D.Min. Degree Concentrations
Choose from Four D.Min. Program Concentrations
The Doctor of Ministry program offers four exciting concentrations to choose from, tailored to different ministry settings. At Wheaton, you can join a community of like-minded peers and gain practical skills and research knowledge that you can immediately apply in your place of ministry.
Ministry Leadership
Built for ministry leaders in a variety of contexts. This concentration is beneficial for pastors, faith-based nonprofit leaders, cross cultural workers, and other ministry leaders. Coursework focuses on leadership best-practices and contemporary issues in ministry. Student can join this cohort during the fall or spring semesters.
More on the Ministry Leadership Concentration
Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders
Designed for discipleship pastors, spiritual directors, youth pastors, and any pastors or leaders who are shepherding individuals on their spiritual journeys. The concentration will explore the history, theology, and practices of spiritual formation for individuals and communities. This concentration also includes an off-campus spiritual retreat. This cohort started in Fall 2025. Spring 2026 if the final opportunity to join this cohort. Applications are due by Nov. 15, 2025.
More on the Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders Concentration
Leading the Church on Mission - Starting Fall 2026
The Leading the Church on Mission concentration led by Dr. Rick Richardson will focus on leadership, church revitalization, and the changing mission of the local church. This cohort will explore how to develop new forms of the church on mission, reach and recapture the young adult generation, preach powerfully for evangelism, compassion and justice, innovate for diverse contexts and cultures, and utilize technology to advance the mission of the church. This cohort will start Fall semester 2026.
More on the Leading the Church on Mission Concentration
Innovation, Diversity, and Sustainability - Starting Spring 2027
The Innovation, Diversity, and Sustainability concentration led by Dr. Mark DeYmaz equips ministry leaders to navigate the seismic shifts shaping the future of the American Church. With a focus on building multiethnic congregations, creating innovative and sustainable economic models (Church Economics), and increasing Cultural Intelligence (CQ), students will explore practical frameworks and cutting edge strategies to lead faithfully and effectively in dynamic ministry contexts. This cohort will start Spring semester 2027.
More on the Innovation, Diversity, and Sustainability Concentration
Quote from Current Student
The D.Min. program has enhanced my ministry through mentorship by incredible professors and top-notch ministry professionals. The content we’ve engaged in has broadened my perspectives and knowledge base. God has already used what I’ve learned to launch new ministry opportunities in my local church and I am grateful to be teamed up with a beautifully diverse cohort of brothers and sisters co-laboring for Christ around the nation.
- Svea Merry, Spiritual Formation Pastor, Autumn Ridge Church
Previous Concentrations:
- Communicating Christ in Skeptical Times led by the Rev. Dr. Professor John Dickson