Denver Seminary

2019-2020 Student Handbook 56 Summer 2020 Oral defense draft of thesis due for summer graduates ....................................................................................... May 1 Graduation application deadline for summer graduates ..................................................................................... May 1 Oral defense completed ..................................................................................................................................... June 15 Final draft of DMin thesis due .............................................................................................................................. July 24 DMin Contacts Doctor of Ministry Main Office ................................................................................................................ 303-761-2482 dmin@denverseminary.edu Dr. Marshall Shelley – Director ................................................................................................................ 303-762-6919 Marshall.Shelley@denverseminary.edu Ms. Janet Campbell – Program Administrator ......................................................................................... 303-762-6918 Janet.Campbell@denverseminary.edu Introduction to Program History The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree, first offered by the University of Chicago Divinity School, has been widely accepted among theological seminaries in the United States, and Denver Seminary was one of the early seminaries to adopt the degree program. Seminars were first offered in 1976, provisional approval for accreditation was granted by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the North Central Association of Schools and College (now known as the Higher Learning Commission) in 1978, the first students were graduated in 1979, and full accreditation was granted in 1981. The ATS not only endorses the degree for the professional ministry but examines seminaries affiliated with the ATS in a strong effort to maintain the highest academic standards for the degree. The DMin Committee Oversight of the DMin program is the responsibility of the DMin Committee, which is appointed by the provost/dean. The committee consists of faculty members, the DMin Director as chairperson, and the provost/dean as ex officio. The Director administers the program and is responsible to the provost/dean. Purpose of the DMin The DMin is an applicational degree for those engaged in ministry. For this reason, it requires more than understanding theory, as theory must be integrated into practice. The ATS accrediting standards for the DMin degree state that a DMin program should lead to: Advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry; Enhanced competencies in pastoral analysis and ministerial skills; The integration of these dimensions into the theologically reflective practice of ministry; New knowledge about the practice of ministry; Continued growth in spiritual maturity.

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