Curriculum for Doctor in Pastoral Ministry

Doctor of Arts and Sciences in Pastoral Ministry: Shepherding like King Jesus

This curriculum is designed to prepare students for the highest level of leadership and scholarship in pastoral ministry. It focuses on shepherding like Jesus, setting an example like Jesus, caring like Jesus, protecting like Jesus, providing like Jesus, being led and filled by the Holy Spirit like Jesus, being empowered like Jesus, and sacrificing like Jesus. The end goal is to transform all chosen shepherds into the full image of Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd. This program meets or exceeds the standards of accredited schools in America.

Core Biblical Studies Requirements (24 credit hours):

1. Advanced Biblical Theology (12 credit hours):
   • BIB 801: Advanced Old Testament Theology and Exegesis (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 802: Advanced New Testament Theology and Exegesis (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 803: Advanced Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 804: Biblical Theology and Contemporary Issues (3 credit hours)
2. Life and Teachings of Jesus (9 credit hours):
   • BIB 811: The Historical Jesus: Context and Impact (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 812: The Parables of Jesus: Advanced Interpretation (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 813: The Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection: Theological Implications (3 credit hours)
3. Jesus’ Discipleship Model and the Great Commission (6 credit hours):
   • BIB 821: Discipleship in Historical and Contemporary Contexts (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 822: Implementing the Great Commission Globally (3 credit hours)

The Holy Spirit and Empowerment (18 credit hours):

1. Pneumatology and Empowerment (6 credit hours):
   • BIB 831: Advanced Pneumatology: The Holy Spirit in Theology (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 832: The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit (3 credit hours)
2. Kingdom Authority and Leadership (6 credit hours):
   • BIB 841: Kingdom Authority and Leadership in the Gospels (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 842: Power Dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles (3 credit hours)
3. Discipleship and Evangelism (6 credit hours):
   • BIB 851: Discipleship and Spiritual Formation in the Modern Church (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 852: Fire Evangelism and Revival Movements (3 credit hours)

Advanced Pastoral Ministry (18 credit hours):

1. Pastoral Care and Counseling (6 credit hours):
   • MIN 861: Advanced Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 862: Crisis Intervention and Counseling Techniques (3 credit hours)
2. Church Leadership and Administration (6 credit hours):
   • MIN 871: Strategic Leadership in Ministry (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 872: Church Administration and Management (3 credit hours)
3. Specialized Counseling Electives (6 credit hours):
   • Choose two of the following courses:
     • MIN 871: Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Counseling (3 credit hours)
     • MIN 872: Counseling Youth and Adolescents (3 credit hours)
     • MIN 873: Counseling for Addiction and Recovery (3 credit hours)
     • MIN 874: Counseling within the Church Context (3 credit hours)

Research and Advanced Study (12 credit hours):

1. Research Methodology (6 credit hours):
   • RES 801: Advanced Research Methods in Biblical Studies (3 credit hours)
   • RES 802: Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Theology (3 credit hours)
2. Doctoral Seminars (6 credit hours):
   • SEM 801: Doctoral Seminar in Biblical Studies (3 credit hours)
   • SEM 802: Doctoral Seminar in Theological Integration (3 credit hours)

Dissertation Proposal and Writing (12 credit hours):

1. Dissertation Proposal and Writing (12 credit hours):
   • RES 899: Dissertation Proposal Development (3 credit hours)
   • RES 900: Doctoral Dissertation Writing and Defense (9 credit hours)
     • A comprehensive research project focused on a topic related to biblical counseling, demonstrating original scholarly research, critical thinking, and practical application.

Total Credit Hours: 90

This curriculum ensures a strong foundation in advanced biblical studies, theology, research, and practical pastoral ministry skills. It prepares students for academic research, teaching, or leadership roles in pastoral ministry, with a strong emphasis on shepherding, setting an example, caring, protecting, providing, being led and filled by the Holy Spirit, being empowered, and sacrificing like Jesus in order to shepherd the churches as well as the universal Church of Jesus. The end goal is to transform all chosen shepherds into the full image of Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd.