Seminary launches new interim ministry track in its Doctor of Ministry degree program

Beginning June 2003 Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary will be the first seminary to offer the Doctor of Ministry degree program with a focus on interim ministry. Designed to enhance the lifelong learning of intentional interim ministry specialists, the new emphasis recognizes the unique nature of this transient ministry and offers a flexible program that will not be tied to one particular ministry setting. Projected to be a popular track, individuals have already sought application in this new emphasis, which is now one of three tracks offered in the postgraduate degree program begun more than 50 years ago.

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) is a professional degree designed primarily for persons who are already engaged in ministry and who wish to develop excellence in ministerial practice. At Louisville Seminary, individuals seeking the 36-credit degree can tailor their non-residential studies and final project in general practice or pastoral counseling, and now interim ministry.

“Since the mid-1970s, interim ministry has grown as a career specialty for pastors, and more and more congregations have seen the need for skilled and wise leadership during times of transition,” said Dr. David Sawyer, director of Graduate Studies and Continuing and Lay Education and author of the new D.Min. degree. He believes the timing for offering the new track will be extremely valuable in this ever growing form of ministry.

“Until now, pastors who have chosen to pursue that specialty have received a basic education in two weeks of intensive and experiential classwork, offered by several denominations and also ecumenically. A limited number of informal continuing education opportunities are also available. Thanks to the vision of one group of Presbyterian interim ministry educators, Louisville Seminary was asked to bring the added possibility of strong academic reflection for intentional interim ministers. Both the unique flexibility of the D. Min. at Louisville and my own long association with interim ministry make this a good match,” he said.

Through the new focus, Sawyer also says that interim ministry specialists will find renewal in their sense of vocation within a transitional ministry while studying the theory and practice of interim ministry and deepening biblical and theological reflection on the necessary leadership style and pastor care of a temporary calling.

The first of four required seminars will be offered in January 2004, and applications will be accepted through October 1, 2003. Subsequent seminars, about two weeks each, are held in June and the following January. Affordable housing is available in the Seminary’s Laws Lodge Retreat and Conference Center during the seminars.

For more information about the degree, including an application, requirements, cost and course of study, go to the The Doctor of Ministry web page. Or contact:

Office of Admissions, 800-264-1839 or Rev. Dr. David Sawyer, Director of Graduate Studies and Continuing and Lay Education, 800-264-1839.