Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is a Doctor of Ministry program?
The Doctor of Ministry is designed as the professional degree to broaden and deepen a person's understanding and skills for ministry. The goal is "reflective practitioners." It focuses on the practice of ministry rather than on doing research in an academic setting. It is the highest degree offered for practitioners in Christ's service. The process is in every sense as "academically" rigorous and disciplined as a traditional doctoral degree but alternative disciplines and cognitive activities are emphasized (e.g. reflection on praxis, synthesis, creative application of knowledge, problem solving, etc.)

2. Is it possible to fit a Doctor of Ministry program into my busy life?
Probably. You'll have to make a place in your schedule for reading, attending seminars, and projects. In the D.Min. Program, however, everything you do can be integrated directly or indirectly into your current ministry setting. The program requires about 12 hours of study and preparation per week throughout the three years.

3. How much time would I have to spend on campus and how much is the fees?
There are 2 residencies each year for three years. Each residency requires you to be on campus for ten days. 1 course is engaged in during each residency as a cohort. Since the Doctor of Ministry program is adult education, much of what you learn, you can learn in your place of service. The cost per year will be US$ 2000 and thus the total for the three years is US$ 6000. This excludes the cost for the dissertation project.

4. Do I have to write a thesis?
Yes and no. As we said, this is not a traditional "academic" program. It is a professional degree. Whether you write a thesis or do a project depends on what you would like to accomplish. Some participants have used the final thesis project to write a book. Others have done projects that benefited their local congregations. What you will do can be as wide as your imagination and as practical as your needs.

Contact Information:
For more information and to discover if the Doctor of Ministry is the right professional degree programme for you,

EMAIL: leadership@negst.edu  – or –  PHONE: 020 882104/5

and ask for Dr. George Renner, Director of Doctor of Ministry