Program Overview
Payne Theological Seminary is honored to partner with Bakke Graduate University in Seattle to offer the Doctor of Ministry degree. This degree offers the only doctoral curriculum in the United States to combine an African American perspective and a global Christian context, with special emphasis on ministry in urban centers.
The Doctor of Ministry is the terminal professional degree in theological and ministerial education. The three-year program is designed for persons in full-time ministry who have completed their Master of Divinity degree and wish to further their education.
The program features modular teaching, with one year of modules (called “Overtures” by Bakke Graduate University) in global Christianity and ministry in the African American context. The modules, lasting approximately two weeks, are offered semi-annually and require assignments to be completed in between. At least one module is taught in Africa. In addition to completing the two modules, candidates take four week-long intensive courses. These courses will be offered in a variety of settings, including the campus of Payne, New York City, and online.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Because the degree is a professional ministry degree, it cannot be done in a vacuum, but rather is always practiced in community. The Payne/BGU program involves the learning context of each candidate in his/her educational process as follows:
- Candidates recruit a site learning team to read and discuss all written assignments.
- The dissertation/ministry project includes implementation and evaluation of an aspect of the candidate’s ministry.
- Payne brings its tradition of African American ministry and witness to the program. Bakke Graduate University brings its strength of Global Urban Ministry to the program.
- Candidates are a part of an ongoing design team to strengthen the vision