Doctor of Ministry Studies Courses (DMN)

DMN 900 - Research Methodologies (1 hrs.)
Discerning and learning new research strategies and methods, with particular reference to using new tools available through the internet.
DMN 901 - Dissertation Seminar (1 hr.)
Methods for isolating the research topic, guidelines for writing the project proposal, and advice on the writing process.
DMN 905 - Learning Through Ministry Practice (3 hrs.)
The DMN 905 Learning Through Ministry will accomplish several key goals:
  1. initiate the cohort and enable you to begin to benefit for that peer learning process;
  2. introduce you to the online learning technologies that you will need to use in order to complete successfully the program. Every course includes some component of this nature;
  3. enable you to complete a major portion of the research methodologies module, led by Mr. Bill Badke, our theological librarian;
  4. give you an introduction to the first two courses that begin online at the very end of August; and provide you with an in depth overview of the program, as well as some tools to help you benefit as much as possible from your involvement with in it, particular how best to use your ministry setting as a context of research, but to do this with integrity and a ministry heart;
  5. discern some strategies that will help you cope with the stresses and pressures of this learning process over the next four years.
DMN 910 - Revitalizing the Church for the 21st Century (3 hrs.)
Interacts with recent developments in the Canadian church (and general North American context) and ministry leadership practices, evaluating these over against a biblical framework.
DMN 911 - Spiritual Formation & Discipling (3 hrs.)
Discerns patterns of spirituality that enhance and nurture a personal and vocational relationship with Jesus Christ. The role of the Spirit in this process will be considered, as well as the corporate nature of such spirituality. Understanding the life of the soul will be explored in the light of concrete practices of spiritual formation. The candidate evaluates his own pattern of spirituality and, as helpful, redesigns this paradigm.
DMN 912 - The Spiritual Formation & Discipleship in the Church (3 hrs.)
Role of worship, ordinances, proclamation, small groups, etc. will be explored in relation to the issues of spiritual formation and discipleship. The connection between evangelism and spiritual formation will be developed and a plan created by the student that deliberately engages him or her in such practice consistently. Consider ways of training congregational leaders who understand the relationship between spiritual formation and leadership and practice it in their normal service.
DMN 913 - Person and Work of Ministry Leader (3 hrs.)
Considers personal issues that influence ministry leadership – ethics, attitudes, gender, family, etc. Ministry leadership theory is integrated with personal development and staff team development. Nature of post-modernism is explored as it influences leadership models, personal expectations, and interpersonal relations. Rural, urban, and rurban contexts will be considered in terms of these issues, as well as multi-faith dynamics.
DMN 914 - Spiritual Leadership in the New Testament (3 hrs.)
Understands and evaluates issues in New Testament theology that impact church ministry in the 21st century, in particular the use and application of the ordinances in personal and congregational spiritual formation and New Testament guidance for developing appropriate church governance models. Homiletic discussion will consider how to preach texts that address these issues and enable congregations to grasp them effectively.
DMN 915 - Theology & the History of Spiritual Formation (3 hrs.)
Considers the diverse ways in which spirituality is defined within the Christian tradition and how these variations have influenced contemporary evangelical spirituality. Evaluation of these spiritual traditions will be based upon biblical data. Issues of vocation, family, and community will provide a focus for defining contemporary biblical spirituality. Understanding how issues in contemporary theology influence the practice of spiritual formation (i.e. openness of God, justification debates, church unity, religious pluralism, spiritual warfare, etc.) The place and role of theology in personal and community formation is explored, particularly as this forms the basis for key decisions. Defining a model for living out biblically the relationship between Christianity and Culture.
DMN 916 - Spiritual Leadership and Spirituality in the Old Testament (3 hrs.)
Leads to fuller understanding and clearer evaluation of selected issues in Old Testament theology that impact contemporary church ministry. As texts are discussed, also explores new ways to preach such texts, reclaiming the story and the text’s authority. Considers Old Testament guidance for ministry leaders – spiritual resources, leadership principles, and ministry models.
DMN 920 - Developing a Healthy Church (3 hrs.)
Defining a healthy church in various contexts. Leading a church to increased health - discerning the direction and effectively leading a church in that direction. Getting ahead of the curve and anticipating the future by planning now. Determining to stay as leader in order to implement the plan. Discerning the relationship between healthy leaders and healthy churches - the importance of continued vocational growth and development.
DMN 921 - Understanding 21st Century Ministry Leadership (3 hrs.)
Recent developments in ministry leadership theory are evaluated in the context of current ministry patterns. The influence of context on such leadership ideas/models is considered, including multi-cultural influences, personal expectations, volunteerism, governance, and church size. The process of leading change with integrity and positive, healthy outcomes is explored, with specific reference to discerning the right time to plant a new congregation.
DMN 922 - Preaching & Spiritual Formation of the Ministry Leader (3 hrs.)
Disciplines to enhance personal spiritual development are explored and experienced. The connection between preaching and spiritual formation is considered, as leaders encourage people to practice their relationship with Jesus Christ personally and corporately.
DMN 950 - Dissertation I (3 hrs.)
DMN 951 - Dissertation II (3 hrs.)
DMN 952 - Dissertation Extension (0 hrs.)
DMN 955 - Project Continuation (3 hrs.)