Western Theological Seminary offers a D.Min. degree with a missional accent—without a straightjacket!  In the degree program, the practice of ministry is strengthened by developing personal capacities in critical theological reflection, reliable social research and missional pastoral vision.

Three annual, 2-week seminars provide a context for nourishing these capacities in companionship with peers and faculty mentors. They also facilitate for each student the identification of learning goals for the program, clearly rooted in the needs for learning and growth in his or her ministry setting. Based on those learning needs and goals, a series of personalized learning units is designed with the help of a faculty supervisor, the peer cohort, and other faculty mentors. These form the core of the learning activities in a defined arena of ministry practice.

Following the last seminar, a carefully designed project/dissertation is completed, engaging in some practice of ministry defined by the learnings of the program and demonstrating competence in theological reflection, social research, and missional vision. This is normally completed in one to two years.

The D.Min. program is directed by Rev. Dr. George R.Hunsberger. Dr. Hunsberger also serves as Professor of Missiology for WTS's Master of Divinity programs. He has served since its inception as the Coordinator of the Gospel and Our Culture Network in North America. He is available to help you discern whether a D.Min. program of study is right for you at this time and whether this particular style of program will enhance your learning.

For further information about the program application process contact Dr. Hunsberger at george.hunsberger@westernsem.edu or 800.392.8554, ext.127. or fill the online form.

Application deadline for the 2010 class is January 15, 2010

To apply for the D. Min program, you must:

  • Hold a M.Div. degree or its educational equivalent
  • Have at least three years of ministry experience since the M.Div. was completed.
  • Have at least one year of experience in the current ministry setting.
  • Be prepared to participate in seminars for two weeks in May/June in each of the next three years.

Documentation