DOCTOR of MINISTRY REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

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1 DOCTOR of MINISTRY REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

2 Welcome to Reformed Theological Seminary. This brochure is designed to answer questions regarding the RTS Doctor of Ministry degree. To learn more about the RTS DMin program, or to download an application, we encourage you to visit our website at dmin.rts.edu. We pray our Lord will bless your endeavors to know and serve Him more fully with A mind for truth. A heart for God.

3 D MIN DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE COURSE GUIDE dmin.rts.edu

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5 the DOCTOR of MINISTRY at RTS W h y P u r s u e a D M i n D e g r e e? The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree is a professional postgraduate degree designed for those in full-time Christian ministry. Ministry leaders are often overwhelmed; they long for spiritual renewal and refreshment. They also desire to sharpen their ministry skills and deepen their understanding of Scripture. The DMin Degree provides a structured environment for reflective practitioners to pursue such goals in dialogue with like-minded peers and gifted faculty. W h a t a r e t h e D e g r e e R e q u i r e m e n t s? The DMin curriculum entails four core courses, four elective courses and a doctoral thesis project for a total of 30 credit hours. The 4 core courses may be taken in any sequence, though they are best experienced when taken at the student s home campus. They include: Theology of Ministry Leadership Applied Theology Church Growth & Renewal A variety of electives are offered each year, enabling students to focus on an array of topics. In addition, each degree-granting campus offers special tracks and programs of emphasis. Students have 6 years to complete all courses and the doctoral thesis project. D M I N

6 W h a t i s t h e D M i n D o c t o r a l T h e s i s P r o j e c t? D M I N The DMin program culminates in a doctoral thesis project which may begin after the successful completion of the required four core courses. For this project, each student determines a specific ministry focus area in which he/she would like to make a significant contribution. A research and writing seminar/class is offered to assist students in designing a project proposal and research model for their particular project. An RTS faculty advisor then guides each student in writing their project according to doctoral-level academic standards. H o w d o I C o m p l e t e t h e D M i n W h i l e i n F u l l - T i m e M i n i s t r y? Classes are arranged to meet the realistic needs of Christian leaders with heavy ministry schedules. One-week intensive classes (required and elective courses) are offered in both January and July each year. For students to complete all eight courses and the doctoral thesis project within six years normally means that students complete an average of at least two courses per year (for the first four years) and then focus on completing their thesis project during the final two years. Students may finish in less time than this and they may also receive approval for up to three one-year extensions to complete the degree program.

7 W h y D o t h e D M i n a t R T S? RTS brings together some of the best ministry leaders and teachers from around the nation to give pertinent, realistic, in-depth practical and theological training. In addition, the high-quality ministry leaders who pursue a DMin at RTS contribute to its refreshing and invigorating character. Finally, RTS presents a wide array of advantages with three distinct campuses offering the DMin. Students may take courses at any campus of RTS which offers DMin classes while completing at least 4 courses from their home campus. With three campuses and the option for students to take electives at other approved seminaries, RTS students have many electives from which to choose each year. D M I N Learn more about the RTS DMin program or download an application at dmin.rts.edu.

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9 D MIN at CHARLOTTE C o o p e r a t i v e A g r e e m e n t In addition to the network of RTS campuses, RTS/Charlotte has a threeway cooperative agreement with Erskine Theological Seminary and Columbia Biblical Seminary (both in South Carolina), which allow DMin students to take courses at other participating schools. H i s t o r i c a l - T h e o l o g i c a l S t u d i e s RTS/Charlotte allows students to do work in the Historical-Theological field as well as in Practical Theology. Each year we offer elective courses in Church History and Theology to meet significant student interest in these fields. This allows students to shape their advanced doctoral work in Practical Theology around questions of a historical and theological nature. D M I N

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11 D MIN at JACKSON I n t e r c u l t u r a l S t u d i e s ( I C S ) In addition to the general ministry track with emphasis on preaching and practical theology, Jackson offers a DMin in Intercultural Studies (ICS). The ICS track complements the practical ministry emphasis of the general DMin by providing courses to help pastors and missionaries develop greater skills and insight into the cross-cultural and relational aspects of ministry in the US, as well as globally. A R e s i d e n t i a l O p t i o n The DMin/ICS is also offered as a residential program, in particular for missionaries or pastors on sabbatical, as well as to internationals wishing to complete their degree in one year. Eight DMin modules are offered within each calendar year so that course work may be completed in the year of residence. D M I N

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13 D MIN at ORLANDO T h r e e A r e a s o f S p e c i a l i z a t i o n You may choose a general ministry track at RTS/Orlando, or you may elect to focus your doctoral work around one of three specialized and pertinent ministry tracks: Church Planting & Renewal Spiritual Formation Leadership Development P r o v e n T e a c h e r s RTS/Orlando works hard to bring together the best reflective practitioners in their fields to collaborate with gifted resident faculty in course offerings. Those who have taught in the RTS Orlando DMin program include: D M I N Tim Keller Steve Ogne Ken Sande* Gordon MacDonald Harry Reeder* Leith Anderson Kent & Barbara Hughes Mark Dever Jerry Bridges Lyle Schaller Ed Stetzer Os Guiness Scotty Smith Randy Pope* * These professors have also taught at other RTS campuses.

14 W h a t a r e t h e A d m i s s i o n R e q u i r e m e n t s? Applicants for the RTS Doctor of Ministry Program must have successfully completed a Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree from an ATS accredited theological school. Applicants also must have attained at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average during MDiv studies as well as completed at least 6 hours in the biblical languages. In addition, applicants must have accomplished at least three years of full-time ministry experience after completing their MDiv degree requirements. International DMin applicants (those who do not have English as a first language) must achieve a minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL. New students may begin with courses offered either in January or July of each year. Applicants should apply at least 3 months in advance since pre-class reading and assignments are normally required. The Admissions Office reviews files on a rolling basis. Contact Admissions for more information: Charlotte Jackson Orlando 2101 Carmel Rd Clinton Rd Reformation Dr. Charlotte, NC Jackson, MS Oviedo, FL admissions.charlotte@rts.edu admissions.jackson@rts.edu admissions.orlando@rts.edu Please visit dmin.rts.edu

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16 ATLANTA BOCA RATON CHARLOTTE JACKSON ORLANDO WASHINGTON DC VIRTUAL