Coursework
DM 801 Theology of Ministry
Considers the biblical basis for a special-called ministry within the larger context of the ministry of all Christians and the nature and mission of the Church. Reflection continues on scriptural insights which may inform such specific functions of ministry as preaching, worship leading, counseling and administration. This course is intended to assist participants in formulating and clarifying a distinctly theological basis for their vocation.
DM 802 Biblical Interpretation for Life and Ministry
Seeks to upgrade the students’ use of Scripture in personal spiritual formation, in their D.Min. project/dissertation and in ministry, by focused attention on the several critical tasks involved in biblical interpretation. The course will emphasize inductive interpretation of Scripture in its several contexts. In light of the Church’s experience at interpreting the text and benefiting from advances in critical study of Scripture, students will increase their interpretive skills by doing interpretive work on passages important to their ministry and/or project/dissertation.
DM 803 Dissertation Writing and Research Methods
Designed to give knowledge of a library research methodology in preparation for writing a project/dissertation. Instruction will focus on writing the proposal, which includes a statement of the problem, the review of related literature, the theoretical framework, an extensive outline and a justification for the study. The course requirements assume that there will be active interaction with the student’s mentor in developing the proposal. Credit only.
DM 817 Advanced Church Leadership for the 21st Century
An advance church leadership course designed to prepare the pastor to become the master architect in designing and creating an effective church from the inside out, which includes reaching the unchurched. The content of the course will include the latest and best literature and material in leadership, church growth and the life of a pastor.
DM 818 Spirituality of Leading
This course is designed to focus on the spiritual life of the effective pastoral leader. The classroom experience and the assigned reading will be enhanced by a three day spiritual growth retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani. The goal is to develop strong spiritual leadership for the local church through reflection, study, interaction, and personal discovery.
We know that the American church is currently undergoing a remarkable time of change. As the church changes, leadership must change as well. As church leaders seek a new pathway to the future, two elements remain stable. First, the central message of the Gospel as the abiding truth of God is eternal. Second, the need for a deep abiding faith in the heart of the pastoral leader remains a consistent and essential need.
The message of the Gospel is always experienced through the Word of God and within the journey of the Body of Christ. Even so, pastors (like all Christians) have struggled with personal faith and spiritual formation since the first century. Congregational leadership requires a leader with a solid personal faith and a plan for the development of other disciples.
DM 837 Anthropology for American Church Ministry
Designed to give a delineation of the shape, origins and major components and traits of American cultures and subcultures; enables ministers to see their own culture more objectively, understand its people and communicate and lead more indigenously and effectively.
DM 844 Biblical Preaching Practicum
The course provides an intensive lab and classroom setting for the development of preaching skills. Participants will work on sermon development and delivery and will be introduced to various types of sermon structures, all within the context of emphasizing sound biblical content.
