The Doctor of Ministry program at NTS is a 30 credit hour accredited program that emphasizes Pastoral Theology and Ministry Leadership in the Wesleyan Tradition. It typically requires a minimum of three years to complete.

Program Components:

A one-day Orientation for all new students on the day before the beginning of their first Residential Seminar in order to

become acquainted with other students

be introduced to a Wesleyan approach to the integration of theology and ministry practice

be provided with an overview of the three residential seminars

Three 2-week Residential Seminars (6 credit hours each; 18 credit hours total) that are issue- and discussion-oriented, incorporating significant reading and application assignments reflecting current developments in theology and ministry practice:

Wesleyan Theology for Ministry

This seminar explores a Wesleyan understanding of the being and mission of the Church. A variety of models for the Church’s mission to the world are examined. Theological issues considered include the nature and character of God, soteriology, eschatology, and the means of grace–all with a view toward their implications for ministry in today’s world.

Ecclesial Ministry in the Wesleyan Spirit

This seminar explores the integration of an ecclesial foundation and effective professional skills to enhance ministry for a congregational context. Attention will be given to understandings of the Church in the Wesleyan tradition and their influence on ministry leadership practices such as preaching, evangelism, discipleship, and strategic church development.

Wesleyan Spiritual Practice for Ministry

This seminar focuses on personal and professional practices that enhance the spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness of the minister. Using the Wesleyan tradition as a foundation, students will investigate and experience a wide range of resources for self-exploration, renewal, and patterning for life-long growth. The seminar includes a class retreat.

Elective Seminars

(totaling 6 credit hours) geared toward the student’s particular interests and ministry focus, and supportive of the direction of the Pastoral Research Project. The student will develop and submit a proposal for Electives to be approved by the D. Min. Committee. Options for electives include:

Doctoral level coursework at other accredited seminaries

NTS master’s level courses with extra reading and D. Min. appropriate application assignments (under the supervision of an NTS faculty)

Attendance at an off-site Conference with supplemental reading and D. Min. appropriate application assignments (under the supervision of an NTS faculty)

Directed study with an NTS faculty (maximum 3 credit hours)

All elective seminar work will accord with ATS standards for doctoral level work and reflect the typical "work load" of the residential seminars. A student will complete at least two of the residential seminars before taking electives unless approved by the D. Min. Committee. All work to be transferred from another institution must be approved in advance.

A Pastoral Research Project (6 credit hours), culminates the program with a focus on the student’s immediate context of ministry. The project demonstrates the student’s ability to identify a specific topic in ministry, organize an effective research model, use appropriate resources in addressing the topic, and present possible recommendations, conclusions, and strategies. The purpose of the research is to address a relevant ministry issue with significant theological reflection and enhanced leadership skills while at the same time making a constructive contribution to the quality of ministry in the setting. The student presents the completed research project at an NTS Pastoral Research Symposium for review, revision, and evaluation. The final written document is accessioned in the Broadhurst Library at Nazarene Theological Seminary.