The Doctor of Ministry program is an advanced degree that prepares students for leadership in churches across the globe. Ministers seeking to grow in theological competency and personal understanding of discipleship at a doctoral level will benefit greatly from the six-semester program designed to be completed in three years. Students will partake in one intensive seminar each semester filled with workshops, Q&As, focus groups, and group studies with peers for additional practical experience.
Overview
Three-year, Six-semester program:
- Advanced Preparation for Ministry
- Problem Analysis in the Practice of Ministry
- Foundations for the Practice of Ministry
- Research Methods for Ministry
- Field Research, Data Collection/Data Analysis
- Research Writing and Final Preparations
One Intensive per semester
Peer Sessions via webinars
Admission Process
- Have three years of ministry experience, an MDiv degree or equivalent.
- Complete an online application at sis.payneseminary.edu, and submit a $50 application fee, which can be mailed as a check, money order, or online by credit card.
- Complete a background check. Please go to sis.payneseminary.edu and click on Academics; scroll down to the Doctor of Ministry section and click Background Check.
- Submit official transcripts for all higher education institutions attended.
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation – A pastor or denominational representative and a colleague, a former professor, or another professional.
- Submit a typewritten 750-1,000 word essay, define your personal and professional goals particularly related to your current ministry context, and describe how the Doctor of Ministry degree will help you achieve those goals.
Deadlines
Candidates must apply by July 15 of each year for admission into the fall cohort and December 1 for the spring cohort.
Requirements
The Doctor of Ministry program is designed to be completed following an M. Div. degree or equivalent.
Current Cohorts
Pastoral Care and Congregational Life/Social Justice
Mentors
Bishop Teresa Jefferson Snorton & Dr R. Evans Yancy
Pastoral Leadership and Community Engagement
Mentors
Dr. Reginald Blount & Dr. Carlos Perkins
Women Leading: Ministry + Marketplace
Mentor
Dr. Karri Bryant
Transformational Preaching & Adaptive Leadership
Mentors
Dr. Ralph D. West, Sr. & Dr. Mark A. Wainwright
Transforming Traditional Congregations
Mentors
Dr. Anthony M. Chandler, Sr. & Dr. Vernon C. Walton
African American Military Chaplaincy and Ethical Leadership
Mentors
Army Chaplin Dr. James Palmer (ret) & Army Chaplin Dr. Napoleon Bradford