Program Overview and Requirements
All Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students are required to complete nine (9) hours in Ministry Leadership Development coursework. The MLD requirements include three (3) on-campus courses and three (3) terms (semesters or summer sessions) of supervised ministry practice. Students may enroll in MLD courses upon completing 30 credits in the Master of Divinity degree curriculum.
On-Campus Courses
Each of the three (3) on-campus courses carries two (2) credits. No more than one of these courses may be taken in the same semester.
- Ministry Leadership Development I (DVML 501) introduces students to the biblical foundations of Christian leadership, establishes the model of servanthood for Christian leaders, and addresses several topics of relevance for leading in Christian ministry.
- Ministry Leadership Development 2 (DVML 601) emphasizes the practice of ministry, providing instruction in the performance of various duties and responsibilities inherent to ordained Christian ministry.
- Ministry Leadership Development 3 (DVML 701) is a capstone course for the MLD curriculum. This course is designed to introduce students to the discipline of theological reflection on the practice of ministry, to aid students in the work of integrating Christian faith and ministry practice, and to address a variety of vocational issues for Christian leaders.
Supervised Ministry Practice
The three terms of supervised ministry practice are referred to as Ministry Leadership Practica (MLP). Each of the MLP carries one (1) credit. The practica must be taken in order, beginning with MLP I (DVML 550), progressing to MLP II (DVML 650) and ending with MLP III (DVML 750). Students may not enroll in a Ministry Leadership Practicum before enrolling in MLD I (DVML 501); however, the course and practicum may be taken concurrently. One of the three semesters of practica may be conducted during a summer term. Two of the three semesters of practica must be carried out in the same ministry placement and under the same ministry mentor.
Practica requirements may be satisfied by service in a variety of ministry settings, subject to the approval of the MLD director. Most practica are performed in a parish setting. Other options include, but are not limited to, Christian social ministry agencies, chaplaincy positions, campus ministry and Christian schools. Students may complete one of three practica by completion of one unit (400 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at an ACPE-accredited institution. For more information on CPE, please consult the course description in the current BDS Bulletin.
Students are encouraged to consult with the MLD director or program assistant with questions regarding the MLD requirements. In particular, students should make advance preparations in regard to the terms of their Ministry Leadership Practica, i.e. where they will serve, what they will do in that ministry placement, by whom they will be mentored/supervised, etc. For a more detailed explication of the MLP and their requirements, please consult one of the syllabi for the most current academic term.
