Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

DMIN - PHASES I & II
return to their ministry settings prepared to engage in an in-ministry project related
to the course which has just been completed. Each project is evaluated by the faculty
supervisor and one peer upon return to campus, ordinarily during the next DMin
term. The Doctoral Project, the program’s fi nal phase, requires a minimum of one
year, and no more than 18 months, to complete and is evaluated by two faculty
supervisors. This rhythm of study and refl ection through courses taken in residence
at Austin Seminary, combined with projects carried out in the student’s ministry
setting, provides a warm community of peers as well as a balance of theory and
practice that deepen skills and knowledge of ministry.
PHASE I: THE CORE COURSES
Upon matriculation, all students enroll in core courses, each of which require a twoweek
residency. These courses ordinarily are taught by resident faculty and combine
study of particular areas of theological scholarship, refl ection on ministerial work, and
practice in the skills of theological refl ection on ministry. Students receive reading
and other assignments which are to be completed prior to each core course. In each
course attention is given to an analysis of the ministry situations in which students
fi nd themselves and to the development of a theology of ministry appropriate to
each student’s setting and denomination.
At the end of each core course, students are required to write a substantive essay
which demonstrates formal argumentation and evidence of research and theological
refl ection on the practice of ministry. The essay is due six weeks after the end of
class.
Requirements for both core courses must be completed satisfactorily before
a student can enroll in Phase II. Students who satisfactorily complete both core
courses receive a Certifi cate of Pastoral Studies and are eligible for advancement to
candidacy. Each core course is valued at 12 credits.
CCA.702 CORE COURSE A: THE BIBLE AND THE PRACTICE OF MINISTRY
This course is based on the conviction that the Bible is the central resource for Christian faith
and that critical refl ection on it is indispensable for the practice of ministry. Therefore, in
this course students read and interpret biblical texts in light of ministry. In addition, students
explore a variety of models of biblical interpretation, examine classical and contemporary
models of the nature and authority of Scripture, study selected recent developments in
biblical scholarship, and refl ect in depth on the function of Scripture in the church and
ministry today.
CCB.706 CORE COURSE B: THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION AND THE PRACTICE OF
MINISTRY
This course addresses the role of theological analysis and refl ection in the life of the church.
It assumes that those engaged in ministry must refl ect on contemporary life and the work
of ministry in light of the biblical and theological resources of the Christian tradition.
Participants study classical sources and current trends in theology; refl ect theologically on
particular situations in ministry; and explore ways in which church leaders assist others to
refl ect theologically.
PHASE II: THE DOCTORAL SEMINAR
Advancement to candidacy is required prior to enrollment in Phase II (see
Advancement to Candidacy, page 87).
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