Dating to 1970, SFTS has offered a Doctor of Ministry program, training church leaders around the world. The SFTS Doctor of Ministry is an advanced professional degree for persons in ministry. Carefully designed to complement day-to-day work, this program enables candidates to engage in a high level of academic professional development without giving up current employment. A peer group, a summer term, independent study, and action/reflection inquiry allow focused academic work in the midst of ongoing responsibilities. The Doctor of Ministry program is administered by the Office of Advanced Pastoral Studies. All degree programs are fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
In addition to the general D.Min. program, SFTS also offers special emphases in the Pastor as a Spiritual Leader and Pastoral Care and Counseling.
A person applying for admission to the D.Min. program should be regularly employed in some form of professional ministry. Applicants who consider themselves to be in tent making ministries must show that their work is a form of ministry and is so understood by the church, para-church organization, or community of faith to which they belong. In addition, applicants are expected to show evidence of:
*The B.D., M.Div., or equivalent theological degree an accredited theological school.
*Ordination (when possible).
*At least three years' experience in ministry after graduation theological school.
*Academic competence or potential (ordinarily through a sufficient grade point average in previous academic work, but other evidence may be considered, including the judgment of peers).
*Capacity for achievement of excellence in the practice of ministry.
*English language skills, as follows: All applicants for whom English is a second language must pass ELS level 109 or the TOEFL exam with a score of 550 or above or the MELAB with a score of 80 or above, prior to admission into the program.
