DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMIN)

Programme Overview

Today’s world needs a cohort of Christian leaders and educators who can help their congregations and students translate theology into practice in the situations where people live and work. Such leaders and teachers need a kind of theological education in which their learning and research within a given ministry contributes to new knowledge of the theology and practice of ministry within a denominational and community context. To meet this need, Daniel Institute, Central University (CU) offers a three-year terminal Professional Doctorate, the Doctor of Ministry (DMin), that provides practical knowledge which can be directly applied in the workplace and various contexts.

To complete the D.Min. programme, candidates must satisfy two basic elements: coursework and a Project or Thesis. The “Project” refers to specific casework undertaken in tandem with the candidate’s ministry, the final product of which is a well-researched report. The “Thesis” indicates written work that uses practical examples to prove a candidate’s theological assertion or view on specific aspects of ministry. The degree shall be completed within a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years; students whose programmes continue into a fourth year will be charged a continuation fee for that year and any additional approved years. To earn the DMin degree, students must complete a total of 36 credit hours, consisting of 24 credit hours of coursework and 12 hours of project/thesis writing.

A Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programme aims to provide advanced theological education for ministry leaders, enhancing their practical skills and equipping them to lead effectively in various ministry settings. The programme emphasises reflection on ministry practice, allowing students to deepen their theological understanding and develop leadership skills in various church and community contexts.

Programme Aim

Programme Objectives

There are five objectives for students in the DMin programme:

The programme will develop increased leadership capacity, evidenced by the ability to thrive in current ministry contexts and increase the scale and scope of ministry effectiveness, responsibilities, and opportunities.
The programme will practise intentional theological integration, evidenced by the ability to engage one’s cultural context with advanced theological acumen and critical thinking.
The programme will engage in in-depth contextual analysis, demonstrating the ability to identify and frame crucial ministry issues and outline potential solutions.
The programme will use innovative strategic planning, evidenced by the ability to create and develop key ministry initiatives and achieve desired ministry goals.
The programme will experience greater intimacy with Christ, evidenced by a growing love for God and others, and deepening personal spiritual maturity.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the DMin programme, students will be able to:

Demonstrate Enhanced Leadership Competence — exhibiting advanced leadership skills that enable them to lead effectively in diverse ministry settings, expand their influence, and take on greater ministerial responsibilities.
Apply Advanced Theological Reflection in Context — critically engaging cultural, social, and ecclesial contexts with deep theological understanding, integrating theology meaningfully into real-world ministry practice.
Conduct Contextual Ministry Analysis — assessing complex ministry challenges through rigorous contextual analysis and proposing biblically grounded, practically viable solutions.
Develop and Implement Strategic Ministry Initiatives — designing, planning, and executing innovative ministry strategies that lead to measurable transformation in their ministry environments.
Exemplify Spiritual Maturity and Christlike Character — displaying a deepened relationship with Christ, marked by spiritual growth, increased love for God and others, and a lifestyle consistent with personal holiness and pastoral integrity.

Duration of the Programme

Full-time doctoral degree within a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.
Part-time students have up to six (6) years to complete the programme.
Students who exceed the maximum period may apply for an extension of up to 2 years.
In special cases, an applicant with an MA in Theology (or a related discipline) who completes in 2.5 years will be required to pay fees for the whole three (3) years before graduating.
Students who exceed the maximum period will pay a continuation fee as specified in the graduate handbook.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for the DMin must have a relevant theological qualification, such as an MA, MTh, MDiv, or an equivalent degree in Theological Studies, Ministry, or a closely related field, having completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. A minimum Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission; applicants with an FGPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may still be considered but must pass an admissions interview.

Applicants who hold a BA, BTh, or BDiv in Theological Studies, Ministry, or a closely related field may be considered under the following category:

A minimum of five (5) years of relevant ministry experience, and completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours of MA-level coursework at level 800 before progressing to the DMin programme at level 900 — such applicants will complete two (2) years of coursework before starting the DMin thesis.
A minimum classification of Second Class Upper (2nd Class Upper).

All prospective students for the DMin programme must pass an interview.

Other Requirements:

A minimum of three (3) years of professional ministry/religious leadership, or its equivalent.
An autobiographical essay (describing the applicant’s spiritual and professional journey, what sparked their desire to pursue the DMin, and where they envision themselves after completing the programme; 1,500–2,000 words).
A current resume/curriculum vitae.
A 1–2 page personal statement of the purpose of study.
Three reference letters: two from pastors and one from a professor.
TOEFL scores (for international students for whom English is not their first language).

Interview: a face-to-face interview will be requested; online-mediated interviews may be considered in exceptional circumstances.