Doctor of Ministry:
Seeking Sabbath in a Frantic World

Transformative Practices for Ourselves and Our Ministries.

What is a Doctor of Ministry?

The Doctor of Ministry program is designed to help participants develop their ministerial skills and understanding to the fullest extent in congregational, parachurch, or missionary service.

It is not a research nor an academic degree intended for those seeking a career in academic teaching; instead, it integrates active ministry, academic work, and disciplined reflection under the guidance of a mentor and in company with ministerial colleagues.

Three-year cohorts are designed around important themes, and new cohorts are introduced each year.

Once committed to a specific theme, the cohort of students journeys with their mentors, engaging in a curriculum designed for that particular area of ministry.

Working collaboratively with other students and faculty, you will have the flexibility to shape your learning around your particular ministry context.

Humans have created such a loud, fast tempo of perfection and production that we often forget—if we ever knew it at all—the rhythms designed for our well-being.

- April Fiet

From The Sacred Pulse

About this cohort

This cohort is designed specifically for women in pastoral ministry. It will provide a framework for exploring what it means to receive the gift of Sabbath—as individuals and in our community/ministry contexts.

Sabbath is the gift designed by God to give us rest and renewal amid a frantic world. God knows we need it! Yet Christians have largely lost touch with this important part of our spiritual heritage. Even those who say we “keep Sabbath” are often unaware of its potential for re-forming our walk with God, others, and all creation.

In this cohort, we’ll explore what it means to celebrate Sabbath. Through study, practice, writing, and celebration, we will “seek Sabbath” together.

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Why a women's cohort?

Women face unique pressures and challenges in ministry settings. We're offering this cohort as a space for women to find rest and renewal as they support one another in seeking to deepen their understanding of Sabbath.

Rev. Dr. Carol M. Bechtel

Before joining Western’s faculty in 1994, Dr. Carol Bechtel taught at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia.

She has also served as a teaching fellow at Yale Divinity School and as interim pastor of Turn of River Presbyterian Church in Stamford, Connecticut.

Dr. Bechtel preaches and teaches widely and is a General Synod Professor of Theology in the Reformed Church in America. She served as President of the RCA’s General Synod from 2009-2010. She also serves as the Executive Director of the American Waldensian Society.

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Important Dates

Apply by
May 1, 2024

The Doctor of Ministry Application includes:

Three recommendation forms
One letter of ecclesial endorsement
Two personal statements
One academic writing sample
Official Transcripts from previous educational institutions

Application decisions released on June 1, 2024

Final admissions decisions will be made by June 1, 2024, and all applicants will receive written and email notifications.

If you have questions about your application, contact our admissions team at admissions@westernsem.edu.

Projected seminar schedule

Fall 2024: October 21-25, 2024
Spring 2025: May 19-23, 2025
Fall 2025: October (exact dates TBA)
Spring 2026: May (exact dates TBA)
Fall 2026: October (exact dates TBA)
Spring 2027: April (exact dates TBA)

Ready to take the next step?

Start your application today.

Apply Now

Western Theological Seminary

101 East 13th Street
Holland MI, 49423

admissions@westernsem.edu

800.392.8554

Doctor of Ministry: Seeking Sabbath in a Frantic World