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Doctor of Christian Administration and Leadership
Location: Online
Credits: 30
Overview
This doctorate prepares Christian leaders to excel in organizational management, governance, strategic leadership, finance, and institutional development.
Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
Lead churches and organizations strategically.
Develop governance structures and policies.
Manage finances, operations, and human resources.
Cultivate healthy leadership cultures.
Requirements
| General Doctoral Core - 12 credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| DMN701 | Hermeneutics: Biblical Interpretation and Society | 2 | |
| DMN702 | Advanced Homiletics: Preachers, Messages, and Audiences | 2 | |
| DMN703 | Biblical Worldview | 2 | |
| DMN704 | Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative & Mixed Methods | 2 | |
| DMN705 | Advanced Pedagogy: Methods of Learning and Teaching | 2 | |
| DMN706 | Understanding Culture: Anthropological and Sociological Perspectives | 2 | |
| Concentration - 9 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| ADM800 | Advanced Nonprofit and Church Administration | 3 | |
| ADM810 | Governance, Policy, and Institutional Leadership | 3 | |
| ADM820 | Financial Stewardship and Resource Management | 3 | |
| BITS - Thesis - Project - 9 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| REC-Project 923 | Thesis - Project | 9 | |
Opportunities
Graduates of the Doctor of Christian Administration and Leadership may pursue roles such as:
Executive Pastor
Church Administrator
Ministry Director
Nonprofit Executive
Leadership Consultant
Professor of Leadership
General Doctoral Core - 12 Credits
DMN701 - Hermeneutics: Biblical Interpretation and Society (2 Credits)
An advanced study of biblical interpretation with emphasis on how Scripture addresses the cultural, social, political, and economic realities of contemporary society. Students learn to integrate exegesis with social analysis, developing a hermeneutical framework that equips them to preach, teach, and lead with biblical depth in diverse contexts.
DMN702 - Advanced Homiletics: Preachers, Messages, and Audiences (2 Credits)
A doctoral-level exploration of sermon theory and practice. Students analyze preaching models, audience dynamics, contextual communication, and rhetorical strategies. The course strengthens the preacher’s theological vision, pastoral sensitivity, and communicative effectiveness for high-impact ministry.
DMN703 - Biblical Worldview (2 Credits)
An advanced seminar on Christian worldview formation for institutional and societal leadership. Students examine philosophical, theological, and cultural dimensions of worldview and apply biblical principles to complex real-world issues faced in ministry, public life, and organizational leadership.
DMN704 - Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative & Mixed Methods (2 Credits)
A doctoral-level introduction to research design, analysis, and project development. Students learn how to collect data, conduct case studies, integrate mixed methodology, and evaluate findings for ministry impact. Emphasis is placed on research rigor and preparing for the doctoral thesis-project.
DMN705 - Advanced Pedagogy: Methods of Learning and Teaching (2 Credits)
A study of advanced instructional design, adult education theory, transformational learning, and theological pedagogy. Students learn how to shape learning environments, mentor leaders, and design educational initiatives for churches, nonprofits, and academic settings.
DMN706 - Understanding Culture: Anthropological and Sociological Perspectives (2 Credits)
An in-depth exploration of cultural systems, worldview patterns, identity formation, and social structures. Students apply anthropological and sociological frameworks to ministry leadership, mission practice, and organizational development.
Concentration - 9 Credits
ADM800 - Advanced Nonprofit and Church Administration (3 Credits)
This course examines the structures, systems, and best practices essential to leading nonprofit and church-based organizations. Students explore topics such as operational management, strategic staffing, compliance, fiscal oversight, and community engagement. Case studies provide opportunities to evaluate administrative challenges and design organizational solutions rooted in biblical stewardship and mission effectiveness.
ADM810 - Governance, Policy, and Institutional Leadership (3 Credits)
This course explores the principles and practices of governance within ministry-based and nonprofit institutions. Students analyze board development, policy formation, accountability systems, and leadership ethics. Special attention is given to navigating complex institutional dynamics, fostering healthy leadership cultures, and implementing policies that promote sustainability, transparency, and organizational flourishing.
ADM820 - Financial Stewardship and Resource Management (3 Credits)
An advanced exploration of financial leadership within Christian organizations. Topics include budgeting, internal controls, fundraising strategies, donor relations, capital campaigns, and financial risk management. Students develop a theology of stewardship that informs practical financial decision-making and enables organizations to thrive with integrity and long-term sustainability.
BITS - Thesis - Project - 9 Credits
REC-Project 923 - Thesis - Project (9 Credits)
The Doctor of Christian Administration & Leadership Thesis–Project is a practical research project addressing an administrative, governance, or organizational leadership challenge within Christian institutions. Students assess organizational health, leadership structures, and administrative systems to create biblically grounded and effective administrative solutions. The final project includes a written dissertation and an oral defense demonstrating mastery of Christian administration and institutional leadership.
