Doctor of Ministry (DMin) - Westminster Theological Seminary

Doctorate of Ministry Program Overview

At Westminster, we are committed to renewing leaders in ministry with the convictions, character, and competencies to be able to transmit the faith for generations to come.

Students in the DMin program will sit under the instruction of seasoned ministry leaders in a total of eight theologically rich, practically oriented week-long modular courses.

Students may focus their studies in one of four concentration areas:

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

This course will explore how biblical theology, sensitive to redemptive history, is essential for a truly biblical vision of ministry, and must be the motivation for the pastor in all of his labors until Christ’s return.

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Preaching 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective preaching.

Foundations for Preaching 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for preaching.

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Foundations for Preaching 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective preaching.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Preaching 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for preaching.

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Leadership 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective leadership.

Foundations for Leadership 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for leadership.

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Foundations for Leadership 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective leadership.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Leadership 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for leadership.

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Counseling 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective counseling.

Foundations for Counseling 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for counseling.

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Foundations for Counseling 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective counseling.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Counseling 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for counseling.

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Evangelism & Missions 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective evangelism & missions.

Foundations for Evangelism & Missions 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for evangelism & missions.

Core Modules

Three Core Modules emphasize the application of Westminster’s theological distinctives to the practice of ministry.

Biblical Theology for Ministry

Covenantal Apologetics for Ministry

This course will explore how a covenantal apologetic—grounded in Scripture and arising from the structure of Reformed theology—is integral to pastoral ministry, both public and private.

The Westminster Assembly and Pastoral Ministry

This course will explore how the Westminster Assembly’s debates and writings about preaching, pastoral care and discipline can inform pastoral ministry today.

Foundations for Evangelism & Missions 1: Theology and Practice

This module is dedicated to strengthening and sharpening students with the foundational theological principles and best practices for effective evangelism & missions.

Electives

Students may take Foundation modules from any other concentration as electives or choose from a selection of other modules. Past and current elective modules include:

Church Revitalization (Dr. Harry Reeder)

Homiletics Through the Ages (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)

Foundations for Christian Public Witness (Dr. Brian Mattson)

Sustainable Ministry: Grace-Paced Ministry in a Burnout Culture (Dr. David Murray)

Preaching the Whole Christ from the Whole Bible to Transform the Whole Person (Dr. Dennis Johnson)

Counseling Through Job (Dr. Joel Wood)

Preaching Apocalyptic Literature (Dr. Rick Phillips)

Paul’s Theology of Pastoral Care and Counsel (Dr. Bruce Clark)

And others…

Foundations for Evangelism & Missions 2

This module is dedicated to deepening and expanding students’ convictions and competencies in the theological principles and practices required for evangelism & missions.

Program Data

4–5

years to degree completion

courses in theology and ministry

average class size

Financial Aid

Westminster is committed to supporting qualified candidates for the DMin program. We will contact you about our unique program designed to personally assist you with financial aid after we have received your application.

Apply Today

Meet our Faculty

Emeritus Professor of Pastoral Theology

Harry Reeder

Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology

David Murray

Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology

Jon Payne

Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology

Rick Phillips

Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology

. . . and more

What Our Alumni Say

In both ways I think Westminster and their emphasis on biblical theology and the emphasis on philosophical apologetics stand out. Most schools do not go that deep.

— Tim Keller

What Our Alumni Say

The DMin program at Westminster continues to be a blessing in my life and ministry. I wanted to work out some of my convictions and concerns in a solid context theologically and practically. I found it at Westminster. I was pushed to make sure I was well grounded and had something of substance to bring to the church. It was hard but well worth the investment.

— Jerry McFarland

What Our Alumni Say

Westminster was really the center of the mark in terms of great doctrine, taking the Bible seriously, taking Christ and the gospels seriously, but also applying that practically in pastoral ministry with a ‘shepherding’ philosophy. My time at Westminster was pivotal in both my personal and ministerial growth.

— Mark Hallock

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I afford a Westminster DMin?

Yes! Westminster has developed a unique program for personally assisting qualified DMin candidates with financial aid. We will work with you to help you afford a Westminster DMin.

What qualifications are needed to apply?

Westminster’s DMin is a rigorous professional degree program designed to deepen the theology and sharpen the skills of those engaged in full-time ministry. Applicants must normally have a minimum of three years of full-time pastoral ministry or Christian service experience and an MDiv that included Greek and Hebrew training. Recommendations from ministry mentors are also a significant factor and are carefully considered.

How long is the DMin program?

The DMin program consists of eight modular courses plus an applied research project. The program is designed to be completed in as little as three years, though most students take four to five years. The maximum program length is six years.

What concentrations are available for the DMin program?

The Westminster DMin program offers four tracks of study, with dedicated theological foundations courses for each: Preaching, Leadership, Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Evangelism & Missions. Students can further narrow their field of study in the context of their applied research project.