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D.Min. FAQ

If you are wondering whether a Doctor of Ministry program at Gordon-Conwell is right for you, here are fifteen common questions we want to answer for you. Your questions might also be answered in the D.Min. philosophy, program or personnel sections.

Who leads the D.Min. Program?
Why should I consider a GCTS D.Min?
What exactly is a Doctor of Ministry program?
What do you mean by a 'professional' degree?
Is it possible to fit a Doctor of Ministry program into my busy life?
How much time would I have to spend on campus?
When you say "residency," what do you mean?
You mentioned a "faculty mentor." What do you mean by that?
Do I stay with the same group all through the program?
You've talked about reading requirements for each residency. How much reading would I have to do?
When will I receive course materials? What is a matriculation fee?
What about the projects?
Do I have to write a thesis?
Up to this point you've talked about "The Gordon-Conwell D.Min. program." Is there only one program that everyone follows?
What about tuition and fees?
What do I have to do to enroll?
I do not have an MDiv. Can I still apply?

Who leads the D.Min. Program?
The D.Min. Program is led by:
Haddon Robinson, Ph.D., Senior Director of the D.Min. Program & Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching.

David Currie, Ph.D., Director of the D.Min. Program

To learn more about the personnel of the D.Min. program, click here.
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Why should I consider a GCTS D.Min?
Because it is an outstanding program. But just don't take our word for it. Here's a report of one pastor's experience in a GCTS D.Min. Program.
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What exactly is a Doctor of Ministry program?
Universities and a few seminaries offer academic degrees like the Th.D. and Ph.D. for people interested in spending their lives in academics. The Doctor of Ministry is designed as the professional degree to broaden and deepen a person's understanding and skills for ministry.
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What do you mean by a 'professional' degree?
A D.Min. resembles an M.D. or a J.D. in that it focuses on the practice of ministry rather than on doing research in an academic setting. It is the highest degree offered for practitioners in Christ's service.

For a complete description of the D.Min. philosophy, click here.
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Is it possible to fit a Doctor of Ministry program into my busy life?
Probably. You'll have to make a place in your schedule for reading, attending seminars, and carrying out projects. In the D.Min. program, however, everything you do can be integrated directly or indirectly into your current ministry setting.
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How much time would I have to spend on campus?
You will be in residency two weeks each year over a three-year period. Because the Doctor of Ministry program is adult education, much of what you learn, you can learn in your place of service.
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When you say "residency," what do you mean?
A residency is an intensive two-week experience that meets five days each week, for about eight hours each day. In it you integrate your readings, your project experiences and your reflections gathered throughout the year. Much of what you do is "hands-on" learning, directed by a faculty mentor. Other resource persons, experts in their fields, contribute information and insights. Residencies take place in South Hamilton, MA, in Charlotte, NC, or in Boston, MA. A select few of our tracks include extensive field experiences and site visits. These visits may include additional transportation and accommodation costs.

For a more complete description of the components and "residencies" of the D.Min program, click here.
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You mentioned a "faculty mentor." What do you mean by that?
You will study with the best in the field, well-known scholars and leaders. These mentors share not only their knowledge, they share their lives. They act more as guides and friends than professors. Many graduates of the Doctor of Ministry program at Gordon-Conwell feel that this close association with a seasoned Christian leader is one of the most valuable contributions of the program.

To learn more about the mentoring setup of the D.Min. program, click here.
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Do I stay with the same group all through the program?
Yes, you do. That is a strength of the Gordon-Conwell experience. You study with a group of people like yourself who come from a wide variety of churches and denominations. You live together for two weeks each year. You develop strong bonds with many of these people, and one objective of the program is to relate you to one another in support groups. Long after you receive your diploma, you will continue to have a network of valued friends in ministry. In fact, at the request of recent graduates, the Seminary will hold some post-doctoral seminars so that this learning and association can continue.
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You've talked about reading requirements for each residency. How much reading would I have to do?
That depends. We don't assign "busy work." We assign reading that helps you understand your field of study and prepares you for the next residency. Some residencies require more reading than others. Generally, you should be able to complete the requirements for the residency if you devote one day a week to the program (on average, 8-10 hours per week).
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When will I receive the course materials?
Once you have completed the application process, you may then be offered admission into the program contingent upon paying the matriculation fee of $495 (subject to change annually). This fee will be applied toward your tuition, and is non-refundable. After you pay this matriculation fee, the syllabi for your first residency will be sent to you. These syllabi will outline the pre-residency reading requirements and assignments.
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What about the projects?
You will do a project after each of your first two residencies. In consultation with your faculty mentor, you will shape a project that applies what you have learned to your own ministry. While we give general guidelines, you tailor the project to your own needs.
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Do I have to write a thesis?
Yes and no. As we said, this is not an academic program. It is a professional degree. The focus of your thesis will depend on what you would like to accomplish. Some participants have used the final thesis project to write a book. Others have designed courses that they have taught both in North America and overseas. Still others have done projects that benefited their local congregations. What you will do can be as wide as your imagination and as practical as your needs.
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Up to this point you've talked about "The Gordon-Conwell D.Min. program." Is there only one program that everyone follows?
No, the program isn't like a pair of socks in which "one size fits all." We offer a wide selection of "tracks" or specializations, more than any other seminary. You know your ministry needs. So you choose the track that offers you the opportunity to dig in deeply to meet that need. Among the tracks offered in the Gordon-Conwell Doctor of Ministry program you may want to consider from those listed here.
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What about tuition and fees?
Doctor of Ministry students are billed $1075 quarterly for three years (a total of $12,900 for tuition and mentoring) plus a graduation fee*. Students enrolled in the Marriage & Family, Professional track are billed $1,795 quarterly for three years (a total of $21,540 for tuition and mentoring) plus a graduation fee. Room and board charges are set at the time of each on-campus residency.
*As of 7/1/07, subject to change annually.
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What do I have to do to enroll?
Generally, to qualify, you need to have a Master of Divinity degree or its academic equivalent from an ATS-accredited school (or a theological degree from an internationally recognized accrediting association). You will also need a minimum of three years post-M.Div. ministry experience.

I do not have an MDiv. Can I still apply?
Yes. If you have a theological master's degree (see above), then we will compare that to an MDiv. We will sort your classes into three categories: Biblical Studies, Christian Thought, and Ministry to the Church. Each category should have 21 credit hours with an additional 12 credit hours to total 75 credit hours. We then require a portfolio of continuing education (conferences, workshops, classes taken for no credit) and a brief summary as to how these events affected you and your ministry. If you are deficient in any area, we will require you to take classes for graded credit from an ATS-accredited school to make up the difference. You can check to see if your school is an ATS-accredited school here.
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You can get complete information regarding the application process by calling (800) 816-1837 and asking for the Doctor of Ministry packet of materials. Or you can click here for an on-line request form.
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Click here to return to the main D.Min. page.