DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE
- Program Overview
The well-trained pastor is not only a faithful scholar, credible academic, and competent exegete, but he is also a shepherd and caretaker of souls, (Hebrews 13:17). The unique purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree program of American Lutheran Theological Seminary is to provide pastors with exceptional training, ability, and experience in the biblical responsibility of the care and cure of souls. Through rigorous coursework, specialization, and a final project, students will enhance their ability to lead, teach, and serve within their ministry context.
This degree program equips pastors with the advanced theological, pastoral, and practical skills necessary to lead and care for their congregations effectively. Through in-depth coursework and hands-on projects, graduates will be prepared to address the complexities of ministry with theological insight and pastoral compassion.
- Program Objectives:
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree is designed to:
- Develop pastors as Seelsorgers (pastoral caregivers), enhancing their ability to provide spiritual, emotional, and theological care within their ministry context.
- Provide post-graduate professional development that builds on a solid foundation of biblical, theological, and pastoral expertise, focusing on pastoral care through Word and Sacrament.
- Strengthen the capacity for theological and pastoral integration, enabling pastors to apply advanced biblical and theological knowledge to diverse ministry settings.
- Foster specialization in key areas of ministry, allowing pastors to deepen their expertise in Biblical Studies, Lutheran Dogmatics, Historical Theology, or Practical Ministry.
- Promote the practice of pastoral care through Word and Sacrament, ensuring that all forms of ministry are centered on the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.
- Equip pastors to implement pastoral care effectively, grounded in Lutheran theology and designed to nurture the spiritual health of individuals and congregations.
III. Program Learning Outcomes:
To achieve these outcomes, graduates will:
Spiritual and Theological Growth
- Deepen personal theological understanding by integrating biblical and theological knowledge into the pastor’s own spiritual growth and pastoral practice.
- Cultivate personal spiritual formation as a Seelsorger, focusing on maintaining one's spiritual health to support effective ministry.
- Foster habits of lifelong learning, encouraging continuous theological study and personal development to sustain effective pastoral care throughout the pastor's vocation.
Research and Specialization
- Demonstrate advanced research skills by engaging in critical theological reflection and producing specialized research that applies Lutheran theology to practical ministry settings.
- Develop expertise in a chosen specialization, applying knowledge from Biblical Studies, Lutheran Dogmatics, or Historical Theology to enhance pastoral care, teaching, or church leadership.
Ministry Application
- Identify and address critical pastoral needs through theological reflection and the application of Seelsorge principles, providing effective pastoral care to congregants.
- Apply specialized knowledge from the chosen area of focus (Biblical Studies, Lutheran Dogmatics, Historical Theology, or Practical Ministry) to address specific ministry needs in the student's context.
- Implement pastoral care effectively through the administration of Word and Sacrament, grounded in Lutheran theology, to meet the spiritual needs of the congregation.
- Evaluate and improve pastoral practices by integrating theological insights and pastoral care techniques, ensuring the ongoing spiritual health of the church and its members.
- Program Structure
The D.Min. program is structured in three levels: Seelsorger (Pastoral Caregiver), Specialist, and Practitioner, culminating in a final research project that applies advanced pastoral care principles.
Level 1: Seelsorger (18 Credits)
Seelsorger (Pastoral Caregiver): includes the completion of four required courses: Pastoral Care in Loss and Death, The Pastoral Heart in Conversation and Lifestyle, Personal Spiritual Formation, and Pastoral Care through Word and Sacrament. After the completion of the core courses of this program, the student will demonstrate that he has inculcated the pastoral principle of Seelsorger by creating and documenting a project that implements its virtue in his own ministry.
Level 2: Specialist (12 Credits)
The Specialist level includes the selection of one of four additional Fields of Study, as a focus of ministry. The student will choose either Biblical Studies in either the Old or New Testaments, Lutheran Dogmatics, Historical Studies, Practical Ministry, or an interdisciplinary approach, as a focus of specialization. Each specialization includes 3 required courses plus 1 Independent Study course, to be created by the student in conjunction with his faculty advisor.
Level 3: Practitioner (15 Credits)
The Practitioner level includes a Project Proposal, and the creation of a Project Committee comprised of at least 3 faculty members. The Final Project will demonstrate the student’s ability to research and examine within their specific field of study, and to apply the pastoral care as Seelsorger to that aspect of pastoral ministry. The successful research, application, compilation, and creation of the Final Project and its Defense constitute the completion of the degree requirements.
Total Credit Hours: 45 credits
- Course Descriptions
Level 1: Seelsorger
- DM 101: Conversational Servanthood – The Pastoral Heart in Conversation and Lifestyle (3 credits)
This course explores how servanthood and conversation form the foundation of pastoral ministry, emphasizing authentic pastoral care through listening, dialogue, and service. - DM 102: Grief Care – Pastoral Care in Loss and Death (3 credits)
A study of the theological and practical dimensions of pastoral care in the face of loss, with a focus on supporting those grieving and ministering in situations of death. - DM 103: The Wounded Healer – Personal Spiritual Formation (3 credits)
An exploration of how pastors can assess and address their own spiritual health while ministering to others, focusing on personal spiritual growth. - DM 104: Word and Sacrament – Re-Presenting the Care of Christ (3 credits)
A comprehensive look at how the Word and Sacraments (viz., Baptism, Confession, Lord’s Supper) serve as instruments of pastoral care, focusing on their theological significance and practical application in ministry. - DM 105: Seelsorger Project – Demonstration of Pastoral Care in Ministry (6 credits)
A practical project where the student implements and documents the pastoral principle of Seelsorge within his own ministry context. (FLESHOUT)
Level 2: Specialist
Students will choose one of the following fields of study and complete the required courses within their specialization.
Biblical Studies (Old Testament Track)
- DM 201: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Theology (3 credits)
An exploration of the foundational principles of biblical theology, focusing on the unity of Scripture and its application to pastoral ministry. - DM 202: Genesis (Hebrew) (3 credits)
A detailed study of the book of Genesis in its original Hebrew language, focusing on its theological themes and pastoral applications. - DM 203: Jonah (Hebrew) (3 credits)
An exegetical study of the book of Jonah in Hebrew, with attention to its themes of repentance, mission, and divine mercy in pastoral settings. - DM 204: Independent Study in OT Biblical Studies (3 credits)
A self-directed study in a specific area of Old Testament theology or exegesis, tailored to the student’s interests and ministry needs.
Biblical Studies (New Testament Track)
- DM 211: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Theology (3 credits)
An exploration of the foundational principles of biblical theology, focusing on the unity of Scripture and its application to pastoral ministry. - DM 212: Catholic Epistles (Greek) (3 credits)
A close study of the Catholic Epistles in their original Greek, with a focus on their doctrinal and pastoral significance. - DM 213: Pastoral Epistles (Greek) (3 credits)
An exegetical course on the Pastoral Epistles, focusing on their teachings about church leadership, pastoral care, and theological instruction. - DM 214: Independent Study in NT Biblical Studies (3 credits)
A personalized research project in a New Testament area of interest, designed to enhance the student’s exegetical and theological skills.
Lutheran Dogmatics
- DM 221: Lutheran Scholastic Theology (3 credits)
A study of the development and significance of Lutheran Scholasticism, focusing on its theological methods and contributions to Lutheran orthodoxy. - DM 222: The Doctrine of God – Medieval and Post-Reformation Scholastic Perspectives (3 credits)
An advanced exploration of the Doctrine of God, focusing on theological insights from Medieval and Post-Reformation Scholastic traditions. - DM 223: Advanced Christology – The Person and Work of Christ in Lutheran Theology (3 credits)
A rigorous study of Christology in Lutheran theology, emphasizing the person and work of Christ in relation to salvation, sacraments, and pastoral ministry. - DM 224: Independent Study in Lutheran Dogmatics (3 credits)
A research project that allows the student to explore a specific area of Lutheran theology, culminating in an independent study paper or project.
Historical Theology
- DM 231: Augustine and Early Church Fathers (3 credits)
A study of Augustine and other key early Church Fathers, with an emphasis on their influence on Christian theology and pastoral care. - DM 232: Chrysostom and Patristic Homiletics (3 credits)
An examination of the homiletic and pastoral contributions of John Chrysostom and other patristic figures, focusing on their lasting legacy in preaching. - DM 233: Cappadocian Fathers and Cyril of Jerusalem (3 credits)
A detailed study of the theological and pastoral contributions of the Cappadocian Fathers and Cyril of Jerusalem. - DM 234: Independent Study in Historical Theology (3 credits)
A self-directed study in historical theology, allowing students to explore a specific era or figure in early church history relevant to their ministry.
Practical Ministry
- DM 241: Spiritual Formation and Disciplines in Ministry (3 credits)
A study of classical and contemporary spiritual formation and disciplines, with a focus on how they can be implemented in personal and congregational life. - DM 242: Teaching as Seelsorger (3 credits)
A course on the theology and practice of teaching within a pastoral context, focusing on how the pastoral role of Seelsorger informs Christian education. - DM 243: Preaching as Seelsorger (3 credits)
A homiletic course emphasizing the integration of pastoral care in preaching, with a focus on addressing the spiritual needs of the congregation. - DM 244: Independent Study in Practical Ministry (3 credits)
A self-directed project that allows the student to develop expertise in a specific area of practical ministry, such as teaching, preaching, or discipleship.
Interdisciplinary
The Interdisciplinary Track is designed for students who seek to combine insights from multiple fields of study to address complex challenges in pastoral care. This track provides the flexibility to tailor a program of study by selecting courses across the specializations, allowing for an integrated approach to advanced pastoral care.
- Elective Courses (9 credits)
Students will choose three courses from any of the other specialization tracks (Biblical Studies, Lutheran Dogmatics, Historical Theology, or Practical Ministry). This selection allows for a customized approach, enabling students to explore areas of interest that intersect with their ministry goals. - DM 254: Independent Interdisciplinary Study (3 credits)
A personalized research project that integrates knowledge and methods from multiple theological disciplines. Students will design the project in collaboration with a faculty advisor to address specific challenges or opportunities in their ministry context.
Level 3: Practitioner
- DM 301: Project Proposal – Annotated Outline and Bibliography (3 credits)
Students will develop a detailed project proposal, including an outline and annotated bibliography, to be approved by their Project Committee. - DM 302: Final Project – Research, Application, and Compilation (9 credits)
A comprehensive final project (80-100 pages) that demonstrates the student’s ability to research, apply, and integrate the principles of Seelsorger in a specific ministry context. - DM 303: Project Defense before Project Committee (3 credits)
The student will present and defend their final project before a committee of faculty members, demonstrating mastery of their chosen subject.
- Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program at American Lutheran Theological Seminary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Ecclesiastical Approval. Applicants must provide documentation of ecclesiastical approval from their denominational body or church authority. This ensures that the student is in good standing with their church and has the endorsement to pursue advanced theological and pastoral studies.
- Educational and Ministry Experience Requirements. Applicants must meet one of the following two pathways for eligibility:
- Pathway 1: M.Div. Degree and Pastoral Experience
- Hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from an accredited seminary or theological institution.
- Have at least 3 years of pastoral ministry experience in a significant ministerial role.
- Pathway 2: Significant Graduate Study and Pastoral Experience
- Have at least 5 years of effective full-time pastoral ministry experience.
- Have completed a significant amount of graduate-level coursework in theology from an accredited institution, demonstrating academic excellence in the form of high grades, comprehensive understanding, and strong theological insight.
- Applicants who do not hold a graduate degree will be required to interview with the admissions committee to explain any extenuating circumstances that prevented the completion of a graduate degree and how their ministry experience compensates for it.
- Statement of Purpose. Applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose (300-word minimum) detailing the following:
- Vocational or Ministry Calling: A description of the applicant’s calling to ministry and how it has shaped their journey.
- Vocational or Ministry Goals: A clear outline of the applicant’s long-term goals for ministry and how they plan to impact their church or community.
VII. Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all required coursework as outlined in the program curriculum.
- Successful completion of the final project or thesis, which is evaluated by faculty and possibly external reviewers.
- Minimum GPA: Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the program.
- Students must meet the requirements of their chosen specialization and complete all assignments, projects, and courses.
- Degree Completion Timeline: The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree must be completed within 7 years from the date of admission.
VIII. Program Delivery Method
- Online Learning: All courses are conducted online, providing real-time interaction between students and professors via platforms like Zoom.
- Class Schedule: Courses typically run from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (EST) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
- Technology Requirements: Students are required to have high-speed internet and a functioning video camera for participation.
- Some courses may include intensive components during specific sessions, typically in the summer.
- Evaluation and Assessment
- Grading Policies: Students are assessed based on a variety of methods such as exams, written assignments, participation, and presentations. Professors outline specific grading methods for each course.
- Project Review: The final project is evaluated by faculty members and may require an oral defense or presentation, depending on program requirements.
- Incompletes and Grade Changes: These are managed on a case-by-case basis according to seminary policies.
- Faculty
- Rev. Dr. Curtis Leins – Specializes in Historical Theology.
- Rev. Dr. Cary Larson – Specializes in Practical Ministry.
- Rev. Dr. Chris Caughey – Specializes in Biblical Studies.
- Rev. Dr. Jordan Cooper – Specializes in Lutheran Dogmatics.
These faculty members guide students through the program, offering expertise in their respective fields and providing academic supervision for thesis projects.
- Timeline for Completion
- The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree must be completed within 7 years from the date of admission.
- Course Offerings: Courses are offered quarterly, and students are expected to complete a certain number of credits each year to maintain steady progress toward graduation.
- Students should anticipate working on their final thesis or project in the final year of study.
XII. Academic Policies and Procedures
- Attendance: Attendance in online classes is mandatory, with absences only allowed for exceptional circumstances, as approved by the professor.
- Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited and can result in disciplinary actions, including dismissal from the program.
- Transfer Credits: A maximum of 50% of the total degree credits may be transferred from another post-graduate or doctoral program, subject to approval. This includes credits from an earned degree at the same academic level.
- Leave of Absence: Students may request a leave of absence for up to one year. Failing to return after this period will result in withdrawal from the program.
- Other: See the Student Handbook for all other academic policies.
XIII. Support Resources
- Digital Theological Library: ALTS offers students access to the Digital Theological Library (DTL), a comprehensive collection of e-books, journals, and academic resources for theological research. Access is available at: Digital Theological Library.
- Advising and Thesis Support: Students are assigned academic advisors to help with course selection, program progression, and thesis development.
Technology and Online Resources: Students are provided with support for online learning platforms and tools, including technical assistance and research support services.