Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is the professional degree designed to help bring your leadership to the next level in the Church and in Christian organizations. In this 3-year, in-ministry program, you will learn how to effectively combine academic research with applied ministry strategies in a cohort​-based community of learning. Explore solutions for your ministry needs and the needs of the missional church in Canada and around the world. You will experience personal, professional, and spiritual growth leading to greater effectiveness for ministry leadership in the 21st century church.

Research Projects our students are completing:
  • A strategy to move a congregation in a missional direction
  • Leadership development for clergy and Christian marketplace leaders
  • Implementing a service learning model
  • Ministering to college and university students
  • Developing a holistic caring ministry
  • Moving from the mono-ethnic to the multi-ethnic church
  • Support system for second generation congregants
  • Curriculum creation
     

Leadership Development

The DMin program is designed to develop the leader as a person in areas such as emotional intelligence, spiritual maturity, and leadership styles. We also explore subject areas that positively contribute to leadership competencies. Proven leaders and educators will explore topics of relevance to your ministry such as spiritual formation, church leadership principles, dynamics of change, resolving conflict, and conducting research.

Action Research

At Tyndale, your project-thesis is integrated with your ministry and course work. In action research you observe your context, collaborate with others to identify opportunities and problems in church ministry, implement a plan, and reflect on the process. Expert teachers and qualified advisors will help guide this process.

Cohort-Based

Tyndale’s DMin program emphasizes cooperative and collaborative learning. You will journey through the program in a cohort, go deeper in smaller learning-work groups, and build peer-to-peer relationships that can last a lifetime.
 

More about dmin program

Program Requirements

Year 1

  • [DMIN 0908] Formation of the Leader I*
  • [DMIN 0910] Context & Change I*
  • [DMIN 0901] Applied Research Project I
  • [DMIN 0905] Project Design Seminar**
     

Year 2

  • [DMIN 0911] Context and Change II*
  • [DMIN 0912] Implementation and Evaluation*
  • [DMIN 0902] Applied Research Project II
  • [DMIN 0906] Project Implementation Seminar**
     

Year 3

  • [DMIN 0913] Implementation and Evaluation II*
  • [DMIN 0909] Formation of the Leader II*
  • [DMIN 0903] Applied Research Project III
  • [DMIN 0907] Project Reporting Seminar**

* Includes summer residency.
** Includes winter residency.

 

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma** MTS
Master of Theological Studies**		 MDiv
Master of Divinity***		 ThM
Master of Theology		 DMin
Doctor of Ministry		  
A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research Description
9 18 27 6 courses + thesis 6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required
1 year 2 years 3 years 1 year 3 years Duration*
Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in full-time ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership Pursue if...
Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.
» Program Coordinator

Dr. Paul D. G. Bramer

Director of DMin
Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership

pbramer@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2272

BA, University of Toronto, 1979
BEd, University of Toronto, 1980
MEd, Brock University, 1985
PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1994

Areas of Specialization: Christian Education, Curriculum Development, Leadership and Administration, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation.

Dr. Bramer has been involved in a variety of ministries and has taught at all levels of education from elementary and high school through undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. After his graduate degree in educational administration, he did theological studies at Regent College, Institute for Christian Studies, and Tyndale culminating in his doctoral work in Christian education and psychospirituality, and his training in spiritual direction at Shalem Institute (Washington). He was a professor at Ontario Bible College for three years in the early 1990’s and at North Park Theological Seminary (Chicago) for thirteen years where he was instrumental in developing on-line courses, a Center for Youth Ministry Studies, and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction besides his teaching in the classroom and administering a graduate degree program. He has had a life-long commitment to the development of Christian leaders. Dr. Bramer has served on the board of the North American Professors of Christian Education, the editorial advisory board for Christian Education Journal, and site visit committees for the Association of Theological Schools.

He has published articles in the Christian Education Journal, Covenant Quarterly, and Covenant Companion. Ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Rev. Bramer has participated in various denominational committees and task forces. His church-based ministries have included small group leadership, Christian education, youth ministry, and spiritual direction.

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» Program Faculty

Dr. Arthur Boers

Associate Professor
R.J. Bernardo Family Chair of Leadership

aboers@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2157

BA, University of Western Ontario, 1979;
MA, Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 1983;
MDiv, McCormick Theological Seminary, 1988;
ThM,Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, 1998;
DMin, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2001.

Areas of specialization: leadership, focal living, pastoral ministry, pastoral care and counseling, spiritual disciplines, conflict, pilgrimage.

Dr. Boers has taught for Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Conrad Grebel University College, Andover Newton Theological School, and the Canterbury College D. Min. program. Prior to teaching, he was a pastor in rural, urban church-planting and inner-city settings in the US and Canada. He is the author of a number of books: Living into Focus: Choosing What Matters in an Age of Distraction; Day by Day These Things We Pray: Uncovering Ancient Rhythms of Prayer; The Way is Made by Walking: A Pilgrimage Along the Camino de Santiago (translated into Korean in 2008), The Rhythm of God’s Grace: Uncovering Morning and Evening Hours of Prayer; Never Call Them Jerks: Healthy Responses to Difficult Behavior; Lord, Teach Us to Pray: A New Look at the Lord’s Prayer; Justice that Heals: A Biblical Vision for Victims and Offenders; On Earth as in Heaven: Justice Rooted in Spirituality. He was the coordinating editor of the two-volume set, Take Our Moments and Our Days: An Anabaptist Prayer Book. He has published hundreds of articles and reviews in dozens of periodicals and speaks and teaches regularly at churches, conferences, denominational events, and retreats in Canada and the U.S. His writing earned awards from HarperSanFrancisco’s Best Sermons Competition, Academy of Parish Clergy Top Ten Books for Parish Ministry, Associated Church Press, and Evangelical Press Association. He also received a Christian Faith and Life Grant and a Study Grant for Pastoral Leaders, both from the Louisville Institute. He is a Benedictine Oblate.

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Dr. Gary V. Nelson

President and Vice Chancellor

gnelson@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 6700

BEd, University of British Columbia, 1976
MDiv, Fuller Theological Seminary, 1980
DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary, 1987

Areas of Specialization: Missional Church, Leadership, Urban Missiology, Church Renewal and Revitalization.

Dr. Gary V. Nelson joined Tyndale on July 1, 2010 as President and Vice Chancellor after serving for ten years as General Secretary of CBM, the national and global work of Canadian Baptists. During those years, CBM experienced a striking capacity growth, expanding the organization’s global impact in the areas of leadership development, theological education, sustainable community development and the development of key educational resources for congregations across Canada.

Previous to his tenure with CBM, he served in a number of congregations both in staff and senior roles. As Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Edmonton in the 1990s, Dr. Nelson was involved in a revitalizing and renewing of this historic downtown congregation into a creative and dynamic contemporary congregation.

Dr. Nelson received the Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia and graduated with master and doctoral degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary. As an educator, he has been actively engaged in creative approaches to theological and ministerial training. He was the founding director of the urban leadership training initiative BUILD (Baptist Urban Involvement in Leadership Development) in Toronto that shaped pastors and international workers to work in urban settings.

He has lectured and taught courses at universities and seminaries across Canada and the United States. Over the years, he has lectured internationally in India, Bolivia, Czech Republic, Germany, Scotland, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda on topics and themes that focus on missional living as the church, contemporary ministry, urban missiology, as well as leadership and governance for Christian organizations.

A recognized urban missiologist, he has authored and presented numerous papers that focus on theological and missiological ecclesiology. His writings include a co-authored book entitled Future Faith Churches: Reconnecting with the Power of the Gospel for the 21st Century (Wood Lake Books, 1997), Borderland Churches: A Congregation’s Introduction to Missional Living (Chalice Press, 2008), and his most recent book entitled Going Global: A Congregation’s Introduction to Mission beyond our Borders (Chalice Press, April 2011).

He finds passion around creating ways in which organizations can optimize their abilities and capacities, and in helping churches impact local communities and global worlds in which they are a part. He is committed to the enriching of the mind, heart, and character of students and to leading Tyndale's faculty and staff as they envision the future in which graduates become "culture makers" and people of faith in the places they work and live.

A self-described western Canadian who loves the big sky and prairie life, Dr. Nelson has served in church leadership roles in California, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta.

He is married to Carla, a former public school teacher now serving as the Director of Tyndale’s new Bachelor of Education program and Associate Professor of Education at Tyndale University College. They have one daughter, Stacy, who lives in Edmonton with her husband and their four children.

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Dr. Mark Chapman

Assistant Professor of Research Methods

mchapman@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2208

BRS, Tyndale University College & Seminary, 1989
BA, University of Waterloo, 1991
MA, Wilfrid Laurier University, 1994
PhD, University of Toronto, 2004

Areas of Specialization: Research Methods, Religion in North America, Sociology of Religion, and Canadian Evangelicalism

Dr. Chapman is Assistant Professor of Research Methods and Assistant Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. He has wide experience in social science research and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  His current research examines networks among Canadians who are starting new churches, the relationship between evangelical churches and visual art and artists and interaction between churches. Dr. Chapman serves as a research consultant for the Tyndale Intercultural Ministry Centre.

Dr. Chapman has worked as Director of Extension Education and Assistant Professor of Christianity & Culture at Ambrose University College and as a sessional lecturer at Wilfrid Laurier University, McMaster University and the University of Toronto. Other related experience includes involvement in the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion (membership secretary 2003-2009), membership in the Religious Research Association, membership in the Association of Doctor of Ministry Educators and serving as a consultant for the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada (2009-2011).

Dr. Chapman plays an active role as a lay leader at Hazelglen Alliance Church in Kitchener-Waterloo where he has attended since 1990.

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Qualifications:
  • MDiv degree from an ATS accredited institution or equivalent
  • B average (3.0 GPA) in previous degree
  • 3 years of ministry experience after completion of MDiv
  • Currently in ministry
  • English language proficiency
  • Supportive references and endorsement from place of ministry
  • Application package completed by April 1, August 1, or November 1 for consideration.

Download the application below and forward your completed application form and application portfolio to:

Admissions Office
Tyndale Seminary
25 Ballyconnor Court, Toronto, Ontario,
M2M 4B3 Canada

>DMin Application Package

If you have any questions please email Ryan Klassen who will be able to assist you.

>Note: There may be exceptions or upgrade pathways to the previous qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Department admissions@tyndale.ca or DMin director, Paul Bramer pbramer@tyndale.ca.

The admissions committee considers qualifications and readiness and fit for the program and cohort.

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Diplomas

Special Programs