Core Modules
DMRW 800 ORIENTATION, RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS
Students are instructed in methods of theological research and academic writing, with special reference to the Major Ministry Project and Report. Attention is given to the following steps involved in writing: thinking logically and theologically, selecting a topic, writing a thesis statement, surveying resources, outlining the project, researching biblical and theological topics, proofreading, editing, revising, and evaluating. A summary of the accepted writing form and style is also provided.
This module is offered two times per year (January or August) and must be taken no later than January of the year prior to the anticipated year of graduation.
DMBC 810 ESSENTIALS OF BIBLICAL EXPOSITION
A comprehensive study of the nature of biblical exposition with special attention given to effective inductive study, message research, structure, and delivery. Class size is limited, so students are advised to register early.
DMBT 820 THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS
A survey of the great doctrines of evangelicalism, their importance, and their implications for effective Christian ministry. Special attention is given to contemporary challenges to essential biblical doctrines.
ELECTIVES
In addition to the four CORE modules that are taken on the ALIS campus, five electives are required in the D.Min. degree. The electives are as follows: one in Administration and Leadership, one in Great Commission Strategies, one in Pastoral Care and Counseling, and two in undesignated, ministry related courses. Electives may be taken in a variety of modes, including ALIS sponsored doctoral-level classes, ALIS approved seminars sponsored by other educational/ecclesiastical organizations (see “Independent Studies”), online doctoral courses offered, and other modes as approved by the faculty advisor and President.
DMAL: ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP STUDIES
DMAL 823 LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
A study of the biblical concepts of Christian leadership, giving attention to its biblical basis, principles, meaning, purpose, and successful implementation.
DMAL 825 THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN MINISTRY
A biblical, theological, and practical look at the ministry of women in the church. Includes the biblical teaching of ministry roles to which women may be called as well as instruction that will help them fulfill those roles.
DMAL 830 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
This course is designed to help students better understand the dynamics of spiritual leadership development. Special attention is given to skill development and spiritual formation for leaders to facilitate their own development and the development of those around them.
DMAL 850 STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING
This is an advanced strategic planning course, designed to help leaders plan and implement processes and systems for goal accomplishment. Students will learn to develop strategic planning components and organize their resources to best accomplish their objectives.
DMAL 900-950 ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP TOPICAL STUDIES
Topics may include Effective Leadership Skills, Conflict Resolution, Legal-Ethical-Professional Issues, Stewardship Planning, Staff Relationships, and others as announced.
DMBC: BIBLICAL COMMUNICATION STUDIES
DMBC 821 CONTEMPORARY PREACHING
An introduction and guide to effective biblical preaching with special attention given to various techniques of presentation.
DMBC 825 STRENGTHENING EXPOSITORY PREACHING
An advanced institute offered in partnership with the Stephen Olford Center for Biblical Preaching in Memphis, TN. Key issues in sermon preparation are addressed, including the interpretation of different types of biblical literature. When taken at the Olford Center, additional costs are entailed.
DMBC 830-875 BIBLICAL COMMUNICATION TOPICAL STUDIES
Topics may include Dynamic Teaching, Preaching through the Bible, Preaching Doctrine, Evangelistic Preaching, and others as announced.
DMBT: BIBLICAL/THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
DMBT 821 BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS
An examination of the true nature of the Bible and its proper use in the church. Topics include revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, canonicity, illumination, interpretation, and application. Special attention is given to contemporary threats to the Bible’s authority and to the priority of the Bible in Christian ministry.
DMBT 835 APOLOGETICS
A study of the defenses of the Christian faith against counter-claimants to truth. A critical analysis will be made of the methodology in apologetics.
DMBT 945 SPIRITUAL FORMATION
A practical study of the theology of life in the image of Christ and the principles involved in the development and maintenance of that Christ-like life. The study will include consideration of the biblical directions for appropriating the victory that Jesus Christ gives for faithful Christian living.
DMBT 960 CHRISTIAN ETHICS
A study of Christian values from a biblical perspective. This course surveys the complex moral issues faced by modern men and women and provides Bible-based solutions to the ethical dilemmas of contemporary life.
DMBT 970 CREATIONISM
A study of origins from the perspective of scientific creationism.
DMBT 971-995 BIBLICAL/THEOLOGICAL TOPICAL STUDIES
Topics may include Worship, Theology and Practice of Prayer, Eschatological Perspectives, Current Doctrinal Controversies, and various biblical studies as announced.
DMGC: GREAT COMMISSION STUDIES
DMGC 824 LOCAL CHURCH EVANGELISM
An examination of the basic task of evangelism for the local church.
DMGC 923 DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING
A consideration of the principles of Christian growth and maturity.
DMGC 925 MODERN CULTS
A study of the history and theology of the major cultic groups in comparison with biblical Christianity.
DMGC 930 MISSIONS PRACTICUM
A mission trip to a foreign country to acquaint the student with missionary life and work.
DMGC 931-950 GREAT COMMISSION TOPICAL STUDIES
Topics relate to various aspects of church planting, church growth, disciple making, Evangelism, and Missions.
DMPC: PASTORAL CARE/COUNSELING
DMPC 826 FOUNDATIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP COUNSELING
This course introduces the student to the principles of exchanged-life counseling. The course includes a study of the counseling process, the believer’s new identity, the nature and characteristics of the flesh, the journey to the cross, the believer’s victory, the exchanged life, Spirituotherapy, living in dependence on Him, and growing in grace.
DMPC 920 CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE This course introduces the student to counseling couples and families from a Christ-centered perspective. The course includes a study of the complementary biblical roles of husband and wife and the principles of biblical parenting. Living life as counselor, spouse, and parent–by experiencing God’s empowering grace is emphasized. Different Christian models of counseling couples are studied.
DMPC 926 ISSUES, ETHICS, AND LEGAL CONCERNS
Legal and ethical concerns such as confidentiality, privileged communications, duty to protect life, preventing suicide, warning intended victims, reporting abuse of children, and other critical concerns are studied.
DMPC 928 COUNSELING AND HELPING SKILLS
A practical course designed to improve the student’s listening, helping, and communication skills.
DMPC 930-975 PASTORAL CARE/COUNSELING TOPICAL STUDIES
Topics may include Effective Pastoral Care; Dating, Courtship, and Premarital Counseling; Biblical Financial Principles; Crisis Counseling; and others as announced.
MAJOR MINISTRY PROJECT
The Bible stresses the importance of applying in ministry what has been learned from the Word of God (John 13.17; Jas 1.22). The capstone of the D.Min. program is a “hands-on” implementation of acquired knowledge and skill through a Major Ministry Project.
DMMP 950 MAJOR MINISTRY PROJECT
This is a supervised major ministry project addressing a specific concern in the student’s present ministry context.* The project must have measurable objectives, be biblically and theologically informed, be transferable to other ministries in similar contexts, and reflect knowledge and skills gained through the D.Min. studies. All CORE modules must be completed prior to beginning the Major Ministry Project.
* Note: A mid-program change in the student’s ministry context could jeopardize the status of the Major Ministry Project and necessitate a repetition of this program requirement. The student considering such a change should notify his faculty advisor and inquire about the ramifications a move may have on the Major Ministry Project.
Major Ministry Project Report
The rehearsing of ministry experiences is both biblical and beneficial (Acts 14.27). It clarifies issues in the minister’s own mind, instructs others who would minister in a similar way, encourages the church at large, and gives glory to God Who alone makes one sufficient (2 Cor 3.5). The culmination of the D.Min. program is a report of the Major Ministry Project.
DMPR 945 Major Ministry Project Report–First Draft
The First Draft of the Major Ministry Project Report is a detailed written account of the work done for DMMP 950. The report must contain the following elements:
- An explanation of the problem addressed in the Major Ministry Project
- A description of the ministry context in which the project was undertaken
- A survey and analysis of relevant literature
- An exposition of the informing biblical/theological data
- A step-by-step account of how the problem was addressed
- An evaluation of the project’s effectiveness
This draft must be submitted in satisfactory form no later than August 15 of the year prior to graduation.
DMPR 950 Major Ministry Project Report–Final Draft
This is the Final Draft of the Major Ministry Project Report. It must be in final form and reflect any changes required by the advisor and/or graduate committee in their review of DMPR 945. It is due no later than February 1 of the graduation year. Two bound copies will be retained by the Seminary.
D.MIN. Colloquy
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise” (Prov 13.20). The D.Min. Colloquy is based on the biblical premise that true believers sharpen one another “as iron sharpens iron” (Prov 27.17).
DMCO 950 Graduate Colloquy
This project is a one-day on-campus review in which the student presents an oral report of the Major Ministry Project and is interviewed by faculty and peers regarding the project. Special guests will present sessions designed for the student’s personal, professional, spiritual edification.
This final component of the D.Min. program of study is held Thursday of Graduation Week. All graduating D.Min. students must attend.