Christian Distance Learning

The Doctor of Ministry Program is an advanced, professional theological degree for ministers and as such exists to serve the Church. It is an integral program within Asbury Theological Seminary. It offers specialized tracks which will equip pastors with a significantly higher level of competence than that achieved during their Master of Divinity studies.

The D.Min. Program contributes in a general way to the mission of the Seminary “to prepare and send forth a well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministry to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.” Specifically, it supports our intention “to assist students to grow intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually in their lifetime quest of becoming and doing all that God intends.”

The curriculum of the D.Min. Program is undergirded by the primacy of Scripture, as interpreted by reason, experience and tradition, as well as a commitment that learning and growth take place in an atmosphere of love, faith and collegiality. An action-reflection educational model and principles of adult learning form the primary methodological orientation. We seek to serve clergy in such a way that they in turn may minister with excellence wherever they serve Jesus Christ in the Church.

The program consists of a minimum of nine units, or 10 units in the case of Beeson Pastors, (each unit is equal to three hours of semester course work) equivalent to one full year’s work beyond the M.Div. degree, plus the dissertation-project. The program will normally be completed in three to five years, with a maximum of five years allowed. All D.Min. seminars are offered as one-week intensives. When offered on campus (January and July), at least two units are offered back-to-back so that students might reduce the number of trips to campus. When offered at off-campus locations, units are usually offered singly. Required seminars are offered each July and January. Wherever possible, electives are also offered back-to-back so that a participant may take two units consecutively. Asbury’s D.Min. Program utilizes an action-reflection educational model and makes use of those components and methods which will provide maximum opportunity for the integration of theory and practice in one's own ministry.