Doctor of Ministry Degree (D.Min.) | Lexington Theological Seminary

About Doctor of Ministry (DMIN)

Have you been thinking about what’s next in your ministry? Are you yearning for ways to help make the Gospel relevant and be an agent of change in today’s culture? Lexington Theological Seminary provides the tools you need through our Doctor of Ministry degree in Building Capacity for Transformative Ministries. This 30 credit hour degree is completed with a cohort of your peers in a learning environment that allows you to reimagine ministry in bigger and more colorful terms.

The Doctor of Ministry is designed to enhance pastors’ capacity to critically interpret and engage contemporary cultures as a means to give fresh expression to the gospel and to transform congregations for effective ministry in the twenty-first century. Designed on a cohort-based model, the degree provides significant learning in an on-going community of peers.

"Everything I have encountered--readings, projects, assignments, and student engagement--has challenged me as a learner and strengthened me as a pastor. This program has been a great fit and a blessing to me and my congregation. "

What makes your experience at LTS unique?

Designed to equip you to build capacity in your ministry to engage and transform the broader community.

Designed to enhance your capacity to critically interpret and engage contemporary cultures.

With the exception of 2 on-campus visits, all of your coursework will be completed online.

Cohort-based model that creates a learning community of peers who are working in multiple areas of ministry.

Enhance your ministry skills in ways no other place can.

The online format gives you the chance to work at your own pace.

Requirements:

Visit campus for a week of intensives in January or June depending on when your cohort (assigned group of peers) are scheduled to be on campus.

Master of Divinity from an ATS accredited school

A 3.0 GPA or better

Currently engaged in an accountable ministerial role

Transcripts from all institutions attended, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.

A criminal background check

Submit online application, essay, and a $65 non-refundable application fee

Three letters of recommendation

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools

How It Works

Students take their first 10 hours of coursework as a cohort over an 12-18 month period, with one intensive on campus. They then take 12 hours of electives on their own schedule. After completing all of their coursework they collaborate with an adviser who is a scholar-practitioner in their area to execute and write a final project.

The 12-month calendar system means that you can choose the months you take the courses. You may take as few as one class per month or take more when your schedule permits. Classes are offered each month for half-credit, one credit or two credits each. A half-credit course will last two weeks; a one-credit course will last four weeks; a two-credit course will last eight weeks. The short online courses require approximately 10-12 hours of weekly study per course. While completed online, this works is highly interactive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept people from all backgrounds?
Students at Lexington are diverse in age, denomination, race, geographic location, and gender. They have one thing in common: they all desire to learn more about the life of faith and answer a call. Students at LTS come from a variety of backgrounds; our students are engineers and teachers, nurses and parents, recent graduates and second-career pastors. At Lexington you will find your place in a community.

How many students are enrolled?
Lexington Theological Seminary enrolls students on an ongoing, monthly basis, so our enrollment numbers change frequently. In most calendar years we enroll around 125 students.

Do I have to move in order to attend classes?
No. The majority of your coursework will be completed online, so you do not have to relocate to attend classes. You can graduate with as few as 2 trips to campus!

How long does seminary take?
Lexington’s unique “at your own pace” schedule means that you can complete your studies on your timeframe. Most students at LTS attend on a part-time basis so they can balance their studies with their family life, work life and ministry. Most students take between 12 and 20 credits per calendar year.

Is LTS accredited?
Lexington Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). It is a graduate theological institution of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), preparing leaders for the church since 1865.

How Much Does It Cost?
LTS provides a 30% tuition scholarship to DMin students. This means you can complete your doctoral degree for just under $10,000. Many students take advantage of the LTS 0% interest plan and pay reasonable monthly payments over their time here.

Doctor of Ministry