Doctor of Ministry (Apologetics)

Overview of the Doctor of Ministry Program at BTS

Birmingham Theological Seminary's Doctor of Ministry program caters to both bi-vocational pastors and full-time pastors in ordained ministry, as well as full-time ministry professionals in church-based or non-profit organizations. Our program offers four specialized tracks:

• Pastoral Leadership
• Biblical Counseling
• Apologetics
• Church Vitality

Experienced Faculty and Mentorship

Each program's faculty members have earned terminal, post-graduate degrees and have extensive experience as full-time ministry practitioners. Their expertise in integrating biblical, historical, practical, and theological resources into successful ministries allows them to serve as both "practical academicians" and mentors.

Cohort-Based, Interactive Learning

The BTS D.Min. program is cohort-based and classroom-oriented. It emphasizes educational innovation and community-driven learning to help students balance academic knowledge with professional application.

Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics

The Apologetics track in the Doctor of Ministry program at BTS aims to develop ministry leaders skilled in proclaiming and defending orthodox Christianity within the marketplace community. This program focuses on the theological and philosophical underpinnings necessary for engaging with today's cultural climate.

Program Goals and Curriculum

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including foundational beliefs, anthropology, moral thought, and cultural development. Each class is academically rigorous and designed to be applicable across diverse cultural, ethnic, and geographic contexts.

Dissertation Project

The program concludes with a dissertation that incorporates significant original research and application in an underdeveloped area of apologetics ministry, allowing students to contribute new insights or applications.

Distinction Between PhD and D.Min. in Apologetics

While some seminaries offer PhD programs in Apologetics focusing on historical research, the D.Min. at BTS is founded on the principle of practical ministry application. It aims to provide original research applied to contemporary ministry challenges, bridging the gap between academic discovery and practical ministry.

Sample Classes in the Apologetics Track

• Philosophical Theology and Reformed Dogmatics
• Metaphysics and Epistemology
• Advanced Apologetic Methodologies
• Theological Anthropology and Moral Theology
• Christianity and Cultural Contexts
• Contextual Apologetic Frameworks
• Building an Apologetic Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics is designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding and effectiveness in defending the Christian faith in various cultural settings.