TORONTO, May 27, 2009 | Tyndale’s new Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program officially began on Monday May 25, 2009 with a full inaugural cohort of 25 students. This diverse group represents 18 denominations and 12 countries of origin and reflects the cultural and religious landscape served by Tyndale. The DMin program, through its focus on Christian leadership, will prepare these individuals to serve effectively in congregations, Christian organizations and marketplace contexts.
According to Paul Bramer, Inaugural Director for the Doctor of Ministry, this program will be hugely beneficial to leaders serving within the current ministry climate.
“The vibrancy of the church in Canada and the world depends on leaders and pastors who are growing and mature,” he noted in an interview. “This professional doctorate is designed to facilitate that growth and further equip Christian leaders to guide their organizations and congregations into new levels of mission and maturity.”
The growth of which Bramer speaks will be facilitated by individuals highly trained and experienced in the realm of leadership. Teachers in the first unit include Earl Creps, author of Off-Road Disciplines: Spiritual Adventures of Missional Leaders and leadership assessment expert, Janyne Peeks. Candidates will also benefit from special guest teachers, Brian Stiller, Chancellor and immediate former President of Tyndale; and Roy Matheson, Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Tyndale Seminary and Theologian in Residence at Chartwell Baptist Church.
Teaching sessions will take place on campus twice a year for a total of three weeks each year for the three years. Candidates will spend the balance of program time engaged in research and project development, supported by coaches, librarians, and a customized web site. The entire process will provide candidates with an academic and professional milieu necessary for understanding the current landscape of their ministry contexts, for proposing and implementing new models for effective engagement with the Gospel, and for growing spiritually and becoming more effective leaders.
Janet Clark, Academic Dean of the Seminary, encouraged program participants to
embrace the experience of the program and all that comes with it.
“In these next three years you are going to learn a lot,” she said during the program dedication service on Tuesday May 26. “Our prayer for you is that this will be a rich learning experience as you grow and develop in your ministry.”
Tyndale is now accepting applications for the 2010 and 2011 cohorts. If you have an MDiv or equivalent and have at least three years of ministry experience, you may qualify for this program. For more information visit
http://www.tyndale.ca/seminary/dmin/.
[Source: Tyndale Seminary]
