Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

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The highest competency level for pastoral ministry in applied theology.

About the Programme

The Doctor of Ministry programme is a high competency level pastoral ministry degree programme that stimulates growth in understanding the Biblical and theological foundations of ministry and mission. It is designed for the practice of ministry and ministerial leadership, and is oriented toward serving the needs of pastors, mission executives, church leaders, and other ministry professionals.

The purpose of this programme is to equip ministers for a higher-level ability in the practice of ministry and ministerial leadership in the area of applied theology. This is achieved through an experience of further education, which renews the personal life of faith, sharpens ministerial skills, and stimulates growth in understanding the biblical and theological foundations of ministry and mission.

What You May Become?

  • A fully equipped pastor
  • Competent church leader
  • Honed biblical researcher

Specializations

  • Chaplaincy
  • Church, African Society, and Mission
  • Church Leadership and Administration
  • Discipleship and Biblical Spirituality
  • Evangelism and Church Growth
  • Marriage and Family
  • Pastoral Care and Counselling
  • Word, Worship, and Liturgy
  • Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Duration of the Programme

  • Full Time – Three Years
  • Part-Time – Four Years

  1. Have a Master’s degree in Ministry or Theology, with a minimum GPA of 3.33
  2. Have a minimum of 84 credit hours of Religion/Theology at the undergraduate level. A Master’s degree in theology/religion/Ministry or MA in Religious Studies (or its equivalent) in the area of interest, MA in Mission (or its equivalent) or MDiv (or its equivalent) for entry into the DMin. Applicant’s related Master’s degrees may be required to take appropriate number of prerequisites as shall be determined by the Seminary Admissions Committee.
  3. Be active in professional ministry for at least four years (limited exceptions could be considered) and demonstrate aptitude and commitment for the gospel ministry
  4. Be ordained or commissioned to the gospel ministry (limited exceptions could be considered)
  5. Provide satisfactory recommendations from the current field/conference administrator or direct supervisor, a pastoral colleague, and a local elder (a total of three recommendations from specific individuals is required)
  6. Submit a paper (2-4 pages) that provides an applicant’s philosophy of ministry and objectives in seeking the degree
  7. Have successfully completed a course equivalent to GSEM 607 Documentary Research and Writing. Applicants are to submit their Master’s Thesis/Project or its equivalent. Those applicants who did not do a Thesis/Project on a Master’s level must submit a major paper (approximately 50 pages) showing the applicant’s research competencies.
  8. Must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Curriculum

GSEM 608
Advanced Methods of Teaching Bible
3 Credits
This course is designed to broaden the instructional repertoire of Bible teachers interested in improving the teaching/learning process by combining in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, an understanding of learning processes, decision-making abilities, human relations skills, and appropriate communication techniques into a unified act, resulting in enhanced learning for students. The course incorporates a workshop approach in which the power and usefulness of a variety of teaching models are examined and allows the application of specific teaching/learning strategies in a supportive environment.

 

CHMN/LEAD 703
Theology and Practice of Leadership
3 Credits
The course investigates the principles and practices of effective Christian leadership. It includes theological reflection, literature review, theory, and practice application of learning in the context of professional ministry. Emphasis is placed on developing the student’s leadership potential and sharpening their skills in developing leaders from those reached by their influence.

 

CHMN 706
Spiritual and Theological Foundations for Ministry
3 Credits
The course builds the spiritual and theological basis from which the practice of ministry and mission grows and seeks to lead the student into a self-reflection and examination of life and belief.

 

CHMN 735
Ethical/Moral Formation for Leadership in Africa
3 Credits
A critical examination of economic and socio-cultural developmental challenges in Africa and their impact on the ethical formation of the people of God in Africa. This examination is done to develop ethical leaders who facilitate ongoing transformation in a responsible manner by drawing from the Judeo-Christian ethical heritage.

GSEM 754
Dissertation Research Methods and Proposal Seminar
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to assist students in the completion of an acceptable Doctor of Ministry project/dissertation proposal based on a relevant, ministerial problem or challenge and to equip them with the tools necessary for developing and writing a project or dissertation.

 

GSEM 795
DMin Dissertation
9 Credits
A DMin dissertation is a professional Dissertation that integrates theological reflection, scholarly research and practical ministry. The Project/Dissertation contributes to the enhancement of ministry in the Church.

CHMN 712
The Church, its Mission, and the African Society
3 Credits
A critical examination of economic and socio-cultural developmental challenges in Africa and their impact on the ethical formation of the people of God in Africa. This examination is done to develop ethical leaders who responsibly facilitate ongoing transformation by drawing from the Judeo-Christian ethical heritage.

 

MSSN 731
Cultural and Religious Analysis
3 Credits
Using the tools of cultural, social, anthropological, and religious analysis, the specific context and challenges of mission in Africa will be analysed and described in-depth as a basis for ministry. The course content will be shaped to fit the local situation.

 

MSSN 741
Mission Strategy Development
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to guide the student into analysis and evaluation of the study of contemporary strategies of mission as a framework and foundation for the development and practice of a ministry plan within specific contexts. It investigates principles, challenges, and practices of Christian leadership, emphasising issues that make leadership in the context of the Church, education, and various cultural settings unique.

 

CHMN 751
The African Church and Social Issues
3 Credits
The course explores the biblical and theological foundations for the Church’s moral and social engagements in the African community. It combines academic and theory, and praxis with a biblically informed perspective on contemporary society. It equips students with the tools required for their responsible involvement in society as prophetic change.

CHMN 725
Advanced Chaplaincy Competencies and Ethical Issues in Chaplaincy
3 Credits
This course builds on the theories and practices of various sectors of Chaplaincy at the master’s level. Participants will focus on and critically analyse selected issues in the practice of Chaplaincy and evaluate higher competencies in Chaplaincy as a pastoral calling. Critical issues dealing with Chaplain-client relationships and care, institutional chaplaincy leadership and current ethical issues in the professional practice of Chaplaincy are also examined and evaluated from a biblical perspective.

 

CHMN 739
Clinical Issues in Care and Counselling
3 Credits
This course covers instruction in theory and clinical skills within the context of spiritual care. It provides education in the following speciality areas: psychological and spiritual assessment, grief recovery, trauma, conflict resolution, and specific processes of disease such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, disability, and mental health issues. The course is prepared especially for chaplains of hospitals, communities, and healthcare organisations. Each course participant will integrate essential counselling skills and practices into their context of healthcare practice and demonstrate competencies in a portfolio of experience. Participants will share accountability for their development in peer groups that meet outside of the class period.

 

CHMN 757
Professional Formation and Practice in Chaplaincy Ministry
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for students to explore their spiritual and professional growth while being leaders and chaplains in various capacities inside or outside the church setting. It also examines in more detail manner the unique chaplaincy settings, the environment and spiritual dilemmas and the spiritual journey of those to whom a chaplain ministers and how the chaplain ministers within these spiritual dilemmas and spiritual journey as well as bring the people to their point of need.

 

CHMN 771
Theory & Research in Chaplaincy
3 Credits
This course will provide students with an in-depth theoretical and practical study of the significant impact on human life of spiritual, religious and cultural practices and values and beliefs. Students will do research based on their work situation, whether it is healthcare, military, prison, or campus ministries.

CHMN 743
Leadership in Cross-Cultural Perspectives
3 Credits
This course is an in-depth exploration of leadership paradigms of the world as they draw from the cultural dynamics of a people to inject Christian ethos as coordinating principles. The various paradigms are also examined to strengthen the Church’s attributes of unity in diversity.

 

CHMN/LEAD 753
Leadership and Spirituality
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to deepen the participant’s spirituality, leading to the enrichment of personal and family life and a greater commitment to ministry. Students will learn to understand the biblical leadership model and develop competencies contributing to the strengthening of an Adventist perspective of evangelism, mission, and ministry. Students will be trained to evaluate ministerial practices through theological reflection, aiding in the formation of a biblical model of servant leadership. They will also practice, using appropriate tools, analysing the needs of churches and communities, to facilitate more effective ministry and how to develop a global view of ministry.

 

CHMN/LEAD 763
Advanced Leadership Competencies
3 Credits
Participants will advance in personal and theological reflection with the integration of leadership principles. Systems thinking, organisational culture, human development theory, and ecclesiology will be investigated in the context of the Church and leadership. The course will also pursue further development and application of essential leadership practices. A practical focus on administrative skills will be initiated. Nurture advanced biblical and theological reflections rooted in the tradition of the faith community and enhance competencies for wise servant leadership.

 

CHMN/LEAD 783
Leading and Managing the Church Organization
3 Credits
Many African churches and denominational organisations present challenges in leadership, management, and administration. This course will deal with a foundation of biblical leadership to help participants excel in skills like strategic planning, managing change, team building, resource management, communication, mentoring, and coaching.

CHMN 728
The Personal Practice of Biblical Spirituality
3 Credits
Covers a historical view of those devotional practices outlined in Scripture, Ellen White and significant devotional writers that lead to Christian formation. It provides a praxis model of reflection upon and engagement with those spiritual practices and patterns of life that define who we are as disciples of Jesus.

 

CHMN 737
Church Growth and Discipleship in the Urban Church
3 Credits
The course researches inner-city life with its many-faceted challenges and structures that affect church life. It also prepares students to impact the multiple systems required to make church growth and discipleship in a given city sustainable.

 

CHMN 740
Mentoring for Discipleship and Biblical Spirituality
3 Credits
This course is to equip students for assisting in the Christian formation and discipling of others through spiritual mentoring; to develop an understanding of how the age, temperament and developmental stage of a mentee help determine the most effective model for discipling. It is to integrate an understanding of a theology of mentoring for discipleship and spiritual formation, with the process and dynamics involved in the participants’ personal spiritual growth and consequent modelling, mentoring and teaching roles within the context of family, Church and community.

 

CHMN 762
Corporate Ministry for Discipleship and Spirituality
3 Credits
Explores constructs of corporate ministry that will enhance growth in Christian formation and discipleship within the context of the African Church and broader community. A corporate life of outreach and ministry to others through loving and maturing relationships will be developed.

CHMN 716
Revivals and Church Growth Strategies in Africa
3 Credits
A study of leadership and management principles applies in situations of rapid change in human institutions and their exponential numerical growth. A study of this nature is pursued in order to help inform strategies for facilitating holistic and healthy growth.

 

CHMN 718
Perspectives on Mission and Church Growth Strategies
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to build the spiritual and theological basis for ministry and mission and lead the student into a self-reflection and examination of life and belief that will be reflected in the written dissertation and practice of ministry.

 

CHMN 767
Formation of Evangelistic Strategy
3 Credits
Provides reflection and experience in contemporary African personal, public and media evangelistic strategies as a basis for effective evangelistic leadership. Biblical and practical foundations for empowering people for ministry and factors and strategies for cell church growth are experienced.

 

CHMN 787
The Mission-Oriented Church
3 Credits
This course identifies and examines the theology and characteristics of the mission-oriented Church. Biblical faithfulness in discipleship and mission priority on the congregational level is further investigated. Case studies of successful African models for local church evangelism are explored.

 

CHMN 721
Church Growth and Discipleship in Africa**
3 Credits
This course researches inner-city life with its many-faceted challenges and structures that affect church life. It also prepares students to impact multiple systems.

 

CHMN 769
Strategies for Urban Mission*
3 Credits
This course aims to build the spiritual and theological basis for ministry and mission in Urban cities. It examines and analyses the structures and cultures in urban settings to recognise church growth challenges and opportunities. It further examines mission strategies for urban cities with a view to leading the students into reflecting, and acquiring skills that will be relevant to their ministry in Urban settings.

 

CHMN/LEAD 722
Urban Church Leadership*
3 Credits
This course examines the biblical foundation of leadership and contemporary church leadership theories. It also examines the unique structures and cultures of urban churches and identifies and analyses the challenges to church leadership in such settings. It then explores skills like strategic planning, managing change, team building, resource management, communication, mentoring, and coaching in an urban setting.

 

CHMN 781
Contextualized Discipleship*
3 Credits
This course is to equip students for assisting in the Christian formation and discipling of others through spiritual mentoring. It examines the theology of mentoring for discipleship and spiritual formation, with the process and dynamics involved in the participants’ personal spiritual growth and consequent modelling, mentoring and teaching roles within the context of family, Church and community. It then examines specific contexts in mission and church life and explores how people could be disciplined and mentored in such settings.

 

CHMN 789
The Church in the City*
3 Credits
A critical examination of economic and socio-cultural developmental challenges in African cities and their impact on the ethical formation of the people of God. This examination is done to develop ethical leaders who facilitate ongoing transformation in a responsible manner by drawing from the Judeo-Christian ethical heritage.

CHMN 745
The Family: Building Communities of Caring and Hope
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to focus on the multifaceted family factors, which are important in the development of healthy family life within the African setting.

 

CHMN 754
Professional Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy
3 Credits
A survey of human development tenets and traditional African rites of passage to identify principles that can be applied in building beautiful family cultures within the social quicksand of a rapidly changing Africa.

 

CHMN 765
Human Sexuality
3 Credits
To help students see human sexuality from the theological, physiological, psychological, emotional, and social viewpoints, they stress the preventive measures for clergy sexual
misconduct.

 

CHMN 775
Parenting, Education and Guidance
3 Credits
A basic understanding of personal development, especially experienced in childhood, is foundational for effective parenting practice. One focus of this course will be on comprehension of the parenting role as a discipling caregiver and meeting children’s needs at various stages. The primary focus of this course is acquiring understanding and awareness and then integrating these bases into a parenting education competency.

CHMN 719
Cultural and Contextual Dimensions of Pastoral Counselling
3 Credits
In this course, students will be engaged in the exploration of various models of counselling, including insight-oriented, behaviouristic, relationship-oriented, and interpersonal. The study will have a particular emphasis on African cultural and contextual dimensions in a church setting.

 

CHMN 729
Professional Development in Pastoral Care
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide foundational skills for the ministry of pastoral care. It combines biblical principles with modern approaches to interpersonal relationships. Emphasis is given to developing the communication skills necessary for conflict resolution.

 

CHMN 749
The Pastor as a Person and Caregiver
3 Credits
This course addresses the new understanding of the pastoral calling and tasks as the new times demand in African society. Also, it addresses such issues as pastors under tremendous pressure to be all things to all people; pastors who understand the Scriptures and are anchored in the theology of ministry that applies biblical truth to life; pastors who understand the changing needs of people and can minister to them with integrity and without engaging in fads that either compromise the gospel or weaken the calling of the church and service.

 

CHMN 759
Pastoral Care and Counselling
3 Credits
An intensive study of potential contributions of counselling to some of the more disturbing problems brought by members of a congregation to their pastors. Designed to enlarge the pastor’s acquaintance with the therapeutic approaches of various referral agencies.

CHMN 742
Preaching the Literary Forms of the Bible
3 Credits
This course covers expository preaching from biblical literature, including historical narrative, NT epistles, and apocalyptic. Special attention will be given to collegial and inductive reflection on these unique challenges and opportunities within epistolary and apocalyptic biblical texts.

 

CHMN/AFTR 773
Word and Liturgy in an African Context
3 Credits
An exploration of African cultural expressions that may enrich the proclamation of the Word of God and the worship experience of the African Christian. Implications of thought and operation patterns are drawn from current studies of the left and right brain is considered.

 

CHMN 774
Advanced Homiletical Competencies
3 Credits
An exploration of biblically-based theology and practice of preaching context draws from Scripture, communication theory, African narrative theology, contemporary audience dynamics and inductive reflection. Special attention and emphasis will be given to developing skills for storytelling and connecting with contemporary media culture.

 

CHMN 780
Spiritual Nurture and Religious Education
3 Credits
This course is designed to equip the local congregational specialist with growth insights drawn from Scripture, spiritual theologians, African rites of passage, and developmentalists. The insights gained will be integrated into human development, spiritual growth and ongoing Christian formation.

CHMN 720
Current Issues in Youth Ministry
3 Credits
The African continent is rich with youth and young adults. Many of them face modern challenges, such as popular culture, inter-generational relationships, and many others. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skill set and understanding in the area of youth ministry to such an extent that they can impact their local congregations and communities more powerfully for God.

 

CHMN 750
Counselling Youth and Young Adults
3 Credits
This course serves as a learning tool in ministry to younger and older adolescents and young adults in various life situations and crises. It fosters a comprehensive approach to these ministries, encouraging students to be open to the spiritual, emotional, psychological, social and physical challenges of youth and young adults.

 

CHMN 760
Advanced Youth Ministry
3 Credits
This course develops competence in assessing and exegeting the cultural needs in youth ministry with its nuances for more effective evangelism and discipleship in Africa. It builds on the knowledge of current issues in youth ministry with advancement to a greater depth.

 

CHMN/LEAD 770
Youth Ministry Leadership
3 Credits
Students will survey contemporary ministry practices to discern operational definitions of student leadership in a specific context. They will subsequently explore related biblical principles, relevant historical events, adolescent psychosocial development issues, and various research to formulate a plan for the development of effective leadership in youth ministry.

Programme Coordinator

PAPU

Jongimpi Papu, PhD, DMin

Lecturer, Applied Theology

Education

  • PhD in Missiology, Free State University, South Africa, 2015
  • Doctor of Ministry, Andrews University, 2010
  • MA Missiology, Free State University, 2003
  • MA Religion, Andrews University, 1998

Areas of Expertise

  • African Traditional Religion and Mission

Biography
Dr. Papu is an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Further to this, he has served in various pastoral and administrative for over 37 years. Some of these include as president and ministerial secretary for Cape Conference, South Africa; family ministries and ministerial secretary as well as the SOP and VOP Coordinator for Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of SDA. He has also been the Vice President of Student Affairs and lecturer at Helderberg College.

PAPU

Jongimpi Papu, PhD, DMin

Lecturer, Applied Theology

Education

  • Ph.D. in Missiology, Free State University, South Africa, 2015
  • Doctor of Ministry, Andrews University, 2010
  • MA Missiology, Free State University, 2003
  • MA Religion, Andrews University, 1998

Areas of Expertise

  • African Traditional Religion and Mission

Biography
Dr. Papu is an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Further to this, he has served in various pastoral and administrative for over 37 years. Some of these include as president and ministerial secretary for Cape Conference, South Africa; family ministries and ministerial secretary as well as the SOP and VOP Coordinator for Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of SDA. He has also been the Vice President of Student Affairs and lecturer at Helderberg College.

Featured Alumni

ogah

Dr. Ogah Christopher Osimhen

Former Executive Secretary, Ekiti Conference of SDA Church | Class of 2016

I am highly indebted to God for giving me the undeserved privilege to study at AUA. The impact this uncommon privilege has had on my life and ministry cannot be quantified or overemphasized. My years at AUA brought me closer to Jesus and effectively equipped me further for His service.

It was during this study that I learned to dig more deeply into the scriptures, and truly understood what contextualization was. It helped to enhance my preaching skills, increased my leadership ability, and gave me a new understanding of the Adventist Mission and the vision to reach this desired, heavenly mandate mission of the SDA church as seen in Matthew 28:18-20 and Revelation 14:6-12

ogah

Dr. Ogah Christopher Osimhen

Former Executive Secretary, Ekiti Conference of SDA Church | Class of 2016

I am highly indebted to God for giving me the undeserved privilege to study at AUA. The impact this uncommon privilege has had on my life and ministry cannot be quantified or overemphasized. My years at AUA brought me closer to Jesus and effectively equipped me further for His service.
It was during this study that I learned to dig more deeply into the scriptures, and truly understood what contextualization was. It helped to enhance my preaching skills, increased my leadership ability, and gave me a new understanding of the Adventist Mission and the vision to reach this desired, heavenly mandate mission of the SDA church as seen in Matthew 28:18-20 and Revelation 14:6-12

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