Doctor of Ministry

The purpose of the D.Min. program is to provide professional and academic preparation for the highest level of leadership in Christian ministry.

The Doctor of Ministry is designed for pastors and church workers with a minimum of two years of ministry experience. The program schedule accommodates those in full-time ministry.

Admissions Requirements

A student must have an M.Div. or its equivalent to be admitted to the Doctor of Ministry program. Equivalency is defined as at least 96 semester hours of master’s level work (excluding the bachelor’s degree) in the various fields of religious studies. The subjects studied include systematic theology, approximately equal emphasis on New Testament and Old Testament studies, six hours of graduate Greek, six hours of graduate Hebrew, New Testament and Old Testament introductions, Bible exposition, church history or related studies, and courses in pastoral theology. IBCS examines each applicant’s program individually, and applicants must make up deficiencies prior to degree candidacy. In addition, according to the New Testament, pastoral leadership is the responsibility of men. Since IBCS designs the Doctor of Ministry program to develop men in the pastoral ministry or positions of equivalent leadership in Christian Service, the Doctor of Ministry program is open only to male students.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry, the successful student will:

  1. Value the communication of Biblical truth and the commitment to Biblically based separation,
  2. Evidence the ability to research, write, preach, and counsel from a Biblical perspective,
  3. Integrate effective philosophies and procedures that facilitate both worship and discipleship within a local church, and
  4. Apply effective solutions for addressing complex issues within the realm of church administration and management.

Doctor of Ministry Chairman

Dr. Larry Ball attended Bob Jones University where he received his B.A. in Bible. Later he attended San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary where he completed his M.A. He also received his M.Min. and D.Pas.Th. from Bob Jones University. Dr. Ball served as the senior pastor of two churches in California before becoming the General Director of International Baptist Missions in 2010. He oversees the Doctor of Ministry program, and teaches Bible, theology, and pastoral studies at IBCS.

Program Requirements

Course #Name of CourseHours
PR 773Advanced Sermonic Structures2
PR 754Church Growth2
EN 720Research and Writing2
EN 820Advanced Thesis Writing1
EN 830Dissertation Project*4
 PR 783Ministry Management2
 PR 884Biblical Leadership 2
 TH 824 Christian Apologetics2
Advanced Exposition Elective2
Approved Electives13

TOTAL HOURS: 32

*Two credits per semester enrolled in dissertation writing for up to two semesters.

 

Student Spotlight

Kevin Schaal

Kevin Schaal

Dr. Schaal received a Doctor of Ministry from International Baptist College, then in Tempe, Arizona, in 1995. He has served as the pastor of Northwest Valley Baptist Church since its beginning in 1987. The church’s mission outreach has planted five other churches: four in Arizona and one in Puebla, Mexico. Dr. Schaal teaches as an adjunct professor at colleges in the States and overseas and also serves as an executive member and advisor on various ministry boards.

Your Future

Potential Careers Include:

  • Church Administrator
  • Chaplain
  • Evangelist
  • Missionary
  • Pastor

Ministry Focus

Tri-City Baptist Church and other local churches provide International Baptist College with a variety of opportunities to gain ministry experience. Music students can be personally mentored by an experienced music pastor while serving in a children’s choir, adult choir, or church orchestra. Tri-City Christian Academy’s large enrollment allows education majors to do their observation and student teaching on campus.