Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development
Program Type
Hours
36 HoursLength
3-4 YearsNorthern’s DMin programs enable ministry leaders to undertake doctoral study that is both academically rigorous and deeply engaged in ministry practice, personal renewal, and God’s mission in the world. The Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development is offered as a specialization the Doctor of Ministry.
Program Description
Through a partnership with Lawndale Community Church and working with the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), Northern offers a Doctorate with an emphasis in Christian Community Development. In the CCD program, students will study with top leaders in the Christian Community Development Movement, experience hands-on, practical learning and foster relationships with other cohort students for future ministry networking. Each student is required to attend three CCDA conferences held in the fall of each year.
Student Experience
Programs are structured in a cohort model. Students can expect to form a unique community of learning as they journey through the program. Courses offered in the Intensive model encourage strong relationships among peers, developing friendships in ministry that serve students well professionally and personally. Courses are also open to students from other cohorts and programs, giving students the best of a cohort model together with the dynamism that comes from encountering new colleagues in various classes.
Accommodations for Intensive Classes
Hotel: Students may stay at the Hotel Chicago for a special rate of $129 for a room with a full size bed, full refrigerator, microwave, Wifi, and cable television. Students will take the Pink Line train from the hotel to Lawndale Community Church. Contact the General Manager Juan Antonio Monroig directly at (312) 243-2901.
Airbnb: Students may also find housing through Airbnb in the Lawndale area.
Program Faculty
Wayne Gordon
Wayne Gordon
learn moreRequirements for Completion
DMin programs are four year programs, consisting of seven courses over three years and a year for thesis writing. Occasionally a student will need more time to complete program requirements. In that situation, the outer limit for completion of the program is ten years.
DMin programs are four year programs, consisting of seven courses over three years and a year for thesis writing. Occasionally a student will need more time to complete program requirements. In that situation, the outer limit for completion of the program is ten years.
Curriculum
The Doctor of Ministry program consists of 36 quarter hours of study. Each course is structured in a one-week intensive format. Each student writes a thesis at the end of the program.
- Core Courses – 3 courses /12 quarter hours
- Specialized Courses – 4 courses / 16 quarter hours
- Thesis Project Research and Writing – 8 quarter hours
Core Courses
DM 7015 Becoming Doctors of the Church (4 quarter hours)
This course introduces students to the function and importance of the office of “doctor of the church.” In the course, students delve deeply into “why I believe” the central tenets of the faith and identify and begin to research a key ministry context. The research will become central to the doctoral thesis.
DM 7045 Bible and Theological Method (4 quarter hours)
This course is a general hermeneutics course that grounds theological method and the study of Scripture. It provides an opportunity for students to engage specific biblical texts and theological topics as they relate to their ministry contexts and thesis.
DM 7060 Thesis Design (4 quarter hours)
This seminar walks the student through constructing a thesis that begins with a driving question about the relationship between their specialization and a ministerial context.
Course Content
Pre-Intensive Work
Prior to each intensive course, students complete reading, reflection, and assignments through which learning is applied to one’s own ministerial context. Students bring a variety of individual ministry issues to the course. Each course is designed with this in mind so readings and assignments allow for flexibility in terms of personal focus.
Intensive Weeks
Courses typically meet in the winter and summer of each year for a week-long intensive from Monday – Friday midday. This is a productive, flexible format for doctorate study and allows students to focus for several months on each course. Course sessions involve engagement of heart, intellect, and practical implementation. The goal is to create a community of faith, learning and support. During intensives, students engage in reflection and development of action plans for responding in new ways to issues and opportunities in ministry.
Post-Intensive Work
Following each intensive week, students complete reflective assignments, often leading to further research and study in order to faithfully implement new ministry action within one’s ministerial context.
Courses
The DMin program consists of 36 quarter hours of study. Each course is structured in a one-week intensive format. Each student writes a thesis at the end of the program.
- Core Courses – 3 courses /12 quarter hours
- Specialized Courses – 4 courses / 16 quarter hours
- Thesis Project Research and Writing – 8 quarter hours
Core Courses
DM 7015 Becoming Doctors of the Church (4 quarter hours)
This course introduces students to the function and importance of the office of “doctor of the church.” In the course, students delve deeply into “why I believe” the central tenets of the faith and identify and begin to research a key ministry context. The research will become central to the doctoral thesis.
DM 7045 Bible and Theological Method (4 quarter hours)
This course is a general hermeneutics course that grounds theological method and the study of Scripture. It provides an opportunity for students to engage specific biblical texts and theological topics as they relate to their ministry contexts and thesis.
DM 7060 Thesis Design (4 quarter hours)
This seminar walks the student through constructing a thesis that begins with a driving question about the relationship between their specialization and a ministerial context.
Specialized Courses
In addition to the three DMin core courses, students take four courses (16 quarter hours).
Church-Based Community Development
Understanding the City
Understanding Poverty
Race, Reconciliation, and Reparations
Leadership with Justice and Compassion
Thesis (8 Quarter Hours)
FAQS
Student Stories
Read what our students have to say about their experiences here.