Historically, the D.Min. program at Duke Divinity School has welcomed a new cohort of students each year, but this year's incoming class welcomed two. 

The incoming D.Min. class this year includes 39 students from a variety of backgrounds and professional placements divided into two conceptual cohorts: Traditional Leadership and Missional Innovation. The structure of the program allows students in both cohorts to engage deeply with scriptures, academic texts, and peer learning, while integrating that learning into the ecclesial practices and professional challenges that are part of their daily life.

Current D.Min. student Brandon Harris, in the Traditional Leadership cohort, says, "The cohort model offers a unique opportunity to gain meaningful insights from my peers, which I consider essential for shaping my approach to transformative leadership within this ever-evolving ministry landscape."

Traditional Leadership

Every year, commitment to leadership in service is a priority of the D.Min. program at Duke Divinity School. The Traditional Leadership cohort offers students space to focus on the practical needs and challenges of their specific ministry placement, while developing their skills in theology, communication, and leadership. 

Harris says he was drawn to the program at Duke because of the focus on leadership that accounts for the multi-faceted and evolving challenges of today's ecclesiastical landscape. 

"This era presents uncharted territory, yet we remain committed to making disciples and sharing the gospel," says Harris. "It’s a calling to serve in ways that transcend the conventional church setting and engage with the world in a more holistic, transformative manner."

"The D.Min. program will provide me with new insights, resources, and strategies to navigate these unique challenges, allowing me to grow as a leader who can guide others with wisdom and compassion, even amid uncertainty."

The thesis project at the culmination of the program draws in many students who are interested in this concrete, leadership-focused study. “A lot of pastors really long for the opportunity to have a sustained amount of time to focus on a challenge or area of ministry to organize their thoughts about it and learn more about it,” says Willimon. 

The D.Min. thesis projects are available online and show a wide range of research for ministry that is contributing to the field. 

Missional Innovation 

The Missional Innovation cohort is a new, experimental, cohort with funding from The Parish Ministry Fund and The Duke Endowment to offer UMC pastors a space to think creatively about how to navigate fresh challenges in the United Methodist Church. 

United Methodist clergy serving in either the North Carolina or Western North Carolina Annual Conference, and nominated by their bishop, were able to apply to be a part of this unique cohort opportunity. 

Says Willimon, “Pastors are starting churches, turning around churches, revitalizing or refocusing churches. This cohort is an active attempt to help them focus on those new challenges.”

The objective of the Missional Innovation cohort is to develop change-leaders among the United Methodist pastors serving North Carolina’s rural communities and beyond. The program hopes to foster cross-sector knowledge, provide practical experience navigating community partnerships, and promote the establishment of new faith communities.

For Sanchez, a member of the Missional Innovation cohort, the program has already helped broaden his perspective on leadership. 

"Through the diverse readings, brilliant lectures, and group conversations with other students also engaged in full-time ministry, the window of leadership in my life has been greatly expanded, "he says. "I have literally logged off of class sessions and immediately put content to use in my local setting."

Instead of participating in the traditional thesis project, the Missional Innovation cohort will work on a special capstone project during the final year of their program. 

In addition to preparing research, a proposal, and a presentation, students will apply for venture capital (a matching grant up to $2,500 per student) to support a cross-sector initiative addressing a specific issue facing the student’s local ministry and implement the project in a community setting.

Concrete Realities of Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry program prepares students for the realities of ministries not just through what they learn, but how they learn, says Willimon. The program's design produces students who are prepared for leadership through the cohort model, the focus on organization, and the emphasis on reading, writing, and research. 

Since students in the program are already in leadership positions, often in very demanding situations, their organizational and research skills are only further honed from the program, says Willimon, from having to balance the demands of those positions with coursework, family life, and church life. 

The program’s coursework, peer learning, and thesis project all seek to improve students’ writing and communication skills since expression is such a vital part of preaching, teaching, and ministry. 

All pastors should be readers, researchers, and learners throughout their ministry, says Willimon. Through research, pastors can find out how many other people are experiencing similar challenges and seek practical solutions.