Responsive leadership. Moral audacity.
Drew Theological School invites you to join us on a new path toward your Doctor of Ministry degree. Choose a DMin experience that supports your vocational goals and lifestyle, and that responds to the great theological and ethical challenges of our day.
We are currently accepting applications for the following DMin cohorts:
Courageous Leadership (starts summer 2026)—Our newly redesigned, signature approach to the DMin is designed for the engaged and curious leader committed to speaking and leading in congregations and in the public square in relevant and courageous ways.
At Drew, students and faculty are committed to developing responsive leadership in these challenging times. The DMin program brings together religious leaders and Drew faculty to develop courageous, gospel-inspired responses that are rooted in the Bible, theology, and visions of the beloved community.
Our Courageous Leadership DMin will help you lead your congregations in these challenging times.
Courageous Leadership
About the Program
- Mix of on-campus intensives and weekly online classes
- Curriculum: This 30-credit Courageous Leadership DMin consists of 18 credits of coursework and 12 credits of theologically reflective, contextually responsive research. In the first research module after coursework, students write a well-researched essay demonstrating the ability to reflect theologically and biblically. This paper then serves as the scaffolding for the second substantial paper, which integrates the themes of the reflection within a specific chosen contextual issue.
- DMin 2026 Summer Intensive Dates: July 20-24 and July 27-31
- Faculty Teaching Team for 2026 Cohort:
- Francisco Pelaez-Diaz, Assistant Teaching Professor in Latinx Studies and Ministries
- Gladson Jathanna, Associate Professor of the History of Christianities
- Melanie Johnson-DeBaufre, Henry Anson Buttz Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
Program Roadmap
How do students progress through their DMin?
Year 1 – Coursework
- Summer 1
- Students will take the following on-campus intensives in Madison, NJ
- DMIN 701 (Context and Change: Introduction to the Doctor of Ministry)
- DMIN 702 – Spiritual Practices to Sustain Courageous Leadership
- Students will take the following on-campus intensives in Madison, NJ
- Fall 1
- Students will complete their summer coursework (with no additional coursework)
- Spring 1
- Dismantling Racism and Advancing Racial Justice – Engage histories of racism in church and society, develop anti-racist practices for congregations and communities, and explore theologies of liberation.
- Interfaith and Ecumenical Solidarity – Explore theological and practical frameworks for building bridges across religious and denominational lines for justice and peace.
- Summer 2
- Ecological Theology and Environmental Justice – Study climate crisis, ecological sustainability, and eco-theology; develop ministry practices that integrate creation care and justice.
- Sexual and Gender Justice in Ministry – Examine queer, feminist, and trans theological perspectives; address pastoral and prophetic practices to build inclusive, affirming communities.
Year 2 and 3 – Research Modules
- Fall 2
- Students will engage in a weekly synchronous online session for Research Module I in the Fall, along with individual work with a mentor.
- Goal: Develop an approved project proposal.
- Spring 2
- Students will continue and complete Research Module I through individually paced work with a mentor.
- Goal: Write initial 25-page paper
- Fall 3
- Students take Research Module II and will continue individually paced work with a mentor.
- Goal: Approve professional project in context (IRB approval if needed)
- Spring 3
- Students will continue and complete Research Module II through individually paced work with a mentor.
- Goal: Complete the DMIN project and write and present an additional 50-page paper.
Graduation in May of Year 3.
Bible, Theology and Leadership in the Korean Context
A reflective and innovative concentration for Korean-speaking students that focuses on inward and outward examinations of effective practices of ministry in Korean contexts. In the core curriculum, students will learn a pedagogical methodology that places scriptural literacy at the center of Christian formation and congregational practice in order to bring spiritual renewal to the Korean church in both the Korean-American and Korean contexts. Rev. Younglae Kim, PhD, ([email protected]) serves as the faculty convenor.
About the Specialization
The message of Christ is deeply rooted in the heart of the ministry of South Korea. The lead faculty for this concentration partner together to deepen the study of meaning and ministry in South Korea.
- Working with leading semioticians and educators, students deeply examine the power of the biblical narrative. What stories do we tell? In what ways does the biblical narrative shape, transform, and direct ministry?
- Meet in Madison, New Jersey, Seoul, South Korea, and online to explore and cultivate a deeper understanding of ministry in the South Korean context, particularly its interconnectedness with outside ministry contexts, as well as its expanding global influence.
- Develop innovative ministry insights based upon a reflective analysis of South Korean religious culture, history, and trends.
PARTICIPANTS STUDY WITH
- Dr. Younglae Kim, scholar of the Bible Education through Stories, Professor of Methodist Theological University
About the Curriculum
Latest News
Terry Cashion T’27 on Drew’s Doctor of Ministry Program
“I have already benefited from the program in my vocation and will continue to see the fruit of this experience as I meet my vocational goals”
Drew Theological School Launches Redesigned Courageous Leadership Doctor of Ministry Cohort
Commencing summer 2026
Drew Theological School Alum Ryan M. Roberts T’11 Publishes Debut Book
“I’m thankful to be a Drew graduate and carry that formation with me into my writing and ministry”