Enrich Your Ministry with a D.Min.

Azusa Pacific University’s Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program will prepare you for practical, effective ministry so you can transform the world with Christ. The D.Min. is the highest professional degree in the practice of ministry, and builds on education received through the Master of Divinity and on experience gained in the practice of ministry. Azusa Pacific’s D.Min. program is available in English, Spanish, and Korean.

Note: An M.Div. or equivalent from an ATS-accredited institution is required. Learn more about admission requirements.

Meet the Faculty: John Ragsdale

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Meet John Ragsdale, Ph.D., associate dean of the Azusa Pacific Seminary

Get to know our D.Min. faculty.

Program Outcomes

The Doctor of Ministry in spiritual formation and ministry leadership offers a comprehensive curriculum track that focuses on the real-world skills ministry leaders need today. The ultimate goal is to renew and transform ministry leaders, churches, and communities.

The goals of the Doctor of Ministry program focus on growth in specific skills for spiritual formation and ministry leadership. In this context, doctoral scholarship and research are emphasized to bring theory and praxis into practical ministry application. The program seeks to accomplish these goals by focusing on the following outcomes:

  1. Develop a theology of spirituality by integrating insights from Scripture, theology, and related disciplines in the humanities and behavioral sciences.
  2. Evaluate the dynamics of spiritual life in the context of multicultural life and ministry.
  3. Synthesize and apply the theories of spiritual formation to personal spiritual growth and the task of ministry through experience-oriented learning strategies, ascertaining how individuals form habits that facilitate spiritual growth.
  4. Analyze and critique how the pastor’s leadership contributes to spiritual formation in the congregation.
  5. Analyze and apply the relationship between personal piety and the promotion of social justice.

Spiritual Life

The faculty of Azusa Pacific Seminary believe that the growth of the student’s spiritual life is foundational to effective ministry. Accordingly, the development of spiritual life is integral to every course. In addition, there are opportunities for the seminary community to pray together and share experiences in Jesus Christ. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend the university chapels as well as special services and lectures.

Learn more about the program format and our faculty.

Accreditation

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Azusa Pacific Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

ATS-Approved Degrees

Azusa Campus

Los Angeles Regional Site

San Diego Regional Campus

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Phone: (412) 788-6505
Fax: (412) 788-6510
ats.edu

WASC Senior College and University Commission

985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 748-9001
Fax: (510) 748-9797
wscuc.org

University Reputation

Azusa Pacific University secured a place in the most prestigious category of U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2017 rankings, placing at No. 183 in Tier One of the National Universities category. In addition, The Princeton Review named APU as 1 of 124 institutions in the 2017 Best Colleges in the West, Forbes ranked APU among the best schools in the nation for 2017, and G.I. Jobs named APU a Military Friendly School for 2017, placing APU among the top 15 percent of schools in the country helping military students reach their education dreams.

Note: This information is current for the 2019-20 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.