Doctor of Ministry Program Overview

Because it offers a great opportunity to move to the next level of ministry -- intellectually, skillfully, spiritually -- in order that you might be equipped to lead the church effectively into the future.

Dr. John E. Johnson
D Min Program Director
503-517-1865
Check out Dr. Johnson's blog for additional program information


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  • In a post-modern age of uncritical pragmatism, the church desperately needs shepherds who skillfully and faithfully apply classic pastoral wisdom to contemporary challenges. Western's D.Min. program is committed to this task. In addition, at Western we have teamed up with the Doctor of Missiology program to offer courses that will also prepare pastors to engage in a shifting world of radical migration and urbanization.

    • to enable you to be the shepherd leader God has called you to be
    • to attract the very best resources in order to provide the very best classes
    • to maintain a standard of integrity and commitment that assure that our DMin has solid credibility
    • to provide an optimum environment for learning--peer and professional discussion, diagnostic testing, significant reading and research, case studies, and congregational involvement
    • to be servant leaders in all that we do, providing personal and professional support, so that your educational needs will be met
    • to offer a wide selection of courses that reflect four basic grids -- pastoral preaching, pastoral leadership, pastoral care, and pastoral spirituality
    • to create a program in which our best advertisement is by word of mouth

    In Western's new course design, a student must complete eight courses. Two of the eight are required entry-level courses designed to prepare a student to do research, as well as to come to grips with classical pastoral wisdom. The remaining six courses are electives, and students are encouraged to design the curriculum around their ministry needs.

    Our tuition rates are among the most affordable for accredited theological institutions. We also offer a 25% discount to alumni of Western Seminary and/or staff members of a supporting church. Because Western is committed to ongoing education, all alumni of the D.Min. program may take up to one course per year at no cost, space permitting.