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2016-2017 Student Handbook 57 DMin Contacts Doctor of Ministry Office dmin@denverseminary.edu Dr. Marshall Shelley – Director 303-762-6919 Marshall.Shelley@denverseminary.edu Janet Campbell – Program Admin 303-762-6918 Janet.Campbell@denverseminary.edu Introduction to Program History The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) 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 (NCA) 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 D.Min. Committee Oversight of the D.Min. program is the responsibility of the D.Min. Committee, which is appointed by the provost/dean. The committee consists of faculty members, the D.Min. Director as chairperson, and the provost/dean as ex officio. The Director administers the program and is responsible to the provost/dean. Members of the D.Min. Committee serve as the evaluation team when an interview is deemed advisable in the application or advancement to candidacy stage. Based on input from the student and recommendation of the Director, the committee affirms the first reader, second reader, and research consultant. These constitute the student's doctoral project committee, with the addition of the Director. Purpose of the D.Min. The D.Min. 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 D.Min. degree state that a D.Min. 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. The D.Min. degree is different from the Ph.D. degree in its emphasis on direct application to professional practice. Learnings must be integrated into the life and ministry of the student. The D.Min. degree does not neglect research, as one must know what to apply before application can be made. It is research associated with practice and requires competence at the doctoral level in both research and application (professional and personal). This emphasis upon application and integration is reflected in the papers that students write. In addition to course papers, an integrative paper is required for each seminar (or individualized