The Program's Purpose

The program in congregational development provides understanding of the factors related to the decline and growth of congregations, theological reflection on the nature and meaning of congregational development, and the practical skills necessary for starting new congregations and revitalizing churches in transition and decline.

As advanced, specialized study, the program is designed to meet the following objectives:

• The integration of this specialized field with classical theological and social scientific disciplines.
• The acquisition of skills and competencies for the practice of developing congregations.
• The formulation of theory in the field of congregational studies informed by reflection upon ministry practice and field research.
• The opportunity to unite theory and practice in a community of mutual learning.

The program in congregational development provides for varied kinds of learning:

• Readings, lectures, and discussion drawing from theological and social scientific disciplines.
• Self-directed learning at home between residential sessions.
• Case studies developed from a congregation, judicatory or other ministry settings.
• Small groups in which participants review and assess learning goals, research, programs and learnings.
• Written work including the development of two research projects.
• Reflection on personal and spiritual growth arising in part from regular participation in discussions with small peer groups.

The program culminates in a thesis project of publishable quality, which explores a specific issue in congregational development. The thesis includes a review of relevant current literature, the design of an effective research model, and the articulation of learnings in light of existing theory.
Courses are taught by Seabury faculty and renowned experts and practioners in the field of Congregational development

Why a D.Min.?

The Doctor of Ministry degree is the highest professional degree for those engaged in local church and parachurch ministries, world missions, and similar ministries. (The Ph.D. degree, by comparison, purposes primarily to equip students to engage in scholarly research and teaching.) The D.Min. program requires a minimum of three years of meaningful experience in ministry. Each course assumes this ministry experience and endeavors to integrate learning with the student's present context of ministry as well as future goals.

We are currently accepting applications for our residency program which will begin a new cohort in June 2006.

If you have any questions about our D.Min program, please contact Carolyn Winter-Rosenberg 1-847-328-9300 ext 44 or email carolyn.winter@seabury.edu