Academics: Degree Synopsis
Doctor of Ministry [D.Min.] 210 Credits.
The Doctor of Ministry Degree is a well-rounded in-ministry course designed to increase competency in pastoral ministry and involves broadening the candidate's foundations in the area of ministry. It builds on ministry experience while challenging the candidate to pursue and realise his/her full potential in the field of Christian Ministry.
Course Subjects:
MIN 4000: Management & Administration.
MIN 4005: Spiritual Leadership.
MIN 4010: Vision in Ministry.
MIN 4015: Conflict in Ministry.
MIN 4020: Team Ministry.
MIN 4025: Ministry Practicum.
MIN 4099: Dissertation.
Degree Prerequisites:
The Doctoral candidate must have an earned Bachelor's and Master's degree [including prior-learning experience] approved by our seminary before admission to the course is granted. The candidate must also possess the academic background capable of pursuing the doctoral degree. The Administrative faculty will determine if the candidate qualifies for admission after consultation and review. All coursework must be either emailed or sent through a secure mailing system to the student's Doctoral Advisor. Assignments submitted to Seekers International should always be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope so that the assignments may be returned.
Ministry Field Projects: Such may include a field project utilizing the principal types of Biblical Preaching [Topical, Textual, Expository.], or three lectures / studies given to adult church congregations or college students. Those who have a Master's in Ministry from Seekers International will only need to submit three [3] Preaching/Lecture CD's or DVD's. Those who have a Master's in Ministry from other seminaries, colleges or universities will submit six [6] CD's or DVD's. The Ministry Field Projects should be recorded on CD's or DVD's and forwarded to student's Doctoral Advisor. These will be returned to the candidate after review.
Course of Study:
Doctoral Candidates are required to study six [6] core courses/modules relating to the doctoral field of study and present one dissertation. The average length of a research dissertation is about 70 pages. some dissertations submitted have from 200 to 300 pages, although the majority are 60 to 120 pages in length. From the suggested list, the candidate may choose six core books. Each book constitutes five hours of credit or one course module. The core course books must not be included in the candidate's list of books that will be used in writing the dissertation.
Course Textbooks:
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'Leadership Handbook of Management & Administration' by James D. Berkley. [Paperback]. Baker Books. ISBN-10:080190407. ISBN-13: 978- 080190400.
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'Church Administration Handbook' by Bruce P. Powers. [Paperback]. B & H Publishing Group. Revised, Updated Edition. ISBN-10: 0805410619. ISBN-13: 978-0805410617.
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'Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry' by Robert H. Welch [Hardback]. B & H Publishing Group. ISBN-10: 0805431640. ISBN-13: 978-0805431643.
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'Managing Church Conflict' by Hugh F. Halverstadt. [Paperback]. Westminster John Knox Press. ISBN-10:0664251854. ISBN-13: 978- 0664251857.
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'Shepherding the Church: Effective Spiritual Leadership in a Changing Culture' by Joseph M. Stowell. Moody Press. [Paperback]. ISBN-10: 0802478212. ISBN-13: 978-0802478214.
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'Spiritual Leadership in the Small-Membership Church' [Small Membership Church] by David Canada. [Paperback]. Abingdon Press. ISBN-10:0687494826. ISBN-13: 978-0687494828.
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'Spiritual Preparation for Christian Leadership' by E. Glen Hinson. [Paperback]. Upper Room Books. ISBN-10: 0835808882. ISBN-13: 978-0835808880.
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'Developing a Vision for Ministry in the 21st Century' by Aubrey Malphurs. [Paperback]. Baker Books. 2nd Edition. ISBN-10: 0801090873. ISBN-13:978-080109875.
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'The Power of Vision' by George Barna. [Paperback. Regal Books. Revised, Updated Edition [2003]. ISBN-10: 0830732551. ISBN-13: 978-0830732555.
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'The Habits of Highly Effective Churches: Being Strategic in Your God-given Ministry' by George Barna. [Paperback]. Gospel Light Publications. ISBN-10: 0830718605. ISBN-13: 978-0830718603.
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'Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in Church' by Shelley Marshall. [Paperback]. Bethany House Publishers. Reprint Edition. ISBN-10: 1556615159. ISBN-13: 978-1556615153.
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'Pastor in Pain: How to Grow in Times of Conflict' by Gray Preston. [Paperback]. Baker Books. [2005].ISBN-10: 0801091861. ISBN-13: 978-0801091865.
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'Thriving through Ministry Conflict: By Understanding Your Red Zones and blue Zones' by James P. Oesterhaus. Joseph M. Jwkowski. Todd A Han. [Harback]. Zondervan. [2005]. ISBN-10: 0301263441. ISBN-13: 978-0301263449.
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'Leading a Team-based Church' by George Cladis [Hardback]. Jossey-Bass. 1st Edition. [1999]. ISBN-10: 0787941190. ISBN-13: 978-0787941192.
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'Doing Church as a Team' by Wayne Cordeiro. [Hardback]. Regal Books. [2005]. ISBN-10: 0830736808. ISBN-13: 978- 0830736805.
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'Seven Practices of Effective Ministry' by Andy Stanley. Multnomah Press. [2004]. [Hardback]. ISBN-10: 1590523733. ISBN-13: 978-1590523735.
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'Team Leadership in Christian Ministry: Using Multiple gifts to Build a Unified Vision' by Kenneth Gangel. [Hardback]. Moody Publishers. Revised Edition. ISBN-10: 0802490166. ISBN-13: 978-0802490162.
A 10 to 15 page summary of each of the chosen [6] books is required. Each of the summaries should include the following:
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What, in your opinion does the book say? Write a 10 to 15 page survey.
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What themes caught your attention? Why did they?
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With what did you agree or disagree in the book? Mention briefly.
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Will this book be useful to you in your ministry? If so, how?
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What did the candidate perceive to be the strength of the book?
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In approximately 3 to 5 pages, give a brief overview of the book.
All submissions to Seekers International should be typed, and double-spaced. Candidates should review submissions before submitting to ensure correct spelling and grammar.
There are no time limits for the doctoral degree courses at Seekers International. Although, we do invite completion in two years.
Tuition: £2,400.00. Tuition Payment Scheme Available.
Tuition is kept to a minimum to offset the purchase of textbooks.
Guidelines for These and Dissertations will be forwarded to the student upon acceptance as doctoral candidate.