Experienced pastors often reach a point in ministry where they want to go deeper. They have preached for years, led a congregation through good times and hard times, and trained others. Now they want to study their own ministry carefully, sharpen their preaching and leadership, and contribute something lasting to the Church. That is what a Doctor of Ministry is for.
The problem, for most pastors around the world, is cost. Doctoral programmes are expensive, and very few ministers can pay for them. At Revelation Bible College & Seminary, the Doctor of Ministry is offered online with no tuition.
What Is a Doctor of Ministry?
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) is a professional doctorate. A research doctorate such as a PhD trains scholars for academic research. A Doctor of Ministry is designed for practitioners: pastors and ministry leaders who want to bring advanced study and careful research to bear on the work they are already doing.
At Revelation Bible College & Seminary, the Doctor of Ministry is described as a taught professional doctorate for experienced pastors and leaders, with research methods and a doctoral dissertation. On our Academic Programs page it is listed as a three-year programme of 48 credits, made up of twelve doctoral courses.
DMin With No Tuition
There is no tuition and no application fee for the Doctor of Ministry. Our teachers, partners and supporters give so that pastors do not have to pay. We believe that the Church is strengthened when its experienced leaders keep learning, and that money should not decide who can.
The programme is still demanding. Doctoral study asks for wide reading, careful thinking and original research. What we remove is the financial barrier, not the standard of work.
What You Will Study
The twelve doctoral courses close with the dissertation. The Holy Bible is the primary textbook for every course, and the course textbooks, written by Rev. Dr. Naeem Nasir, are provided free to every student.
Bible and Theology
- Advanced Biblical Exegesis
- Advanced Systematic Theology
- Christian Ethics and Contemporary Issues
- Historical Theology and Revival Movements
Ministry and Leadership
- Theology of Ministry
- Transformational Leadership in Ministry
- Pastoral Care and Counselling in Contemporary Ministry
- Spiritual Formation for Christian Leaders
Preaching and Mission
- Advanced Expository Preaching
- Church Growth, Mission and Evangelism
Research
- Research Methods in Theology
- Doctoral Dissertation
You can see these courses, and the courses for every other programme, on our Academic Programs page.
The Doctoral Dissertation
The programme closes with a doctoral dissertation, prepared after the course in Research Methods in Theology. For a Doctor of Ministry, the dissertation is the place where study and ministry meet: a sustained piece of research on a question that matters for the life of the Church.
A pastor might study preaching in their own context, the discipleship of new believers, leadership in a growing church, or the care of a suffering congregation. The aim is not research for its own sake, but research that serves Christ’s people.
Who the Doctor of Ministry Is For
- Experienced pastors who want to study and strengthen their ministry.
- Ministry leaders who train other pastors and church workers.
- Bible college and Bible school teachers who want to deepen their teaching.
- Church planters and mission leaders who want to reflect carefully on their work.
Because the D.Min. is a doctorate for experienced ministers, please contact our admissions team with details of your ministry and previous study before you apply. They will advise whether the Doctor of Ministry or a Master’s programme, such as the Master of Divinity, is the right next step.
Study Online, Without Leaving Your Church
All courses are taught on the Gospel Campus platform, in a web browser or in the Gospel Campus app for iPhone and Android. You can keep leading your congregation while you study, and your research can grow out of the ministry God has already given you.
Lessons are taught in Urdu and English. Pastors join us from across Asia, Africa and beyond. Read about our students in A Tuition-Free Bible College for International Students and A Free Online Bible College for Pastors in Africa.
A Doctorate That Multiplies
A Doctor of Ministry graduate is often the person who trains the next generation of pastors. Our vision is that our graduates will start Bible schools and Bible colleges in their own churches, villages and nations. Read How to Start a Bible School in Your Village.
How to Apply
- Contact our admissions team through the Contact page to talk about your ministry and previous study.
- Visit Apply Now, and create your free student account on the Gospel Campus platform with the college code RBC at https://gospelcampus.com/join/RBC.
- Choose the Doctor of Ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Doctor of Ministry really free?
Yes. There is no tuition and no application fee for the Doctor of Ministry, as for every programme at Revelation Bible College & Seminary.
How long is the D.Min. programme?
Our Academic Programs page lists the Doctor of Ministry as a three-year programme of 48 credits, with twelve doctoral courses closing with the dissertation.
What is the difference between a Doctor of Ministry and a PhD?
A PhD is a research doctorate that prepares scholars for academic research. A Doctor of Ministry is a professional doctorate for experienced pastors and leaders, focused on the practice of ministry.
Is there a dissertation?
Yes. The programme includes Research Methods in Theology and closes with a Doctoral Dissertation.
Who can apply?
The Doctor of Ministry is for experienced pastors and ministry leaders. Please contact our admissions team with details of your ministry and previous study before applying.
Can I study the D.Min. online?
Yes. All courses are taught online on the Gospel Campus platform, on the web and in the Gospel Campus app.
How do I start?
Contact us at https://www.revelationbiblecollege.com/contact/, then apply at https://www.revelationbiblecollege.com/apply-now/.
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man” (Ephesians 4:13). Keep growing in Christ, and help His Church grow, at Revelation Bible College & Seminary.