The Tyndale Seminary has always made known its commitment to train women for ministry. Over the years, that resolve has grown, and it continues to deepen. In keeping with its founding values and in a bid to meet a current need, in the Fall of 2026, Tyndale University will offer a Women and Leadership Doctor of Ministry (DMin) concentration. It will serve women and men hoping to understand women and their leadership in the church beyond the master’s degree level.
Dr. Marilyn Draper, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, emphasizes that this offering comes at a critical time. “We see a need for this concentration both in our current Canadian and North American context, and because Tyndale students are asking for the topic,” she explains. “There is a tremendous need in church and society for women to be free to use their gifts and strengths in Christian leadership. Currently there are patriarchal and hierarchical voices pushing back on women’s right to lead as well as their ability to lead. We want to see women and men equipped to speak biblically, theologically, and historically to defend and support women’s giftings, strengths, and abilities to lead.”
According to Dr. Draper, “the concentration recognizes the current reality that women are key for the continued development of Canadian congregations and global Christian ministries. [It] equips both men and women to support the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional health of female participants, volunteers, and leaders.”
The program will focus on the biblical reasons for the supporting of women and leadership. It will also provide historic examples of women throughout Christian history who have exemplified leadership. “Theologically it provides reasons to show that God created women to be involved in leadership,” says Dr. Draper. “It identifies unique challenges women face in leadership. Students will be introduced to and interact with women who have current and relevant leadership experience as they reflect upon how to lead well within their own contexts.”
The concentration will follow a three-pronged approach. First, students will create solid biblical, theological, and historical foundations for women and leadership. Second, students will interact with different models of leadership to support and equip them for leadership in their specific contexts. Finally, students will become aware of vocational issues unique to women.
Skill refinement includes hermeneutical skills, theological enrichment, and historical awareness. Discussions and topics will include physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive well-being to equip women for life as well as ministry.
Students will notably have an opportunity to complete a portfolio. The first part of the portfolio will reflect the student’s own story; the second part will explain their growing understanding of models of ministry, and their ability to create and define their own model of leadership. The third provides an opportunity to undertake a field ministry research project that looks at an aspect of women and leadership in their context. “For example, they might decide to interview people in their organization to evaluate how best to overcome gender-based barriers,” notes Dr. Draper.
As an ordained minister who has been involved in church planting and ministry development, Dr. Draper will provide leadership for the track. She has taught at Tyndale for eight years, both at the Masters and Doctoral level.
If you are a woman with a heart for ministry or a man seeking to build understanding in the spirit of alliance, Women and Leadership promises to be enriching. The admissions committee is looking for students with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent degree who have at least three years of Christian ministry experience.