- Home
- About Tyndale
- Academics
- Admissions
- News & Events
- Alumni
- Resources
- Giving to Tyndale
- Contact Us
Doctor of Ministry FAQ
Q. Why a DMin?
The Doctor of Ministry program will challenge and support you and will move your leadership capacities to a whole new level, equipping you for the challenges of ministry in a changing world. A doctorate is evidence that you have completed a disciplined course of post-masters degree study.
Q. Why a DMin at Tyndale?
Tyndale is one of Canada's leading seminaries. Located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), we have the faculty, location, and program to support you in your studies. Tyndale held focus groups, researched other programs, and put a lot of thought and energy into developing an outstanding, made-in-Canada program, designed to infuse your ministry with new skills and theological perspectives for leadership in a multicultural, pluralistic, and globalized world.
Q. What is a Doctor of Ministry program?
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is the highest professional degree for ministry practitioners who are actively engaged in Christian leadership. It is called a professional degree because it focuses on the practice of ministry, in contrast to an academic doctorate such as a PhD or ThD where the focus is more on theoretical research and preparation for scholarly vocations.
Q. Is it possible to complete a Doctor of Ministry program while working full-time?
Yes, if you are willing and able to work hard for a few years and make room in your schedule for residencies, readings and projects. In the DMin program, your study and research is closely related to your ministry, not separate from it. The program is specifically designed for people who continue to be engaged in full-time ministry.
Q. What do you mean by residencies?
Residencies consist of time spent on Tyndale's campus in lectures, seminars, worship, and research. You will be at Tyndale for a total of 3 weeks each year during which you will be in classes throughout the day and some evenings. Participants are encouraged to live on or near the campus during these periods.
Q. When are the residencies for each cohort?
A cohort keeps the same weeks for each of the three years. Residencies for Cohort I (entry 2009) are the last week in May, 1st week in June and 1st week in January of each year; for Cohort II (entry 2010), they are the 1st two weeks in May and the 2nd week in January; for Cohort III (entry 2011), they are the last two weeks in June and the 4th week in January. Cohort IV (entry 2012) will be the last week in May, 1st week in June and 1st week in January.
Q. How much reading and work is done prior to and following the residencies?
The courses run throughout the year even though you only meet in residency for three weeks. The time it will take you to do reading, reflection, research, and reporting prior to and following the residencies depends on your own work pace but generally you should be able to complete the requirements for the residency if you devote the equivalent of a day a week (8-10 hours per week) to the program.
Q. Do I stay with the same group all through the program?
Yes. This is one of the strengths of the Tyndale's DMin program design. You study with a cohort of people like yourself who are committed to growing as ministry leaders. You will also be a member of a smaller team for reflection and research. The support and encouragement of the group will you motivate you to successfully complete the program. And long after you graduate, you will have a network of valued colleagues.
Q. Do I have to write a thesis?
In the DMin program, the term used to describe the culminating assignment is a project--an applied research project. The project is designed by you in consultation with your project coach, learning group, and ministry team to fit your unique ministry interests and learning goals. Although some prospective DMin students express concern about engaging in a major research project, the Tyndale DMin program is designed to provide you with hands-on research skills, close guidance and ongoing support to enable successful completion of a meaningful project. The January residencies will be specifically devoted to helping you design and implement a project of maximal relevance to your life and ministry.
Q. What financing options are available for the DMin program?
Students are encouraged to seek support from their current ministry since they will remain invested there while being developed as a leader in this program.
Dr. Nell Maxwell Award
One award of $2,000 each year will be awarded to a female student entering into first year of the Doctor of Ministry program at Tyndale Seminary who best demonstrates ability to serve in leadership in ministry in Canada or the world. To apply, please contact the DMin office.
OSAP
The D.Min program has been approved by OSAP. Students can book an appointment with the Financial Aid department at financial_aid@tyndale.ca.
Q. What are the admission requirements?
Generally, you need to have a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent (with a minimum B average), plus three years of ministry experience. Your application package also requires a written statement of your learning and ministry goals, a resume, transcripts from prior degrees, English language requirements, letters of reference, and endorsement from your place of ministry or service. For a complete application package, click here.
Q. If I do not have a Master of Divinity (MDiv), can I still apply?
Yes. If you have a master's degree, then we will compare it to an MDiv to determine equivalency. We can devise a tailor-made program for you to acquire the necessary preparation to meet equivalency standards if your transcript is deficient in any area (e.g., Biblical studies, theology, church history, ministry). You can get complete information regarding the application process and requirements by emailing admissions@tyndale.ca.
Q. When do I apply?
You may apply any time during the year. The admissions committee will review applications completed by April 1, August 1, and November 1. Qualifications and fit and readiness for the program and cohort are taken into account. This is a limited-enrollment program. Early contact and application will allow us to help you if there is any further work to do.
Q. How do I apply?
You may request information and assistance at any time by contacting admissions@tyndale.ca. A paper-based application form is available for download here.
Q. Who are the faculty?
We have a developing team of qualified and committed teachers and coaches; some are full-time faculty at Tyndale and some are adjunct and guest instructors with primary ministries elsewhere. A sampling of the teachers, coaches, and guest teachers include Dr. Elaine Becker (Director of the Degree Completion Program, retired Salvation Army officer), Rev. Dr. Arthur Boers (Professor, R.J.Bernardo Family Chair of Leadership, 2009), Rev. Dr. Paul Bramer (Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership), Dr. Larry Crabb (founder/director of NewWay Ministries), Rev. Dr. Earl Creps, Rev. Dr. Don Goertz (Assistant Professor of Church History, Director of In-Ministry MDiv Program), Rev. Dr. Roy Matheson (Professor Emeritus of New Testament, theologian-in-residence at Chartwell Baptist Church), Dr. Janyne Peek, Dr. Don Posterski (Research Professor of Christianity and Culture), and Rev. Dr. Brian Stiller (President of Tyndale University College & Seminary, 1995-2009, Chancellor, 2009-).
