Leadership

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 Mission and Purpose 

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The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at Andrews University is designed to develop spiritually mature and responsible professionals in ministry around the world. The Intergenerational Church concentration aims to prepare ministers for the specific challenges and opportunities of transforming multiple generations within congregations and the community at large.

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The intent for the Intergenerational Church concentration is to provide a significant and terminal professional doctoral experience for those who lead churches to include all ages and to give purposeful attention to the similarities among and differences between generations. This includes the expected seasons of life each generation experiences as well as unique changes when new generations emerge. While doctoral students are likely to serve key leadership roles at different levels of the church organization, the focus for the Intergenerational Church concentration will be on local church mission and ministry.

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 Learning Modalities 

 

The following learning modalities will be included in the concentration's andragogy:

1. A ministry development plan.

2. A context support group.

3. Learning groups including collective assignments, consultations, and accountability.

4. Classroom consultation, including didactic and experiential learning, field trips, and networking with top educators, experts, and practitioners in the field of ministry.

5. Journaling

6. Research, including perusal of the current literature, assigned readings, and case studies.

7. Praxis, including implementation of ministry in the context of one's ministry context.

8. Mentoring

9. A project including theological reflection, literature review, field research, and intervention involving a specific challenge for an intergenerational church.

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 The Cohort Experience 

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The program is delivered in the cohort model, wherein participants proceed through the sequence of courses together. Study and learning are year-round, with pre-intensive, during-intensive, and post-intensive activities and experiences. Pre-intensive assignment preparation can begin as early as six months prior to an intensive. There are four annual teaching sessions presented by ministry professionals. During the program, you will participate in regional workgroups, follow a ministry development plan, read and reflect on the best literature in your concentration area, and develop and evaluate a professional project within the context of your own congregational or other leadership responsibilities.

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Cohorts are identified by the year in which they formed. For example, if you are a member of a cohort that formed in 2018, during the five-six years you expect to be in the program, the title of your group will be "the 2018 Intergenerational Church Cohort."

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 Module Descriptions 

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1. PATH 707 - The Church in Intergenerational Contexts
   Credits: 4
   Articulate a wholistic model that includes similarities and differences of individuals and groups in different age categories. Develop clarity in theological foundations for ecclesiology and missiology for those who join, are born into, and/or those who leave church involvement.
    

2. PATH 751 - Relational Dynamics and the Intergenerational Church
   Credits: 4
   This module seeks to identify, practice, and incorporate relational skills to model and instruct church members of all ages. It will explore the relational dynamics the church provides for psychological identity in an ecclesiological institution. Special attention will be given to current issues such as the tension between the spiritual and religious, the conservative and progressive, the exclusive and inclusive, among others.
    

3. GSEM 790 - Doctor of Ministry Professional Dissertation Seminar
   Credits: 2
   Participants receive assistance in forming their DMin project proposal and orientation to issues in the successful completion of the project. Areas of focus include a literature review, theological reflection, critical thinking, experiential learning, reflective observation,  academic writing, development of an effective work plan for completion of the project, and other project-related topics.
    

4. GSEM 706 - Spiritual and Theological Foundations for Ministry
   Credits: 4
   This is a foundational module required of all DMin students. The module builds the spiritual and theological basis from which the practice of ministry and mission grows and seeks to lead the student into a self-reflection and examination of life and belief.
    

5. PATH 762 - The Challenge of Second and Third Generations
   Credits: 4
   Explore cultural realities that challenge stability and growth for individuals and churches across generations. Identify steps for transmitting the faith and motivating young people for the mission, including how immigration, language, and culture play a vital role in this process.
    

6. GSEM 793 - DMin Research Methods Seminar
   Credits: 2
   Forming the action plan for successfully implementing and evaluating the DMin project. Areas of focus include action research, research design, and methods, descriptive statistics, methods of evaluating the project, IRB approval, and other project-related topics.  
    

7. PATH 783 - Hearing and Responding to God Throughout Life
   Credits: 5
   Address the life cycle perspective of God's call in the initial response and continuing relationship indicative of discipleship and renewal. Evaluate individuals, groups, and Adventist history in light of piety, mission, organizational structure, lifestyle, and worship.
    

8. GSEM796 - DMin Professional Dissertation/Portfolio
   Credits: 7
   The DMin professional dissertation/portfolio integrates theological reflection, scholarly research, and practical ministry. The professional dissertation/portfolio contributes to the enhancement of ministry and to the growth and development of the ministry professional.
    

 Contact 

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The coordinator for this concentration is Dr. Steve Case. Contact him at steve@involveyouth.org.

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 Schedule 

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Cohorts are identified by the year in which they begin. Cohort participants will take these courses and study modules:

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2019 Cohort

Course requirements and schedule for the cohort to form in 2024:
(follow the linked course names to obtain the course requirement documents)