Doctor of Ministry Overview

San Francisco Theological Seminary’s beautiful, historic San Anselmo campus is an ideal environment to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree. Because Christian ministry calls for constant self-giving in preaching, teaching, organizing and administration, personal refreshment and growth, and spiritual renewal are essential to pastoral leadership. The SFTS Doctor of Ministry program does more than update professional skills and encourage individual growth; it also seeks to tap into the very wellspring of creative ministry.

Carefully designed to complement day-to-day work, the SFTS Doctor of Ministry program enables candidates to engage in high-level academic professional development without giving up current ministries. Peer groups, summer or winter terms depending on area of concentration, independent study, and action/reflection inquiry allow focused academic work amid ongoing responsibilities. The Doctor of Ministry program is administered by the Office of Advanced Pastoral Studies.

It is amazing to see how God has used SFTS Doctor of Ministry graduates in ministries throughout the world. Rev. Dr. Sirirat Pusurinkam (D.Min. ’97) is leading the fight against childhood prostitution in Thailand and is director of an orphanage for youth whose parents have died of AIDS. Rev. Dr. Naim Ateek (D.Min ’85), an Anglican priest often referred to as "the Desmond Tutu of Palestine," founded and directs the Sabeel Theology Center, an organization working to bring peace to Israel/Palestine. Closer to our San Anselmo campus, Rev. Dr. G. Henry Wells (D.Min. ’84 year) served as team chaplain of the NBA Sacramento Kings, was longtime pastor at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church and promotes spiritual renewal throughout the Sacramento Valley region. Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr., (D.Min. ’99) is senior pastor at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland and is chair of the Progressive National Baptist Convention Economic Development Committee. He is an activist for social, economic and political justice.

History
The SFTS Doctor of Ministry program was established in 1970, but the Seminary’s commitment to continuing education dates from 1928, when 16 active pastors, mostly SFTS alumni, gathered weekly for graduate studies. Beginning in 1961, SFTS established doctoral level programs for pastors to produce scholar/pastors for the church. In the mid 1970s, SFTS was one of first theological schools to offer the Doctor of Ministry degree. The hallmark of the program throughout its history has been the ecumenical and international character of the student body and faculty.

Emphases of Study
As a world leader in Christian graduate-level education, SFTS is proud to offer several concentrations in our Doctor of Ministry program. The majority of students enroll in the multidisciplinary concentration. More specialized areas of concentration include Pastoral Care and Counseling and the Pastor as a Spiritual Leader.