DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM (D.Min.)

Program Objectives (Purpose)

The primary purpose of the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree is to equip ministers of the gospel to achieve a higher level of excellence in the practice of ministry than is typically attained through a foundational Master of Divinity (MDiv) program. In essence, the D.Min. functions as a form of advanced, practice-centered learning—comparable to a reflective internship—enabling students already engaged in active ministry to integrate their personal experiences, goals, and areas of growth into an academic and theological framework.

VACU has designed its D.Min. program to address the needs of individuals actively serving in ordained or recognized forms of Christian ministry. The program aims to empower students to draw from biblical, historical, and theological resources while enhancing their professional competence, spiritual formation, and ministerial effectiveness.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

The effectiveness of a local pastor’s ministry is deeply rooted in three essential areas: a personal and growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, a sound and comprehensive knowledge of the Word of God, and the ability to communicate that truth effectively to others. The Doctor of Ministry program is specifically designed to strengthen pastors (teaching elders) and other Christian ministry leaders in these core dimensions, equipping them for deeper spiritual formation, greater theological understanding, and more impactful ministry communication. Graduates of the Doctor of Ministry program will be able to:

(1) Biblical and Theological Integration

• Demonstrate an advanced and renewed understanding of the Scriptures and Reformed theological tradition.
• Integrate biblical exegesis, confessional theology, and contemporary theological reflection to address complex ministry issues.
• Engage with both historic and current theological scholarship to enrich personal faith and public ministry.

(2) Evangelical Ministry Leadership

• Lead faithfully in preaching, worship, evangelism, discipleship, and mission with theological awareness and pastoral insight.
• Develop innovative and contextually relevant ministry practices.
• Evaluate and improve ministry effectiveness based on biblical principles and strategic analysis.

(3) Spiritual and Personal Formation

• Exhibit spiritual maturity, personal holiness, and emotional resilience rooted in communion with Christ.
• Cultivate a disciplined life of prayer, study, and reflection.
• Model integrity and humility in ministry leadership.

(4) Practical and Collaborative Ministry Development

• Design and implement ministry projects that demonstrate theological insight, leadership capacity, and contextual sensitivity.
• Engage in dialogue with diverse ministry peers.
• Contribute to the broader church through research-informed ministry innovation.

Program Content

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program at VACU is designed to shape the whole person of the minister—spiritually, intellectually, and practically. The curriculum is grounded in the conviction that faithful pastoral leadership requires ongoing spiritual vitality, robust theological understanding, and skillful communication of God’s Word. The following three components constitute the core content areas of the program:

(1) Personal Piety and Spiritual Formation

The spiritual maturity and devotional life of the D.Min. candidate form the bedrock of ministerial effectiveness and integrity. This program prioritizes the inner life of the minister, emphasizing the cultivation of personal holiness, heartfelt worship, and deep communion with God. Candidates are expected to engage consistently in daily Scripture reading, meditative prayer, journaling, and other formative spiritual disciplines. Special focus is placed on the integration of family worship and spiritual leadership in the home, acknowledging that personal piety should be visible and influential in both private and familial spheres.

To foster accountability and growth, students will submit periodic spiritual formation reports to their designated faculty advisors, reflecting on their spiritual practices, challenges, and growth areas. Faculty members, in partnership with the student’s local church leadership or presbytery (when applicable), will provide individualized mentorship, encouragement, and pastoral oversight. Through this intentional support network, the program aims to nurture sustained growth in grace, humility, and Christlikeness throughout the candidate’s ministry journey.

(2) Biblical and Theological Competency

A comprehensive and well-integrated understanding of Scripture is indispensable for sound preaching, teaching, and shepherding. The D.Min. program builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree by ensuring that all candidates possess a thorough and coherent grasp of the entire biblical canon, as well as the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. Emphasis is placed not only on exegetical precision but also on the capacity to apply theological truths to contemporary ministry contexts.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate mastery of biblical content, redemptive history, systematic theology, hermeneutics, and ecclesiology at a level comparable to graduates of the Virginia Christian University MDiv program. Upon review of prior academic records, and in consultation with their academic advisor, students may be required to complete additional coursework, remedial studies, or guided readings to address any gaps in knowledge before advancing to full candidacy. This ensures that each student enters the doctoral phase equipped with a solid theological foundation upon which advanced ministerial study can be built.

(3) Ministerial Communication and Leadership

Effective ministry hinges on the ability to clearly and faithfully communicate the truth of God’s Word to diverse audiences in a variety of settings. The D.Min. program therefore places a strong emphasis on the development and refinement of communication skills—both oral and written—tailored to the demands of contemporary pastoral work.

Candidates will participate in advanced homiletics seminars, worship planning sessions, teaching practicums, and ministry leadership labs. These experiences are designed to sharpen their ability to preach with conviction, teach with clarity, counsel with wisdom, and lead with compassion. Through feedback from peers, faculty, and church leaders, students will gain practical insights into the strengths and areas of growth in their communication style.

Special attention will be given to the theological integrity, rhetorical clarity, and pastoral sensitivity of each student’s public ministry. The ultimate goal is to enable D.Min. candidates to become faithful and persuasive communicators of the gospel, capable of rightly dividing the Word of truth and shepherding the people of God with conviction and love.

Requirement for Admission

Applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Ministry program must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational Background: Possession of a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited theological seminary.
2. Ministry Experience: A minimum of three years of full-time Christian ministry experience following the completion of the MDiv degree. Applicants with less than three years of experience must provide documentation demonstrating substantial ministry involvement and leadership responsibilities. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Academic Dean.
3. Ministry Context: Active engagement in a current ministry setting that is suitable for implementing a doctoral-level ministry project.
4. Biblical Competency: Demonstrated competency in biblical exposition, either through completion of at least 36 credit hours of relevant coursework or by successfully passing a proficiency examination administered by VACU.
5. References: Submission of three letters of recommendation from ministry colleagues who can attest to the applicant’s moral character, spiritual maturity, and professional qualifications.
6. Personal Statement and Writing Sample:
   Completion of all the above requirements must be accompanied by:
   • A personal statement of approximately 600 words outlining the applicant’s ministry achievements, strengths, and areas for growth, and explaining how the D.Min. program will enhance their effectiveness in ministry and service to the Church.
   • An academic writing sample from a previous graduate-level program (minimum 10 pages, double-spaced), properly formatted with footnotes and bibliography according to Turabian or equivalent style guidelines.

Course Requirements

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program follows a regular 16-week semester schedule, allowing students to engage deeply with academic material over time while actively integrating their learning into ongoing ministry contexts. Each course is structured to foster both theological reflection and ministerial application through a rhythm of assigned readings, structured instruction, peer interaction, and project-based assignments.

A. Pre-Course Reading and Initial Reflection Assignment

Each D.Min. course includes approximately 1,500 pages of required reading across the semester, with a portion of the reading expected to be completed prior to the beginning of the course. The pre-course reading introduces students to the major themes, theological foundations, and practical implications of the course topic. At the first week of the semester, students must submit an initial written reflection that demonstrates meaningful engagement with the early assigned texts. This assignment serves to establish a foundation for class discussion and signals the student’s readiness to engage at a doctoral level throughout the semester. This submission typically includes:

1. A summary of key theological and ministerial insights from the readings.
2. A critical evaluation of the content in light of Scripture and Reformed theology.
3. A personal reflection on how the readings have challenged or enriched the student’s spiritual life and ministry.

B. Weekly Class Sessions and Faculty Instruction

All D.Min. courses meet on a regular weekly basis over the 16-week semester, either in-person on the VACU campus or through synchronous virtual classrooms. These weekly sessions—typically lasting 2 to 3 hours each—are led by qualified faculty members and are designed to promote scholarly interaction, theological depth, and pastoral wisdom. Intensive course work formats can be provided considering ministry workers’ on-site schedules. Each class session includes:

• Faculty-led lectures and guided discussion of course themes.
• Student presentations and peer interaction.
• Application of course content to real ministry situations.
• Occasional guest lectures or practitioner panels.

Within two months from the conclusion of each course, students are required to submit a major assignment paper, demonstrating advanced critical thinking, theological integration, and ministry relevance. Each final submission must reflect doctoral-level writing, demonstrate theological soundness, and show clear alignment with the student’s ministry context and vocational goals. This course assignment may take one of the following forms, as specified by the course syllabus:

• A major research paper (typically 20–25 pages), exploring a significant theological or ministerial issue related to the course.
• A contextual ministry project, which includes design, implementation, and evaluation of a strategic initiative, supported by theological rationale and critical reflection.
• A teaching or discipleship curriculum, accompanied by a written explanation of the biblical framework, learning objectives, delivery strategy, and pastoral intent.

Project Dissertation

The D.Min. project dissertation is designed to address a real-world ministry problem in a specific context, grounded in sound theology and informed by scholarly research. The ultimate goal is to generate a faithful, relevant, and sustainable solution to a pressing issue within the life of the Church. This is not simply a theoretical exercise; it is a pastoral intervention, guided by Scripture, shaped by doctrine, and tested in practice.

Unlike a traditional Ph.D. dissertation that seeks to expand theoretical knowledge, the D.Min. dissertation exists at the intersection of scholarship and service. It is both a scholarly artifact and a ministry tool, offering resources, models, and theological frameworks that can be adopted or adapted by others in similar ministry settings.

Dissertation Requirements

To receive the D.Min. degree, students must:

•      Successfully complete 36 semester credit hours, including coursework and the dissertation

•      Submit a dissertation of approximately 25,000 words

•      Defend their project in an oral defense before a faculty panel (a 15–20 minute presentation, followed by Q&A)

•      Submit three bound copies and one digital copy (PDF) of the final dissertation

Ministry Impact and Theological Depth Each project must clearly demonstrate:

•      Ministry Relevance: Rooted in a local context (church, denomination, mission, etc.) and addressing a clearly identified need.

•      Theological Integration: Informed by Scripture, doctrine, and the historic Christian tradition.

•      Practical Innovation: Proposes and tests a new ministry model, program, or framework for spiritual formation, leadership, outreach, etc.

•      Academic Rigor: Displays careful research methods, interaction with current literature, and theological reflection appropriate to doctoral-level work.

The D.Min. dissertation at Virginia Christian University is not merely a written requirement—it is a testimony to the transforming power of God in the life of the student and their ministry. It is a labor of scholarship, leadership, and devotion, rooted in the conviction that the local church is both a place of theological learning and Spirit-led mission. The dissertation is the student’s opportunity to offer something deeply meaningful to Christ’s Church, shaped by Scripture, sharpened by academic rigor, and forged in the fires of pastoral experience.

Program Structure and Fields of Concentration

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program at Virginia Christian University consists of a total of 36 semester credit hours, designed to be completed over three to four years of part-time study by active ministry practitioners. The curriculum is intentionally structured to integrate academic rigor, theological reflection, and practical application in a format that accommodates the demands of ongoing ministry leadership. The program includes three primary components:

• Major Field Courses – 21 credits
• Elective Courses in a Concentration Area – 9 credits
• Doctoral Project Dissertation – 6 credits

A. Major Field of Study (21 Credit Hours)

The major field courses form the core of the D.Min. program and are foundational to the development of advanced ministerial competencies. These courses address key areas of theology, leadership, pastoral care, communication, and the global mission of the Church. Students may tailor their learning experience by selecting courses that best align with their vocational goals and ministry context. All selections are made in consultation with the faculty advisor and with the approval of the Academic Dean. Course offerings may be adapted based on student needs, ministry contexts, and faculty availability, with the approval of the Academic Dean.

Major Field Courses may include the following: Courses can be added or replaced with other courses with the discretion of the Curriculum Committee.

• DM 800 – Research Methodology and Thesis Writing Preparation (3 credits)
  Introduction to qualitative research methods, theological inquiry, and academic writing skills required for the doctoral dissertation.
• DM 801 – Ecclesiology for the Missional Church (3 credits)
  An exploration of the nature, mission, and structure of the Church in both historical and contemporary settings, with a focus on missional renewal.
• DM 802 – Spiritual Warfare (3 credits)
  A biblical and theological examination of spiritual warfare, equipping ministers to lead in spiritual discernment and victory.
• DM 806 – Perspectives on the Kingdom of God (3 credits)
  A study of the Kingdom of God as a theological and missional framework for ministry in diverse cultural and ecclesial contexts.
• DM 811 – Christian Leadership (3 credits)
  Development of Christ-centered leadership practices rooted in Scripture, spiritual formation, and effective organizational principles.
• DM 822 – Spiritual Formation and Soul Care (3 credits)
  Emphasis on the spiritual life of the minister, focusing on disciplines, personal renewal, and pastoral care in ministry settings.
• DM 840 – Advanced Homiletics and Ministry Communication (3 credits)
  A practicum in preaching and theological communication, enhancing rhetorical clarity, biblical fidelity, and contextual relevance.
• DM 850 – Mission and Ministry in a Global Context (3 credits)
  An engagement with global trends in mission and ministry, including cross-cultural leadership, contextualization, and intercultural ministry strategy.

B. Elective Concentration (9 Credit Hours)

In addition to the major field courses, students are required to complete 9 elective credit hours in an approved concentration area. These electives allow for specialized focus in a ministry field that best supports the student’s calling and project dissertation. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor to ensure that the concentration complements the chosen project topic and overall ministerial objectives. Students may choose from areas such as:

• Practical Theology
• Preaching and Worship
• Missional and Intercultural Ministries
• Spiritual Formation and Counseling
• Leadership and Church Administration
• Urban or Rural Ministry
• Educational Ministry

C. Project Dissertation (6 Credit Hours)

The doctoral project dissertation serves as the capstone of the D.Min. program. It represents the student’s capacity to integrate biblical theology, academic research, and practical ministry in response to a specific challenge or opportunity within their ministry context.

• Students begin preparation for the project in DM 800 – Research Methodology.
• The dissertation consists of approximately 25,000 words and follows a standardized five-chapter format.
• The project must demonstrate theological depth, practical innovation, and real-world ministry impact.
• Students complete their dissertation under the guidance of a Faculty Mentor and Reader, and defend their work before a faculty panel in a formal oral examination.