Christian Distance Learning

Amridge University offers the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree program to qualified persons currently engaged in ministry.  The D.Min. program builds on and extends previous theological education and experience.  Students can use this degree to increase their general effectiveness or tailor their program toward a particular specialty.  The purpose of this advanced level program is to help focus the efforts and develop the effectiveness of persons in ministry.  The Amridge University program utilizes the candidate’s own work setting as a primary learning resource.  Much of the course work involves in-service projects of direct benefit to the candidate’s ministry.  The intent is to integrate these dimensions into a working totality for each minister.  Integration at many levels is one of the important features of the program: of religion and contemporary life, of professional work and personal life, and of the knowledge of the disciplines such as: Scripture, theology, church history, and the practice of ministry.

Class time provides occasions for disciplined study, critical reflection, and evaluation on ministry issues.  Group interaction among peers aids this important process.  The faculty will cultivate and encourage interaction that will promote openness, caring, and growth in the Christian ministry.

The D.Min. is distinguished from the M.Div. in that it demands a higher level of competence, more extensive analytical skills, and greater ability to do practical and thorough research related to ministry.  The D.Min. is distinguished from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) in that it focuses specifically on excellence in practical ministry rather than academic research and languages.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry Program the graduates will have:

1.       Acquired a more in-depth knowledge of the Bible and skills to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2.       A more in-depth knowledge of the bible and ministry related subjects;

3.       Skills in studying and teaching the Bible;

4.       Experience in conducting bible or ministry related research;

5.       Knowledge and skills in accessing, selecting, judging, selecting, and extracting information from various sources;

6.       Skills in analyzing and interpreting research results;

7.       Experience in presenting in written form and defending research results;

8.       Skills to supervise and lead others in a ministry program; and

9.       Have insight and vision in planning church and related works.