DEEPENING FAITH. STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP.
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Practical Theology at Anderson University is designed for experienced pastors and ministry leaders who desire to deepen their theological reflection, strengthen their leadership, and sustain excellence in long-term ministry.
Through a cohort-based model that combines online learning, intensive residencies, peer consultation, and applied research, this doctoral program equips leaders to engage Scripture, understand ministry contexts, and respond faithfully to the challenges facing today’s church.
Rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition and the mission of the Anderson University School of Theology, the program cultivates thoughtful, spiritually mature leaders who are committed to serving the Church with wisdom, integrity, and purpose.
Tomorrow’s CHURCH LEADERS ARE STARTING right here.
Strengthen your calling. Renew your ministry.
The Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology is designed for pastors and ministry leaders who are ready to move beyond continuing education and into a deeper season of theological reflection, vocational discernment, and practical ministry impact.
In AU’s D.Min. program, you will:
- Integrate theological scholarship with real-world ministry practice.
- Deepen your skills in biblical interpretation and contextual analysis.
- Explore leadership approaches that strengthen congregations and organizations.
- Engage in meaningful peer learning with ministry leaders from diverse backgrounds.
- Develop a ministry-focused research project that addresses challenges in your unique ministry setting.
Rather than stepping away from ministry, students bring their ministry experience directly into the classroom, transforming daily leadership challenges into opportunities for growth, reflection, and innovation.
WHAT YOU’LL STUDY
The Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology requires 30 credit hours and is designed specifically for ministry practitioners who hold a graduate theological degree and significant ministry experience.
Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, students explore the theological, historical, organizational, and vocational dimensions of ministry while developing a substantial ministry research project.
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Pastoral Theology
- Biblical Hermeneutics in Historical Perspective
- History of Christian Thought and Practice
- Thriving in Ministry
- Vocation Through the Life Cycle
- Faith in Church and Society
- Organizational Dynamics
- Contextually-Informed Leadership
- Peer Consultations and Mentorship
- Pastoral Project
MINISTRY PROJECT
Research that serves the Church.
A central component of the Doctor of Ministry program is the Pastoral Project.
This substantial research project allows students to investigate a challenge, opportunity, or question emerging from their own ministry context. Drawing from biblical scholarship, theological reflection, organizational theory, social science research, and ministry practice, students develop solutions that contribute directly to the health and effectiveness of their congregations and organizations.
Rather than producing research that sits on a shelf, students create projects designed to make a meaningful impact in real ministry settings.
Program Format
Learn in community. Lead in context.
The D.Min. program is intentionally structured for working ministry leaders.
Students participate in:
- Online coursework throughout the year
- Semi-annual week-long intensive residencies
- Faculty-guided mentorship
- Ongoing peer consultations
- Collaborative cohort learning
- Applied ministry research
This cohort model creates a learning community where participants support, challenge, and encourage one another throughout the doctoral journey.
Summer intensives are held on Anderson University’s campus, while winter intensives take place at partner ministry locations, creating opportunities for shared learning, fellowship, and networking among leaders from across the Church of God and beyond.
COMMUNITY & FORMATION
Learn alongside experienced ministry leaders.
The Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology is built on the belief that ministry leaders thrive when they learn together.
Students join a diverse cohort of pastors, denominational leaders, chaplains, nonprofit leaders, and ministry practitioners who bring years of experience to the learning environment.
Through shared coursework, mentorship, discussion, prayer, and intensive residencies, participants develop lasting relationships that continue long after graduation.
The program also reflects the global diversity of the Church of God, bringing together leaders from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and ministry contexts.
AFTER GRADUATION
Continue serving with greater wisdom and effectiveness.
The Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology is not designed to prepare students to leave ministry. It is designed to help them flourish within it.
Graduates are equipped to:
- Lead congregations through change and growth
- Serve in denominational and regional leadership roles
- Strengthen organizational effectiveness
- Mentor and develop future ministry leaders
- Engage complex cultural and theological challenges
- Integrate theological reflection with ministry practice
- Contribute to the ongoing vitality of the Church
Many graduates continue serving as pastors while also taking on expanded leadership responsibilities within denominational, nonprofit, educational, and ministry organizations.
WHY STUDY PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AT ANDERSON UNIVERSITY?
The Anderson University School of Theology is committed to forming leaders who combine theological depth with faithful ministry practice.
You’ll benefit from:
- Christ-Centered Formation: Explore how theology shapes leadership, discipleship, pastoral care, and faithful witness in today’s world.
- Cohort-Based Learning: Develop meaningful relationships with experienced ministry leaders from across the country and around the world.
- Flexible Design for Working Leaders: Continue serving in your current ministry while completing doctoral studies through online coursework and strategic intensives.
- Faculty Mentorship: Learn from scholar-practitioners who are committed to supporting both your academic growth and vocational calling.
- Applied Research: Address real ministry challenges through a doctoral project that serves your congregation, organization, or ministry context.
- A Global Church Perspective: Engage diverse voices and experiences that reflect the richness of the Church of God and the broader Christian community.
Tomorrow's Ministry Leaders Are Starting At Anderson. Apply today.
- To be admitted to the D.Min. program, applicants must meet all general standards for admission to the School of Theology as set forth in the current catalog.
- Candidates must hold a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited theological school.
- Applicants must provide transcripts and references demonstrating the ability to do above-average academic work. A GPA of 3.00/4.00 is required.
- Applicants must demonstrate current involvement in a ministry context and have at least three years of involvement after receiving the M.Div. degree.
- Applicants must submit an example of scholarly writing as requested by the admissions committee in the application process.
- Admission to the program is based on academic ability, performance in ministry, and clarity of purpose.
- The program is designed as a unit in which candidates work collegially from beginning to completion. Therefore, advanced standing is not granted for D.Min. or other coursework done elsewhere. Once admitted, however, the D.Min. Studies Committee may approve participants to transfer two doctoral-level (three-hour) courses from other schools that are fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
How to apply:
- Complete the online application.
- Submit a writing sample in the online application portal.
- Send official transcripts from all colleges attended to adultgrad@anderson.edu.
Questions?
- Call (888) 622-GRAD.
- Email adultgrad@anderson.edu.
FAQ: DOCTOR OF MINISTRY IN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
Who is this program designed for?
The program is designed for experienced pastors and ministry leaders who hold a graduate theological degree and desire to deepen their leadership, theological reflection, and ministry effectiveness.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants should hold an accredited master’s degree in theology or ministry-related studies and have at least five years of ministry experience.
Can I remain in full-time ministry while completing the program?
Yes. The program is specifically designed for working ministry leaders through a combination of online coursework, intensive residencies, and applied learning within your current ministry setting.
What makes this Doctor of Ministry different?
The Anderson University D.Min. emphasizes practical theology, contextual leadership, vocational sustainability, and collaborative learning. Students engage deeply with their ministry context while learning alongside a diverse cohort of experienced leaders.
What is the Pastoral Project?
The Pastoral Project is a doctoral-level research initiative that addresses a real ministry challenge or opportunity. Students integrate biblical scholarship, theology, leadership theory, and ministry practice to create meaningful impact within their ministry setting.
How long does the program take to complete?
Program completion timelines vary, but the structured cohort model is designed to help students make steady progress while remaining actively engaged in ministry.
Why study at Anderson University?
Anderson University’s School of Theology combines academic excellence, Christ-centered formation, practical ministry focus, and a supportive learning community. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, meaningful peer relationships, and a program designed to strengthen ministry for the long term.
Where is Anderson University located?
Anderson University is located in Anderson, Indiana, just northeast of Indianapolis. Students enjoy a residential campus community with easy access to internships, careers, and cultural opportunities across central Indiana and the broader Midwest.
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