About the Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program enhances students’ understanding and practice of ministry while nourishing them spiritually. The program trains students to recognize and understand challenges in congregations and other ministry contexts, to minister to those facing these challenges from a theological position and with pastoral foresight, and to recognize factors for identifying and assessing their own competency in ministry.
Admission Requirements
Because of the doctrinal position of the LCMS, all candidates for the Doctor of Ministry program must be men. If you are a woman who would like to enter full-time service in the Church, consider our diaconal programs.
- Three years of pastoral experience required; five preferred.
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) or other graduate theological degree from an accredited seminary or equivalent institution.
- Those with substantial pastoral training and experience may be admitted without a degree at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee.
- The ability to continue serving in your current ministry throughout the program.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an acceptable TOEFL or DuoLingo English Test score that is fewer than two years old.
Start the DMin Application
Your Next Step
Take the first step toward your vocation. Submit your application now and join a community committed to rigorous study and faithful service.
- A $35 non-refundable application fee
- A current photo
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Four evaluations
Use form provided on application
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary academic work
- Two sermons representing preaching interest and style
- A brief case study
- A personal statement
- A statement of encouragement and support from your church council or executive agency
- TOEFL or DuoLingo English Test scores (if applicable)
Students select one of three concentrations:
Pastoral Care and Leadership: Pastoral ministry centers on care for souls and leadership that supports that care. This concentration covers the spectrum of pastoral care, including the pastor’s care for himself in prayer and study and pastoral care through worship, the means of grace, spiritual direction, counseling, and leadership.
Teaching and Preaching: From exegesis and application to rhetorical methods and delivery, this concentration enhances pastoral competence in preaching and teaching. The scriptural and confessional understanding of preaching is applied to current methodologies as students reflect on both traditional catechesis and contemporary pedagogies. The teaching emphasis explores strategies to engage young people in the life of the church and to challenge adults to deepen their understanding of their faith.
Mission and Culture: This study of contemporary ideologies, movements, and cultural symbols allows students to discern challenges and bridges to the Gospel without relying on techniques that compromise the Good News, teaching students how to appropriately communicate the Gospel to a variety of cultures.
RESEARCH AND METHOD IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY – 3 HOURS
CONCENTRATION COURSES – 15 HOURS
ELECTIVES – 12 HOURS
PROJECT DISSERTATION – 6 HOURS
TOTAL – 36 HOURS
A DMin graduate
- understands theological issues through prayerful consideration of the Scriptures, Lutheran Confessions, church history, and contemporary culture
- analyzes challenges to ministry and evaluates them theologically
- strategizes with members of his ministry and works supportively with them on projects that benefit his ministry
- embraces pastoral ministry, instructs members for service in the church and world, reaches the lost, and cares for all
- develops relationships with other pastors through worship, prayer, and study
- remains faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, has theological integrity, ministers the Gospel, and values and cares for all human life
DMin Cost of Attendance (COA)
You can see a breakdown of the costs associated with this program by clicking here. Interested in using our cost of attendance (COA) calculator? Click the button below to get started.