Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Overview 

The Doctor of Ministry degree will be a fully online advanced degree for leaders in Christian ministry environments. The program builds upon the basic skills learned in the MDiv program and gives students a broad overview of advanced ministry practices as well as the opportunity to learn to and demonstrate the ability to conduct terminal professional research. There is certainly a need for workers in Christian ministries with this level of education and expertise. The landscape of ministry is always shifting. The speed of these shifts has accelerated in recent years. We believe that the time to educate practitioners to appropriately face these shifts is now. 

Note: The institution does not offer any programs that lead to professional licensure. A graduate of programs offered at CCU is not eligible to sit for licensure exams within the United States.”

Purpose 

The purpose of this scholarly doctoral program is to provide expertise and practical application for those serving in Christian ministry leadership environments. Requirements for the DMin consist of the mastery of a field of knowledge and the successful pursuit of practical research. Doctoral students act to some degree on their own responsibility. Doctoral programs are more flexible and varied than those leading to other graduate degrees.

Program Learning Outcomes 

Program learning outcomes are clearly defined, established, and measurable in the four statements outlined below. The DMin degree will equip the student with practical skills and deep understanding of the challenges found in a Christian ministry setting. The student will develop exceptional written, research and oral communication skills that will benefit both personally and professionally. Program learning outcomes include the following. 

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry degree program the student will be able to: 

• Articulate, analyze, and apply ministry skills learned from the Doctor of Ministry program. 
• Correlate and implement Biblical and theological ideas in a variety of ministry settings.
• Develop strategies for all facets of effective ministry programs in the local church.  
• Practice leadership and administration skills necessary for success as leaders in the local church.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS 

Graduate Programs 

Individuals seeking admission to the Calvary Chapel University DMin program must: 

• Fill out and submit the online application. 
• Pay a $100 application fee. 
• Request official transcripts for completed Master’s of Divinity graduate degree. Verification from official transcripts of conferred Master’s of Divinity graduate degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher must be verified by the Registrar prior to admissions, enrolling and matriculation. 
• Submit verification for a minimum of 3 years of vocational ministry experience.
• Complete Student Reference Requests. 

The spiritual requirements for admission involve demonstrating a commitment to Christ and to the authority of Scripture, and is evidenced by a lifestyle of consistent Christian character and the utilization of spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ. 

MDiv Equivalency Program

Calvary Chapel University offers an MDiv Equivalency program to DMin candidates who do not have a conferred MDiv degree but possess an accredited Master’s in Biblical Studies with a minimum of 18 credits of theology/Biblical coursework that is coupled with 10 years of extensive vocational ministry experience. This equivalency program recognizes those who demonstrate a commitment to Christian ministry, live a life that exhibits a deep spiritual walk, and exemplify CCU’s vision-mission-values of making disciples of Jesus Christ by being a helper of your (people’s) joy.

CCU grants the MDiv Equivalency to those applying for admission into the DMin program based upon the following criteria:

• A masters degree with at least 18 credits of theological/Biblical coursework.
• CCU’s MDiv requires Greek and Hebrew language study that may be satisfied in any one
  of the following ways.
  • Evidence of language rich and hermeneutically sound sermon series.
  • Language credit from another institution.
  • Demonstrate use of online language tools for hermeneutical application.
  • Take CCU’s language courses.
• A minimum of (typically) 10 years in active Christian ministry leadership.
• Adherence to the Calvary Chapel Distinctives.
• The creation of an artifact that is comparable to an MDiv capstone, thesis, or project.

Examples of artifacts to earn MDiv Equivalency include but are not limited to the following.

• Audio sermons
• Video sermons
• Podcasts
• Vlogs and Blogs
• Church start-up / ongoing leadership of
• Christian school start-up / ongoing leadership of
• Discipleship program start-up (SOM, SOE, etc) / ongoing leadership of
• Significant missionary work
• Published book, articles, etc
• Social media influence
• Evidence for preaching, teaching, and leading a ministry with a focus upon the
  Word. Examples include but are not limited to the following.
  • Genesis (Creation)
  • Daniel, Revelation (Eschatology)
  • One of the Gospels (Christlikeness)
  • Romans (Systematic Theology)
  • 1st Corinthians (Spirit-led Living)
  • Ephesians (Gender Roles)
  • Other

If a student would like to be considered for the MDiv Equivalency program, all materials listed below must be
submitted to the registrar for the DMin acceptance and enrollment.

• Cover letter to introduce the candidate with Curricula Vitae attached.
• The cover letter will include a historical sketch that includes: family, conversion, church involvement, call to ministry, passion, hobbies, and future dreams and goals.
  Curricula Vitae that outlines professional and educational experiences.
• Statement of Faith that aligns with Calvary Chapel distinctives and CCU core values.
• Transcripts from all graduate work.
• Artifacts as outlined above.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from elders, board members of the church or other qualified leaders to recommend the candidate. These letters will address the character of the candidate and affirm the information the candidate is submitting for MDiv equivalency consideration.

Once the candidate’s file is complete, the committee will prayerfully review the materials and make a decision and report to the candidate in a timely manner.

Upon approval, the student will be invited to enroll in the DMin program as outlined by the registrar’s office.

CCU reserves the right within reason and best practices to evaluate each application based upon their own unique circumstances.

Graduation Requirements 

CCU awards an academic degree or diploma to students who are in good standing upon the satisfactory completion of all degree requirements, as listed in the University Catalog for the year during which the student first enrolled. The course requirements for doctoral degrees vary from field to field and from student to student. A minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the MDiv degree is required. 

To be eligible for a DMin, a student must: 

• Complete the approved program consisting of 30 credits; 
• Complete a minimum of 18 credits through Calvary Chapel University (CCU), not to include credits from a prior degree earned through CCU; and 
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 
• Degree must be completed within 7 years 
• Meet all University financial obligations. 

Note: No grade below a C- will be applied toward a doctoral Doctorate degree at Calvary Chapel University. Please submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester. In order for you to receive your diploma all financial obligations must be met. 

Courses 

• All courses in the Doctor of Ministry degree program are graduate level. 

Typical Time for Completion 

• The typical time for a full-time graduate student to complete the DMin program is 1.5 years for course work and an additional 1.5 years to complete the doctoral program capstone.