Course variations

Course summary

The Doctor of Ministry degree with a specialization in Christian spirituality is designed for ministers who are committed to enhancing their work with a demanding program of academic study and practices to nurture the spiritual life. The D.Min. degree with a specialization in Christian Spirituality at McAfee emphasizes collegial learning with professors and peers. It expects intense study in subjects related to spirituality designed and taught specifically for Doctor of Ministry students. The program includes participation in spiritual practices including one 5-day retreat, spirituality intensive, 24-hour individual retreats each quarter, and individual spiritual guidance at least monthly. Each student will complete a ministry project thesis with a focus on nurturing the spirituality of persons within the context of ministry. Students will receive supervision in facilitating spiritual growth in a project, chosen from one of the following areas: spiritual direction with individuals or groups, spiritual formation in a congregational or institutional setting, coaching others for spiritual growth, or spiritual care within the context of one’s ministry. Students may choose another area with permission from the Spirituality Faculty.

Entry requirement for international students

Students must hold the Master of Divinity degree (or its academic equivalent) from a theological seminary or divinity school fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (or recognized as such, if not a North American institution).They must be engaged in full-time active ministry, parochial or otherwise, in which the applicant can complete meaningful research integrating biblical, theological, historical, and spirituality insights into the practice of specific ministry. They must have served in full-time ministry for at least three years following receipt of the basic M.Div. degree. A grade point average of 3.25 from all Master of Divinity work or its equivalent is normally expected. They must complete the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam. A score on the MAT in or above the fiftieth (50th) percentile is normally expected. If English is a second language, a score of at least 215 (new scale) on the TOEFL is required.

Qualification

Doctoral

Awarding body

Mercer University

Department name

James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology (Atlanta Campus)