"I would highly recommend the D. Min. proram. The fellowship with other pastors, the picking ofeach other's brains and interaction between the students and with the other instructors was extremely beneficial. I profited professionally and personally.,,
Rick Yohn Talbot Alumnus Senior Pastor, Evangelical Free Church ofFresno
Doctor of Ministry Program
The D.Min. degree offered by Talbot Theological Seminary is the highest professional degree for ordained persons in the parish or related ministries. It is distinct from the Th.D. or Ph.D. in that its primary emphasis is on the practice of ministry rather than on research and teaching. PURPOSE "The purpose of the professional doctorate is to equip one for a high level of excellence in the practice of ministry" (Association of Theological Schools , Standards for Accrediting, p. 23). This program builds on the basic theological degree, i.e., the M.Div., or its equivalent, and provides an opportunity for the person in ministry to strengthen abilities and correct deficiencies. In order to accomplish these ends, the student will be expected to integrate theological education in the context of ministry by demonstrating high levels of competence in one of two available fields of concentration: Church leadership or marriage and family minis tries. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Admission to the Doctor ofMinistry program will be granted on a very selective and individual basis with the following basic re quirements applying to all applications: 1. An M.Div. degree or its equivalent from an approved seminary with a grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). 2. Applicants must have a working knowledge of the original languages of Scripture, i.e . , Hebrew and Greek. This may be attested by evidence of prior satisfactory completion of courses in the languages or ~<;mgh examination. 3. Proficiency in at least one ministerial skill as verified by professional ministerial experience. A minimum of two years of full-time "in ministry" experience after the stu dent has received the M.Div. degree or its equivalent is needed to demonstrate this proficiency. 4. Completion of such diagnostic and/or theological tests that the Graduate Committee determines necessary. 5. Written recommendations from the following: a clergy colleague, a denominational official or other recognized Christian leader, a lay person in the congregation or agency or board served by the applicant and a former professor in the field of practical theology. 6. A personal statement of approximately 10 typewritten pages (double-spaced) detailing ministerial experience, strengths and weaknesses, and the candidate's personal objectives for the Doctor of Ministry program.
7. A personal interview with the Graduate Committee may be required. Fulfillment of the above basic requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission into the program be cause individual cases and circumstances , such as avail able openings in the program, may dictate other factors to be considered. In general, a high standard of overall per formance, especially in practice of ministry, will be the governing criterion. GENERAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS l. Resident Study: Six courses of study (six units each) comprise the basic residency requirement. At least four of the courses must be taken in the field of concentration. Each course will require significant preliminary reading in preparation and continued 121
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