An introduction to exegetical and hermeneutical methodologies for using Scripture in theologically addressing ethical questions currently faced in the practice of ministry.

An examination of classical and contemporary sources related to assessing various ways by which personal, social, and religious concepts encounter biblical, doctrinal and secular paradigms in the formation of theology. Particular attention to the contextual features of pastoral theology. Focused on students’ previous and anticipated ministerial experience.

An evaluation of students’ depth of theological insight in relation to ministry in order to ascertain whether they have attained that level of knowledge, theoretical clarity, and competence in methods and techniques within their particular context, commensurate with the highest earned degree for the profession and practice of ministry. (This is usually the student’s last course.)

A further study of theological reflection models and an introduction to basic qualitative research methods pertinent to ministry. These models and methods are integrated to assist the student in identifying theological and social issues inherent to the pastoral challenges of ministry, in turn assisting in the development of appropriate pastoral initiatives.

Following the completion of the six academic courses, the student has a one year period in which to submit the proposal for the doctoral project. During this one-year period, the student registers each semester for PSC 7002. If a student requires more than two semesters to finish the proposal, she or he will register for PSC 7004 Continuation Status: Proposal Writing until the proposal is accepted.

Doctoral Project I and II constitute the final qualifying requirement for the Doctor of Ministry degree and comprise two interrelated components: the pastoral project and the professional paper. Often, a student’s work in the two areas occurs concurrently. Descriptions of these components are provided in the Doctor of Ministry Handbook.

In the first semester following the approval of the student’s Doctor of Ministry proposal, the student will register for PSC 9601, Doctoral Project I. In the second semester, the student will register for Doctoral Project II. Following this first year, all students who have not completed their Doctoral Project will register for PSC 7003, Continuation Status: Doctoral Project Research/ Writing Status. They will do so in each subsequent semester until the project is completed.

Prior to the completion and approval of the Doctoral Project, a student’s academic transcript must show enrollment in both Doctoral Project I and II.

As the final qualifying component for the Doctor of Ministry degree, the style and form of the project must conform to the guidelines specified in the Doctor of Ministry Handbook. The Doctoral Project may be submitted in a language other than English with the written consent of the program directors. Upon completion, a copy of the project will be made available in the school’s library. For additional information, please consult the Doctor of Ministry Handbook.

An advanced study of individual and corporate faith development utilizing psychological, theological, and spiritual tools. Attention is given to cultural and generational issues, as well as the use of technology as a resource for faith development. Historical and contemporary movements are addressed. The study and application of particular schools of thought to particular ministerial issues is integral to the course.

Examination of cultural issues as they impact the minister and the community in the process of professional level spiritual formation. Attention is given to the influence of race, ethnicity, generation, and gender. International, national and regional determinants of culture are considered, as well the effects of pluralism and cultural transition on multi=cultural and cross-cultural awareness. Secularity and other cultural elements that both challenge and inform spirituality are examined.

In this course the participants deepen their investigation of their chosen pastoral topics within the context of the major contemporary realities in Hispanic/Latino ministry in the United States. The changing demographics. The increasing diversity of Hispanic/Latino national origins, religious affiliations, cultural identities, generations, and social classes. Historical backgrounds, immigration issues, and intra and extra-group relations. Spirituality, worship, and religious movements. Community building, leadership development, and social action.

An investigation of the contemporary trends in and important roots of Hispanic/Latino/a Catholic spiritualites in the United States. Data on contemporary attitudes and traditional roots and patterns are surveyed, and the impact of modern society and evangelical Protestantism analyzed. Contemporary ecclesial movements (e.d. Cursillos, ACTS, Marriage Encounter), official Church directives, and lay spiritualities will be examined for their contributions to Latino/Latina spirituality.

D. Min. students must be registered each session for a course, Doctoral Project I or Doctoral Project II to maintain current status in the DMin program. If not registered for the above, the student then registers for one of the following continuance classifications.

A student enrolls in this status if the one-year period for submission of a doctoral proposal has expired and the student requires more time for the completion of a doctoral proposal. The student continues to register for this status until the Doctoral Proposal is accepted.

A student requiring more than two academic semesters to complete the requirements for either PSC 9601Doctoral Project I or PSC 9602 Doctoral Project II registers for this status in the subsequent semesters after one’s enrollment in the aforementioned courses until the Doctoral Project is completed.

A student enrolls in this status if there is any interruption in his/her academic work; an interruption requiring postponement of a student’s registration for a period of one semester or more. A student must notify the DMin Program Director for this status in writing, with sufficient detail, at least one month before the student’s next scheduled course and/or registration. Since registration in this status indicates an interruption in the student’s work, OST faculty will generally not work with a student during this period.