pastor-theologians in guiding Phoenix Seminary D.Min students through the application of their course work to pastoral ministry.

Admission Requirements

The ideal preparation for the Doctor of Ministry program is an earned M.Div. from an accredited institution with at least 12 hours of Hebrew and/or Greek and 3-5 years of ministry experience after the completion of the M.Div.

Applicants must have:

  • An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. (Students who do not meet this requirement may still be considered for the program.)
  • An earned M.Div. from an accredited institution with a minimum of 6 hours of biblical language study and a GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • Applicants without the M.Div. who hold an earned master’s degree from an accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In general, successful applicants will have a minimum of 48 hours of graduate coursework in the areas of biblical, theological, and ministry studies.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

  • The ability to thoughtfully interpret scripture and the theological tradition of one’s ministry context.
  • The capacity to understand and adapt one’s ministry to the cultural context.
  • A basic self-understanding of one’s ministerial identity and vocational calling.
  • A readiness to engage in ongoing personal and spiritual formation for one’s ministry.
  • An accredited master’s degree related to one’s ministry setting or vocational calling.
  • Significant ministry experience, including experience past the awarding of the qualifying masters degree.

Ministry experience is considered on a case-by-case basis. We typically look for at least 3 years of significant ministry experience in church or para-church settings. Significant part-time, full-time, paid and unpaid ministry leadership experience may all be considered in the assessment of ministry experience.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition $525 per credit hour  | $175 fees each semester 

Estimated total program cost: $17,150 

Phoenix Seminary offers several scholarships, including the Shepherd’s Scholarship (25% off tuition) specifically for D.Min. students. Phoenix Seminary will also match up to 10% of a church’s contribution to a student’s education. Click here for more information about scholarships.  

Meet Your Enrollment Counselors

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