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Doctor ofMinistry

 

Why Pursue a Doctor of Ministry at ORU?

Our ATS-accredited Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program is designed for vocational ministers, evangelists, chaplains, and counselors seeking to deepen their expertise and leadership within a specific area of ministry. Through a Spirit-empowered approach, the program integrates biblical, theological, practical, and cultural perspectives to strengthen your ministry impact. With a strong emphasis on applied research and advanced ministry competencies, the D.Min. culminates in a Ministry Research Project, allowing you to address real-world challenges and contribute meaningful solutions to the body of Christ.

Start your journey in a ministry doctorate at ORU today!

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Flexible Study Options

ON CAMPUS

Experience hands-on learning, face-to-face interaction, and vibrant community life at our main campus.

ORU FLEX

Join live, scheduled classes online with real-time interaction and a structured learning environment.

ONLINE

Access coursework anytime, anywhere—perfect for self-paced learning and flexible schedules.

Portrait Image of Student Lydia McNally
What I’ve learned is that leadership is not always the most glamorous or appreciated thing. It really is about being a servant.

Lydia McNally

Oklahoma

 

Concentrations

Church Ministries and Leadership

This concentration is designed for pastors and ministry leaders, equipping you with advanced leadership skills, ministry practices, and theological reflection to lead effectively.

Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy

This concentration is tailored for counselors and chaplains, providing you with specialized training in pastoral care, chaplaincy, and moral injury to deepen your impact in the lives of those you serve.

Global Evangelism

This concentration is designed for evangelists and missionaries, equipping you with theological insight, historical perspective, and practical strategies that shape and strengthen evangelistic ministry in diverse, global contexts.

This concentration is designed for pastors and ministry leaders, equipping you with advanced leadership skills, ministry practices, and theological reflection to lead effectively.

This concentration is tailored for counselors and chaplains, providing you with specialized training in pastoral care, chaplaincy, and moral injury to deepen your impact in the lives of those you serve.

This concentration is designed for evangelists and missionaries, equipping you with theological insight, historical perspective, and practical strategies that shape and strengthen evangelistic ministry in diverse, global contexts.

Courses Offered

As an ORU Doctor of Ministry student, you’ll gain knowledge in subjects such as:

  • Ministerial Identity & Personal Assessment
  • Literature & Methods in Ministry Research
  • Biblical & Theological Reflection in Ministry
  • Theology of the Holy Spirit & Healing
  • Communicating the Gospel
  • Ministry Research Project (Capstone)
  • Theology of Moral Injury
  • Assessing & Healing Moral Injury
  • Missional Leadership Strategies for Today’s Church
  • Global Methods & Movements
  • The History of Evangelism

 

Degree Path

Tuition and Scholarships

There are several scholarships available to doctoral students at ORU. Visit our graduate scholarships page to learn more.

Explore Tuition & Aid

Careers

Doctor of Ministry Careers Example Image

As a graduate of ORU's Doctor of Ministry program, you’ll prepare for careers such as:

  • Senior or Lead Pastor
  • Executive Pastor
  • Chaplain (military, hospital, or corporate)
  • Pastoral Counselor
  • Missionary
  • Ministry Consultant
  • Denominational Leader or Bishop
  • Church Planter or Missional Leader
  • Nonprofit Organization Director
  • Evangelist

 

 

Program Features

This program is designed to foster continued growth in professional development, spiritual maturity, and ministerial identity. Students will gain advanced understanding and integration of biblical, theological, and ministerial disciplines, while enhancing practical skills and leadership competencies. Emphasis is placed on the interactive relationship between ministry theory and practice, culminating in the research, design, and completion of a doctoral-level ministry research project tailored to each student’s unique context.

  • Applicants to the Doctor of Ministry program must hold an accredited master’s degree in an area related to their ministry setting or vocational call.
  • Candidates must also provide verification of active involvement in a vocational ministry, counseling, or chaplaincy context throughout the duration of the program.
  • International applicants must demonstrate a verified ministry context within the U.S. during their studies.
  • Additionally, applicants should show evidence of the ability to engage in advanced academic work through scriptural interpretation, contextual application, personal reflection, and a clear sense of ministry calling.

Applicants must submit a Statement of Reasons for applying to the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program at ORU, an autobiographical statement, and an essay detailing prior and current ministry experience. A current vocational ministry context is required; international applicants relocating to the U.S. must include a vocational ministry plan. In addition, applicants must submit an academic writing sample from their master’s degree and a financial plan outlining how they intend to fund their studies.

Application Checklist

The Doctor of Ministry is accredited through Oral Roberts University’s Graduate School of Theology and Ministry, which is fully accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). Additionally, Oral Roberts University holds memberships with the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

MEET YOUR FACULTY

ORU’s Doctor of Ministry faculty are experienced pastors, scholars, chaplains, missionaries, evangelists, and ministry leaders who bring decades of real-world leadership and academic insight into the classroom. Passionate about Spirit-empowered ministry, they are dedicated to helping you grow in both personal calling and professional competence.

Get to know your faculty

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