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BIRMINGHAM THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYEST. 1972BIRMINGHAM THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYDOCTOR OF MINISTRY HANDBOOKBIBLICAL COUNSELINGAPOLOGETICSCHURCH MULTIPLICATION AND VITALITYPASTORALLEADERSHIPYOUR CALLING IS OUR CALLING
Birmingham Theological SeminaryAFFORDABLE, REFORMED, AND FLEXIBLEBTS Mission and VisionMission: BTS is committed to making quality, reformed theological education accessible to learners everywhere, equipping leaders for Christ’s church.Vision: BTS strives to be the number one seminary for quality, sound, affordable theological education that extends to learners in diverse environments for kingdom impact on their communities. Philosophy of Education: BTS is committed to making quality reformed theological education affordable and exible to learners everywhere. We offer multiple graduate and postgraduate programs, both locally and online, to bring value to the church and the surrounding community. We serve individuals and churches by training future and current pastors, counselors, and lay leaders both domestically and internationally. We are a historic, reformed seminary committed to biblical inerrancy, infallibility, and authority and hold ecclesiastical accreditation from multiple Protestant denominations. BTS utilizes pastor-professors to bring focused academic and theological training with practical application, designed to develop vocational and volunteer leaders in the church. BTS is a multisite seminary that provides resources to students on a full-time and part-time basis. BTS believes education is a service that should be extended as far as reasonably possible to help the church grow spiritually and to bring kingdom impact to local communities with the good news of salvation through Christ alone. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS BTS Mission and Vision ................................................................................................... 3 General DMin Information ............................................................................................. 7 Honors DMin Information ............................................................................................. 16 Program Tracks ................................................................................................................ 18 Pastoral Leadership ........................................................................................................ 18 Biblical Counseling ......................................................................................................... 21 Apologetics ....................................................................................................................... 25 Church Multiplication ................................................................................................... 275
THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM (DMIN) General Information BTS has designed its Doctor of Ministry program to accommodate both the bi-vocational pastor and the full-time pastor active in the ordained ministry. We offer four tracks in our Doctor of Ministry Program: • Pastoral Leadership • Biblical Counseling • Apologetics • Church MultiplicationAll faculty members in each program have obtained a terminal postgraduate degree and are/or have been full-time ministry practitioners in their elds of expertise. They have learned to integrate biblical, historical, practical, and theological resources into successful ministries; therefore, they serve as “practical academicians” as well as mentors to our students. The BTS DMin program is a cohort-based, class-oriented program that challenges its students through educational innovation and community-driven learning, encouraging students to achieve a balance between learned content and applied professional behaviors. Our Goal:The Association of Theological Seminaries (ATS) denes doctor of ministry programs as those “that should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to identify a specic theological topic in ministry, organize an effective research model, use appropriate resources, and evaluate the results, and should reect the candidate’s depth of theological insight in relation to ministry.” The goal of the BTS Doctor of Ministry program is to challenge students with advanced learning that enables students to pursue unique research in their respective elds, bringing new perspectives to ministry challenges. We believe a covenantal approach to biblical studies, within the historic reformed tradition, enables practicing ministers, counselors, and church leaders to produce biblically faithful, academically sound, and appropriately practical solutions to the many challenges facing the church and Christians today in diverse ministry communities.We strive for our graduates to be known by the appropriate characteristics of orthodoxy, orthopraxy, and orthopathos: that we might learn the truth, practice the truth, and love the truth.7
Our Program:The DMin program is a four-year program. Uniquely, BTS starts with a course on research and design, enabling the students to set up all four years in the pursuit of their nal dissertation. Beginning in the academic fall, students will pursue two and a half years of semester-based coursework, leading to a year and a half of independent study and dissertation research and writing. The dissertation is defended in the spring of the fourth year, and the nal summer is reserved for revisions, if deemed necessary, before publication. The student will take a total of 33 hours in each program track. General Admission RequirementsBTS requires all doctoral candidates to hold an advanced graduate degree from a respected and theologically compatible seminary. Applicants who hold theological master’s degrees are given equal consideration in applying to the program, but MA degree holders may be required to demonstrate more signicant sustained, applicable work experience than Master of Divinity graduates. The applicant must have completed at least 60 hours of graduate work. If the applicant has not completed 60 hours, BTS can supply a specially designed program to help them reach that standard to gain admittance to the postgraduate program. Consideration for admittance to the BTS Doctoral Program by the Doctoral Admissions Committee includes the following requirements:• The completed application • Existing subject knowledge • Evidence of cultural appreciation • Evidence of the application of Scripture to the care of souls • Administrative skills in managing ministry requirements These matters will be assessed through personal references, a personal interview, and/or whatever testing the administration deems useful. BTS does not require the GRE for admittance but may do so in select circumstances. Applicants may secure the required forms at the seminary ofce or online at http://bts.education/resources. Applications must be submitted prior to admission to the program. International students whose primary language is not English may be asked to submit TOEFL scores after a formal interview, 8
if necessary. In addition, procedures required for foreign students in relation to immigration policies may be found on the BTS website or will be sent to the applicant after contacting the seminary. Program Limitations:BTS holds to a traditional reformed theological framework. As such, we hold to a position on complementarianism regarding the Bible’s teaching on the roles of men and women in pastoral leadership positions in the local church. Considering this commitment, two of our programs (Pastoral Leadership and Church Multiplication) are only open to men. Our programs in Biblical Counseling and Apologetics are open to men and women. For more information on BTS’s theological stance, please refer to “The Role of Women in the Church: A Rationale for the BTS Position” available as an appendix in our Faculty and Student Handbooks. Application ProcessAdmittance Requirements:BTS requires the following for admittance to our Doctor of Ministry program: • Master of divinity or its educational equivalent (MA with appropriate ministry experience) * • Greek and Hebrew studies (waived for Biblical Counseling—may be replaced with another language study for Apologetics) • Proof of scholarly capacity (15–20-page submission) in Turabian format • Appropriate application and references • Formal interview with DMin program director *limited exceptions may be made for students with theology degrees totaling less than 60 hours but who hold signicant ministry experience (20+ years). Extensive recommendations will be required in these cases. Application Deadlines:Applications for Fall admittance are due no later than July 1 of entrance year. In addition to the above listed requirements, the Doctoral Admissions Committee will determine if any other requirements or prerequisites are necessary for admittance. The standard application fee is $100. Late applications must be turned in by August 1 and are subject to an additional $50 late fee. International/Non-American Citizens:Non-American citizens who wish to pursue the program by moving to the United States must be willing to relocate to Birmingham, AL (in compliance with our SEVIS standards) and must have their application 9
done by June 1 of the year of matriculation. While BTS can accommodate residential students for the program, since the entire program is offered via video conference, it is not our primary recommended method of delivery. For more information on non-American citizens and BTS, please see our Student Handbook. International students who wish to pursue the doctoral program and remain in their country of origin are not required to obtain SEVIS approval and may follow the general application guidelines. Schedule of Fees: • Application Fee: $100 (nonrefundable) • Student Services Fee: $75 annual (fall) • Tuition: $200 per credit hour (three-hour classes) • Binding Fee (dissertation): established annually • Graduation Fee: determined annually ($200) • Reader Fee (one-time): $400 • Estimated Total Cost of DMin Program: $9,000 or less. Scholarships:Students may apply for a scholarship during the application process for their doctoral program. Scholarships are active for the lifespan of an active student. If the student becomes inactive, they must reapply for their scholarship. BTS scholarships for doctoral students are awarded automatically at 50%. Scholarship applications may be found on the BTS website under the Resources tab. Program StructureThe Doctor of Ministry program, including a dissertation or project, cannot be completed in fewer than four years. Students are expected to stay current with their starting cohort. The degree must be completed seven years from the date of enrollment, but if a student must pause their studies during the coursework section of the program, they must wait until the following year when the next cohort arrives at the same program location. In exceptional circumstances, a student may request the doctoral committee for a one-year extension beyond the seven-year limit. The Doctor of Ministry degrees requires satisfactory completion of 24 hours of coursework (eight classes) and a dissertation, with a minimum of 6 course hours, totaling 33 hours. Prescribed coursework is specic to each program. The student is expected to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 with no more than one C grade in the entire program. The student must register and pay tuition each semester ($200 per credit hour). It is strongly recommended that students move forward with their incoming cohorts, as this is the system for 10
course rotation. Lapsing out of your cohort can cause signicant delay in program completion. Lapsed Registration: A student will be considered a lapsed registration after one calendar year without activity. If this occurs, the student is required to make a formal written reinstatement request. Class Meeting Protocols: Doctor of Ministry courses are typically held on Mondays. These courses are normally taught in the evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (CST) via videoconference but may be offered during a morning timeframe to accommodate international students (non-residential) and various time zones. Occasionally, courses may be offered in a seminar format, and we also make use of the Lampstand Conference at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Courses are offered each semester, fall, spring, and summer, normally with a four-to-six-week break between semesters. Some programs (Pastoral Leadership and Church Multiplication) take advantage of the Lampstand Conference at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, offered in January. This is the one time it is recommended that students physically come to Birmingham for the learning experience. All program tracks are fully available through videoconference technology. Attendance Requirements:The BTS DMin program is primarily done via videoconference in order to extend this educational opportunity to students around the world. However, we do have three tentpole opportunities where we request that students make every effort to join in Birmingham as a group. The rst is during the initial orientation phase, which takes place the rst Friday and Saturday of the semester and includes the rst class of Research and Design (required for all students). The second is during the Lampstand Conference. While this will occur at different stages in the Pastoral Leadership and Church Multiplication programs, it is a signicant time of fellowship and learning with other church leaders from across America and even around the world. The third is at the beginning of the dissertation (or for Biblical Counseling students, the Capstone Project), which takes place in September of the last year. This is a vital opportunity to do a nal review of the writing process, share ideas, learn from each other, and engage with BTS Faculty. Exceptions to the in-person attendance policy for each on-site (Year 1/2/3) are made for students who do not reside in the contiguous United States of America borders, and they are allowed to attend the primary sessions via video conference. Students cover their travel costs, and BTS promises to provide host families to help alleviate other expenses. Students may choose to stay at a hotel at their own expense, however. In addition, most primary meals for the students, while they are in Birmingham, are 11
covered by BTS—including dinner at President Reeder’s home the Friday evening of their visit. Initial Orientation:Students are expected to come to Birmingham on Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday morning of the opening week of classes for the Orientation Seminar. This meeting occurs on the Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday immediately following the American holiday of Labor Day. Included in this visit is the rst meeting of the Research and Design class. In addition, all books required for the class are available from the Briarwood Bookstore. While on campus, students may choose to pick up and pay for their books. Distance Exemption: American-based students may request an exemption from travel with approval from the DMin program head, while students who are not based in continental America are expected to attend the Orientation Seminar sessions via videoconference, as best as the time zone difference allows. This is a crucial time for students in different tracks to fellowship, study, share their goals and aspirations, and grow in unity in Christ. General Reading Requirements:Each Doctor of Ministry course offered includes an average of 1,500 pages of reading that must be completed in the increments prescribed by the professor and the syllabus. The professor may ask to receive the following as evidence of reading assignment completion: • An analysis of the theological implications of the material. • A presentation of the salient theological implications of the material. • A reection paper giving evidence of the student’s personal interaction with the material and its application to his or her ministry. Independent Study Course: All programs include an Independent Study semester before beginning the dissertation. The program head, working with the student, will assign a faculty mentor appropriate to the subject matter of the proposal, or the student may contract an outside expert upon approval. He or she must then submit a proposal for the Independent Study that the faculty member or outside agent must approve. Upon approval by the faculty member, the student must deliver the signed proposal to the program head for nal approval. We recommend that this is done prior to the beginning of the summer semester in which the Independent Study will be attempted in order to maximize the learning opportunity and its impact on the dissertation. The Independent Study course will be taken at the completion of the required courses of study (summer semester), prior to the dissertation courses. 12
Candidacy:Candidacy for the Doctor of Ministry program is dened as the time frame in which a student is deemed ready to pursue independent study and research prior to the writing of their dissertation. A student is admitted to a program to pursue coursework, then sits for candidacy to complete their dissertation. The Candidacy Exam is administered as part of students’ coursework in each program during the Independent Study Class (DM9111). Students have two exam opportunities (once at the beginning of the course DM9111 and once at the end) and will be given topics to study before sitting the exam. The Doctor of Ministry Committee will grant candidacy status based upon the following criteria:1. The completion of a written qualifying theological examination, including an understanding of reformed theology as summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith (the student need not agree with this position, but they must be able to articulate it) and the ability to properly exegete Scripture and present an acceptable homiletical outline or appropriate teaching tool for their program. The qualifying exam also contains questions specic to each program track. 2. Completion of the course: DM9111 Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation or DM9121 Counseling Practicum/Understanding the Capstone Project in the Biblical Counseling program. 3. Submission of an acceptable dissertation/project proposal (this is the nal assessment of the DM9111 and DM9121 classes). DissertationThe nal phase of the program is the dissertation. The dissertation may be understood as the application of biblical theology and research abilities applied to an understanding of a contemporary ministry program or problem, devising biblical and practical steps to address this problem. This is slightly different for the Biblical Counseling students, who produce a signicant amount of their research through their own counseling practicum; but in principle, both are the same. All dissertations must be presented in standard academic format as denoted in the current Turabian style manual. Please see the next section the distinctives between a dissertation and a Capstone Project. Dissertations are required to be between 50,000–65,000 words (200-250 pages double spaced). When completing the dissertation or thesis project, the student will register each semester for the course DM9122 (Dissertation/Project) and pay the tuition fee of $600 (total) until the dissertation/project has been completed. This registration must occur during the registration week at the beginning of each semester, or it will be considered a late registration and liable to a late registration fee. During the project, the student will be assigned a 13
mentor and will be expected to meet with the mentor at least twice a semester. The mentor will le a report on these meetings with the Doctor of Ministry Committee using the appropriate form. Except for medical or extreme personal reasons, the student is expected to make progress each semester. Mentors are expected to be available to the student throughout the program. Once the primary draft is deemed acceptable by the mentor and second reader, the student must submit a third copy for an outside reader (non-BTS personnel), approved by the respective directors of their DMin program. The student may suggest an outside reader, or the program directors will help the candidate nd an outside reader. A $400 outside reader fee must accompany this submission. Five copies of an abstract of not more than 1,500 words must also be submitted at this time to the program director. The DMin director will then notify the student to schedule a time for an oral defense of his work before the committee. We recommend that a readable and acceptable primary draft be completed no later than February 15 of the Spring Semester to allow appropriate time for the outside reader to propose revisions. Finally, to qualify for a May graduation date, a proposed nal draft must be submitted to the program track director no later than April 1 of that semester. Biblical Counseling Capstone Project:Biblical Counseling candidates can choose to either engage in a Capstone Project or a traditional dissertation. This must be declared before DM9121 (Counseling Practicum/Understanding the Capstone Project) so there is no confusion as to the project the student is working on and to avoid the necessity of extending the student’s time in the program. Even though a Capstone Project is a different entity to a dissertation, this is not to say the work is not academic in nature or that it does not require signicant research. The Biblical Counseling student is engaged in developing a project to address specic issues in the biblical counseling community and draws a signicant amount of research from their personal counseling observations. Meticulous detail is necessary in recording these encounters, so their nal project is more concentrated, but will include signicant assessment of the counseling project. For whatever topic the Biblical Counseling student chooses to write on, they must develop a strong biblical framework, connect their counseling observations to valid academic research, and include a section that demonstrates consistent methodological learning and practice from their practicum. The research and theological portion of their Capstone Project should be 20,000-30,000 words, not including selected counseling reports as pertain to the topic of discussion. These reports should be included, however and set “Appendix A.” See the “Biblical Counseling Program” section for more information. 14
Oral Defense:The oral defense will generally be scheduled during the nal week of April (after the last week of classes and two weeks before graduation). It will be conducted before the Dissertation Review Committee consisting of the DMin program director, vice president or his designee, the student’s program track head, and other selected BTS Faculty. We recommend an in-person defense, but video conference can be acceptable if approved prior to the set defense date. The chair of the BTS Board Academic Committee may attend as a nonvoting member. Any faculty or board member may be a nonvoting attendee and ask questions. Other attendees require prior approval by the Dissertation Review Committee. Only the Doctor of Ministry Dissertation Committee members may vote as to the condition of the interview and the student’s dissertation. The student will receive a Pass, a Pass with Revision, Suspension, or a Failing Grade. • Pass: The student has adequately defended their dissertation and that the dissertation is ready for publication as is or with minor revision. The grade shall be determined by a majority vote of those eligible to vote. The committee may make recommendations for revision, but it is entirely up to the student if they choose to make said recommendations. The student may walk at graduation and receive their diploma.• Pass with Revision: The defense of the dissertation was satisfactory, but there is substantial revision that needs to occur for it to be made acceptable to publication standards. The student may walk at graduation but has one semester to complete the revisions to the satisfaction of their dissertation supervisor (not the committee) before receiving their diploma.• Suspension: The committee believes there is a theological, research, or argumentative shortcoming in the dissertation that fully impedes publication and/or the committee might hold the student’s ability to defend his/her work or sustain the interview as seriously questionable. The revisions will require approval from the whole committee and may require another committee interview. The student may not walk at graduation and has three semesters to complete their dissertation in a satisfactory manner.• Failing Grade: There is no recourse. The student must complete another dissertation or thesis project if they want to complete the program.Following the oral defense, the candidate will present the nal draft to the DMin Director for approval. Three copies of the nal draft are required one week before commencement. Specic print requirements are in the BTS Dissertation and Capstone Project Guide.15
Students requiring dissertation/project revision have the summer semester of their nal year to complete their revision and will be granted permission to walk at graduation immediately following their oral defense, but their diploma will be withheld until their nal revisions are approved.More detailed information on the dissertation project, content, timeline, and requirements is given to the student during the Research and Design class (DM9120) at the beginning of their doctoral journey; this information is also reviewed and reiterated at the beginning of the Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation class (DM9111) during the third year of the program.A full “BTS DMin in Biblical Counseling Capstone Project” checklist can be found in the BTS Dissertation and Capstone Project Handbook. Oral Defense:The Docor of Ministry Dissertation Committee is made up of the following members: • Director of the BTS Doctor of Ministry Program • Vice President of Academic Affairs • Specic program track director • May also include two selected faculty members from study area (can be graduate or doctoral professors) Honors DMinThe Honors Doctor of Ministry program functions much more like a research PhD program, with the caveat that it is still focused on current and contemporary ministry issues (as opposed to being entirely dominated by historical issues). While the same in basic construction, the Honors DMin requires a dissertation of 75,000–100,000 words. Students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 at the master’s degree level may apply for the Honors Doctor of Ministry. The Doctor of Ministry Committee will carefully consider the application. Consideration will require a personal interview and—if the student is not a BTS graduate or former BTS student—the committee will require the submission of signicant scholarly research, written in the master’s degree program, for consideration. If accepted into the Honors DMin track, the student will attend the Orientation Seminar and will be required to take the introductory Research and Design (DM9120) class. One of their projects during this class will be the development of a personalized syllabus for their program. The Honors DMin program must be completed in ve years. Graduation from the program is contingent upon the satisfactory (Pass) dissertation and oral defense (see previous Oral Defense section). The student must keep an annotated bibliography and journal of his or her reading for the program. Said 16
17readings must total at least 40,000 pages by the end of the program (around 100 books). Prospective students with a GPA of less than 3.5 may be considered upon the following criteria: • At least seven years of ministry experience that reects above average ministry maturity. • Demonstration through an interview with the vice president or director of the Doctor of Ministry program that he or she has acquired the necessary skills to complete the program. • Submission evidence of current scholarly capabilities, preferably prior peer reviewed publications. Honors DMin Committee:The student will be assigned a committee of three readers for their Honors dissertation project. The chairperson will be a BTS faculty member, and another member will be the Honors DMin program director. The nal committee member may be a non-BTS faculty member who is approved by the vice president and DMin Director. The student, with the mentor, will develop a proposal that must be approved by the committee. This proposal will be the culmination of the rst semester of independent study and research (following the Research and Design class). Honors DMin Mentor:The student will receive a mentor who will be the advisor for the student’s program and may be anyone in the arena of study with proper credentials approved by the DMin director. The mentor may or may not be one of the student’s Honors DMin Committee. The student must have a personal interview with the DMin director and/or an approved representative of BTS in which they present their proposal for the mentor. The student’s progress must also be examined each semester with the DMin program. Students will be responsible for negotiating a contractual arrangement with the Mentor regarding their time commitment. The Mentor will be the paid representative and must be willing to receive remuneration from BTS in the form of a semester-based stipend ($600). BTS will provide a contract template for the Mentor. A copy of this contract must be led with the vice president and DMin director, and both must approve the contract. See the DMin fee schedule; the same semester fees are applicable.
PROGRAM TRACKSPastoral LeadershipMission: The mission of the Pastoral Leadership program at BTS is to train pastors to become biblical servant leaders who are capable of gospel ministry in a post-Christian culture with delity to God’s word, sensitivity to growing cultural differences, a passion for sheepherding the local church, and a heart for discipleship, leadership development, and teambuilding. Curriculum: (course descriptions are subject to slight alteration during rst offering of program)YEAR ONE DM9120 Research and Design [FALL] Required of all DMin students, this course will prepare the student for the DMin program and the necessary research for his or her dissertation or project. Students will become acquainted with the latest in research methods and tools. This will include a detailed study of Turabian format in review of student’s previous work and conrmation that students are equipped to report on their studies appropriately and in the correct academic format. DM9102 Counseling Methodologies for the Pastor/Caring & Curing of Souls [SPRING] This class will examine a biblical model of counseling as well as explore a biblical model of caring for the sheep of God’s fold. The personal and professional development of the minister and the biblical counselor is the focus of this course. Elements of this class include reading, lecture, role-playing, peer evaluation and case studies, and a project applicable to the student’s ministry setting. DM3550 Advanced Hermeneutics [SUMMER] The purpose of this course is to explore the interpretation and application of Scripture to human problems and gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics). This course will further the development of the skills and knowledge necessary to determine the meaning of any passage of Scripture, apply it authentically to the contemporary context, and rene one’s comprehension of the truths and values of Scripture. Special focus will be given to both “problem passages” and contemporary challenges against traditional reformed hermeneutics. YEAR TWODM9103 Contemporary Theology and the Church [FALL] This course will instruct the student in understanding contemporary theological thought within a biblical theological context. Emphasis will be given to developing a biblical theological response to 18
19contemporary and emerging theological systems relevant to the church today. Topics covered will include the rise of liberal theology, neoorthodoxy, theology and language theory, liberation theology, sonship, the emergent church, and theology and critical ideologies. DM9101 The Lampstand Conference [SPRING] At the heart of the DMin program is the vision for healthy churches and biblical leaders. The Lampstand Conference is held annually at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in January and serves as the catalyst for this course. This intensive seminar stimulates pastoral self-examination, church vitality, and the mission of the church. In addition to the seminar, students will complete assigned readings and present papers interacting with the seminar content, readings, and ministry concepts. Students are required to attend the conference on-site unless they are international students or receive special exemptions. Doctoral students are required to participate in the “Leadership Acceleration” Track of the conference unless they are given special exemption to attend the “Church Planting” track or the “Church Revitalization” track. DM9105 Personal Leadership Development and Training Church Leaders [SUMMER] The personal development of the pastor as a leader, and the development of existing and new leaders in the church is the focus of this course. The purpose is to help the doctoral student in the critical task of self-evaluation and external examination, and in recruiting new leaders and leadership teams. The course will both look to inward (heart of the leader) and outward (leadership principles) training and facilitate further development of good and faithful servants of our Lord to lead the church in spiritual and consequential health. This course will provide students with the tools to impart a worldview and life view to equip others to become leaders and to build functional teams of leaders for the church. YEAR THREEDM9108 Preaching in a Post-Christian Context [FALL] Preaching in a post-Christian world seeks to develop pastors and their preaching within the context of Christ-centered, exegetically sound, and expositional preaching within the context of a culture that is fundamentally opposed to the Christian message. Careful study is made regarding the world in which we serve and understanding how to address the culture that has inltrated the church. This course will help the student grasp the issues that need to be addressed in the church today and realize the importance of the preaching of the Word as one seeks to speak to those issues apologetically. The goal of this class is to develop pastors who are biblically faithful in their preaching while relevant to the challenges presented by the current cultural climate.
DM9109 Pastoral Ministry in a Cultural Context [SPRING] The course will explore types and models of leadership that are necessary to do ministry in a post-Christian society. The course will explore the contextualization of ministry considering the racial, ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity that characterizes the church of the 21st century. In addition, it will closely exam the “Christ and Culture” problem in its contemporary idiom. DM9111 Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation [SUMMER] The Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation class begins with an exploration of the methods, models, and processes of writing a successful DMin dissertation and dissertation proposal. The program director will assign a faculty mentor appropriate to the subject matter of the proposal. Students will submit a proposal to the director for this independent study no later than the course›s second week. The course will only meet three times: twice at the beginning of the semester and one nal class at the end of the semester. The proposal must include at least 3,000 pages of reading and a scholarly paper of at least 25 pages, a signicant part of which will constitute the student’s dissertation proposal. IMPORTANT NOTE: This course also includes the Theological Examination for Candidacy to the dissertation. Students can take the exam at the beginning of the semester and, if they do not pass, have a second opportunity to take the test at the end of the semester. Successful completion of the exam, the proposal, and the nal paper grants the student candidacy. YEAR FOURDM9122 DMin Dissertation/Project (6 credit hours/two semesters) Students will rst be assigned a committee, then will submit a proposal and complete the nal project. Please see the BTS Dissertation Guide for more information. 20
21Biblical Counseling ProgramMission: The Biblical Counseling program at BTS is taught from a biblical theological framework and believes in the sufciency of Scripture for addressing the problems of the human condition, specically in relationship to heart issues. We seek to develop graduates who are experts in counseling ministry, empathetic shepherds who stand on rm theological footing, and those who are committed to the shepherding ministry of the local church. Our prayer is that this program will spawn a resurgence of counseling ministries that are located in the local church, with members trained by BTS graduates to lead people to the healing work of Jesus Christ. Special Program Requirements: The Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling degree requires satisfactory completion of 24 hours of coursework as prescribed in the curriculum, 3 hours of independent study/practicum hours and a 6-hour Capstone Project. The student is expected to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, with no more than one C grade in the entire program. Different to the other tracks, the Capstone Project for Biblical Counseling will draw heavily from the student’s Counseling Practicum, which will be incorporated into the research on a counseling topic, paradigm, or practice on which the student chooses to write. See below for more information. The Internship, Practicum, and Capstone Project:Unlike other tracks in the BTS doctoral program, the Biblical Counseling track employs a Capstone Project as opposed to a dissertation or thesis. The Capstone Project is shorter than the dissertation, principally because of the original counseling recording and reporting required of the Biblical Counseling student over the course of the program. The Capstone Project uses extensive analysis and capitulation of primary, observable research as opposed to going as deeply into current literature. Biblical Counseling Internship Seminar (DM7800)The setting or place of the internship program and faculty responsibilities are to be arranged by the student with the approval of the DMin Biblical Counseling director. The internship program will begin with DM9551 Biblical Counseling Internship Seminar after the accumulation of 9 hours of coursework. After this class and over the course of the following two years, the student must accumulate 150 hours of reported counseling prior to beginning DM9552 Biblical Counseling Capstone Project. Ideally, the setting of the internship should reect the commitment to biblical counseling (e.g., in a church or Christian counseling organization). The purpose of the internship program is to provide the student with the opportunity to apply their program learning to their biblical counseling. If this is not possible, the student shall inform the DMin director of how he or she is going to apply biblical counseling in a non-Christian setting or environment. It is incumbent upon the student to set up the internship program with the DMin Biblical Counseling program director and ensure that the setting and location of the internship are appropriate and qualify to be an internship program. The internship program then provides the
framework from which the student will write his or her project (see curriculum description DM9552 Biblical Counseling Capstone Project for further information and a brief description of the Capstone Project below). Relationship between the Practicum and Capstone Project: The DMin Biblical Counseling Capstone Project is between 20,000-30,000 words, including a signicant section analyzing the trends in their Counseling Practicum, but not including the actual response sheets (which should be included as “Appendix A,” but to not count to the overall word count). The Capstone Project must include the following sections: • Introduction and Proposal • Literature Review • Biblical and Theological Approach to the identied counseling issue • Review and Application using examples and detail from the Counseling Practicum ReportsBiblical Counseling Capstone Project and Oral Defense:Biblical Counseling candidates (see “General Information for more information on candidacy) write a Capstone Project as opposed to a dissertation. The reason for this is that Biblical Counseling students draw more on observation, analysis, and critique based on the extensive records of the Biblical Counseling Practicum and Internship. Since more of the work is done in direct analysis of observable phenomena and the record keeping required to make such research viable, the Biblical Counseling Capstone Project is measurably shorter than the dissertation project of the other three doctoral tracks. More information on the Biblical Counseling Capstone Project is available in the BTS Dissertation and Capstone Project Handbook. After the completion of the DM9121, the student will follow the traditional Capstone Project pathway, concluding any remaining practicum hours while working on their written Capstone Project. After completing an acceptable draft of the Capstone Project by the mentor and second reader, the student must submit a third copy for the outside reader (non-BTS personnel). BTS recommends this be completed before February 15 of the Spring Semester. At that time, a $400 outside reader fee must accompany this submission. Five copies of an abstract of not more than 1,500 words must also be submitted. The vice president and DMin director will then notify the student to schedule a time for an oral defense of his/her work before the committee, after the student has made appropriate revisions from their outside reader. To qualify for a May graduation date, a proposed nal draft must be submitted to the program track director no later than April 1 of that semester. An oral defense is required for the Capstone Project. Please see the information on the oral defense and grading in the “Dissertation” portion of this handbook or see the BTS Dissertation and Capstone Project Handbook. 22
23NOTE Special Counseling Course Information: Biblical Counseling and Human Physiology/Psychopathology (DM1112) If an applicant has not had a class in theological anthropology (usually a systematic theology class) in their graduate coursework, they will be required to take BTS’s Systematic Theology 2: Anthropology class before admittance to the program. Curriculum:YEAR ONEDM9120 Research and Design [FALL] Required of all DMin students, this course will prepare the student for the DMin program and the necessary research for his or her dissertation or project. Students will become acquainted with the latest in research methods and tools. This will include a detailed study of Turabian format in review of students’ previous work and to make sure students are equipped to report on their studies appropriately and in the correct academic format. DM9102 Counseling Methodologies for the Pastor/Caring & Curing of Souls [SPRING] Required of all DMin students, this class will examine a biblical model of counseling along with exploring a biblical model of caring for the sheep of God’s fold. The personal and professional development of the minister and the biblical counselor is the focus of this course. Elements of this class include reading, lecture, role-playing, peer evaluation and case studies, and a project applicable to the student’s ministry setting. DM3550 Advanced Hermeneutics [SUMMER] The purpose of this course is to explore the interpretation and application of Scripture to human problems and gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics). This course will further the development of the skills and knowledge necessary to determine the meaning of any passage of Scripture, apply it authentically to the contemporary context, and rene one’s comprehension of the truths and values of Scripture. Special focus will be given to both “problem passages” and contemporary challenges against traditional reformed hermeneutics. YEAR TWODM9551 Biblical Counseling Internship Seminar [FALL] This course is designed to prepare the student to conduct the Biblical Counseling Internship Practicum and to provide an understanding of the requirements for the 150 hours of supervised counseling. The supervised counseling will provide the framework from which the student will write his or her Capstone Project. Students should begin recording for their supervised hours to put towards their Counseling Practicum at this time.
DM1112 Biblical Counseling and Human Physiology/Psychopathology [SPRING] The purpose of this course is to teach the student the relationship between human physiology and human behavior and the application of biblical counseling principles to this relationship and its appending problems. Students will conduct extensive exploration of biblical categories of human problems in comparison to the DSM IV diagnostic system. Advanced, biblical counseling approaches to anorexia, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors will be developed, as well as gender and sexuality issues. See note on prerequisites. DM9221 Biblical Counseling and Marriage & Family [SUMMER] The student will explore preventative measures that can be employed in the church to eliminate family problems, as well as biblical strategies and methods of counseling to provide the rebuilding of broken relationships. YEAR THREE DM9222 Biblical Counseling and Ecclesiology, Legal Issues and Peacemaking [FALL] This course will explore the role of counseling in the church, contemporary legal issues, and the proactive role of the counselor in peacemaking. DM9321 Biblical Counseling & Professional/Personal Development [SPRING] The personal development of the biblical counselor is the focus of this course. The purpose is to assist the student in the critical task of self-evaluation and examination. The course will look to the professional and personal development of good and faithful servants of our Lord; it will provide students with the tools to impart a personal, biblical worldview and life view and to be equipped to counsel and train others for this diverse 21st Century. DM9121 Counseling Practicum/Understanding the Capstone Project [SUMMER] The rst two weeks of this course review general dissertation guidelines applicable to the Capstone Project. After the rst two weeks, the student can resume their counseling practicum but must also begin the research required to complete the Capstone Project. This course will explore methods, models, and processes of writing a Capstone Project. By the end of this course, the student should have completed all of the required hours for supervised counseling. The student will also turn in a 15-20 page paper with initial reactions to their counseling practicum and a proposal for what issue, topic, practice, or paradigm they want to address for their Capstone Project, backed up by a research proposal that identies a minimum of 20-30 available textual resources (books). IMPORTANT NOTE: In addition, the student will take the Biblical Counseling Theological Examination for Candidacy. The Candidacy exam focuses on general theology, biblical theology and exegesis, and familiarity with the issues facing counseling practitioners. The student may take the test once at the beginning of the semester and, if they do not pass, may retake the exam at the end of the semester. Failure to pass the exam or to not include their Capstone Project proposal in their nal paper may result in suspension from the program. 24
25YEAR FOUR DM9552 Biblical Counseling Capstone Project (6 credit hours/two semesters) Biblical Counseling students have two semesters to complete their practicum, analysis, and to do research for their capstone project, and complete their work. Students will rst be assigned a supervisor, then will submit a proposal and complete the nal project. See BTS Dissertation and Capstone Project Handbook for more information. We encourage students to complete any practicum hours remaining as quickly as possible.ApologeticsMission: The mission of the Apologetics doctoral program at BTS is to develop ministry leaders that are equipped to meet the challenges of proclaiming and defending orthodox Christianity in the marketplace community. Students will be challenged by immersion in the theological and philosophical foundations required for engaging the current cultural climate, studying a range of topics that include foundational beliefs, anthropology, moral thought, and cultural development. Each class is designed to be academically challenging, with rich content that requires principle application to a variety of cultural, ethnic, positional, and geographic arenas. The program concludes with a dissertation project that should include signicant original research and application to a current area of apologetics ministry that is considered to be underdeveloped in apologetic literature. Note on Apologetics PhD vs. DMin: There are several seminaries that offer doctor of philosophy programs in apologetics. The principal reason for BTS’s Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics is that we are founded on the principle of ministry application. PhD programs, by their nature, are principally concerned with researching historical topics or problems from angles of study that have been previously unexplored. The DMin program is interested in original research that is applied to current problems existing within the current cultural context of ministry. We believe that DMin students greatly benet from the research and conclusions that are built and discovered in PhD programs and that PhD students can greatly benet from the ministry applications brought forth by DMin students. Curriculum: (course descriptions are subject to slight alteration during rst offering of program)YEAR ONEDM9120 Research and Design [FALL] Required of all DMin students, this course will prepare the student for the DMin program and the necessary research for his or her dissertation or project. Students will become acquainted with the latest in research methods and tools. This will include a detailed study of Turabian format in review of student’s previous work and conrmation that students are equipped to report on their studies appropriately and in the correct academic format.
26DM2206 Philosophical Theology and Reformed Dogmatics [SPRING] This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between philosophy and theology, with specic attention given to the philosophical problems that arrive from theological principles and will explore potential answers to those problems from a reformed theological perspective. DM2205 Metaphysics and Epistemology [SUMMER] Students will engage in the study of the theological and philosophical positions that establish our understanding of the very nature of reality and how we can have knowledge of that reality. In addition, students will be challenged to develop a clear, reformed epistemology, setting the stage for public discourse in defense of the faith. YEAR TWODM2201 Advanced Apologetics and Methodology [FALL] In this course, students will study the variety of approaches to apologetic methodology, build consistency in their methodological system, and interrogate and further develop their personal approach to apologetics. This course will draw heavily on the philosophical and theological foundations of the previous courses and will challenge the student to build their best positive case for the truth of Christianity. DM2207 Theological Anthropology and Moral Theology [SPRING] This course begins to look at principal objections to Christianity, starting with the issues of personhood and social discourse. Students will engage in a rich study of theological anthropology and identity, then move to the study of the ethical and moral issues raised in the marketplace, particularly regarding the application of biblical justice. A graduate level Ethics class is a prerequisite for this course. DM2208 Cultural Development and Culture Studies [SUMMER] A study on the nature of culture and issues surrounding cultural studies, this course will explore both theological and secular frameworks for understanding society and will challenge students to develop a biblical theology of culture and cultural engagement. It can be considered an advanced version of “Christ and Culture.” If students have not taken a Christ and Culture class, they may sit in on BTS’s Christ and Culture class as an audit student free of charge. YEAR THREEDM2209 Contextual Apologetics [FALL] This course focuses on applying the student’s theological framework and apologetic methodology with deep understanding of cultural perspectives without compromise. This is the culmination of the coursework; students will focus on understanding, sharing, and growing together—with a theologically sound and appropriately contextualized method of ministry—in the varied cultural contexts in which they seek to engage individuals.
DM8791 Developing an Apologetic Ministry [SPRING] In this course, students work with the supervising professor and outside mentors to develop and study strategic ministry deployment of apologetics in the marketplace. Whether directly from the church, in the business community, with a youth ministry, in an academic context, or in different socioeconomic or ethnic contexts, students will be challenged to develop a biblically sound, usable, strategic plan for ministry deployment. Attention will be paid to foundational positions, biblical approaches, avenues of contextualization, and to leadership initiatives and reproduction in assessing nal projects. DM9111 Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation [SUMMER] The Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation class begins with an exploration of the methods, models, and processes of writing a successful DMin dissertation and dissertation proposal. The program director will assign a faculty mentor appropriate to the subject matter of the proposal. Students will submit a proposal to the director for this independent study no later than the course›s second week. The course will only meet three times: twice at the beginning of the semester and one nal class at the end of the semester. The proposal must include at least 3,000 pages of reading and a scholarly paper of at least 25 pages, a signicant part of which will constitute the student’s dissertation proposal. IMPORTANT NOTE: This course also includes the Theological Examination for Candidacy to the dissertation. Students can take the exam at the beginning of the semester and, if they do not pass, have a second opportunity to take the test at the end of the semester. Successful completion of the exam, the proposal, and the nal paper grants the student candidacy. YEAR FOURDM9122 DMin Dissertation/Project (6 credit hours/two semesters)Students will be assigned a committee, submit a proposal, and complete the nal project. Please see the BTS Dissertation Guide for more information. Church Multiplication and Vitality Mission: The mission of the Church Multiplication and Vitality track in the BTS doctoral program is to explore and study the mission of the church and apply those principles to the multiplication of Christ’s church around the world. The program has three salient study areas—Church Planting, Church Revitalization, and Coach/Mentor Training—to help students become a valuable resource to other churches and pastors. The goal of the program is to see networks and denominations of healthy, gospel-centered churches that are reproducing and revitalizing churches to expand the kingdom of God through His Bride. Students will be equipped to lead churches, plant churches, revitalize churches, and help coach churches and pastors through challenging times, transitions, and new launches. The foundation of this program is the Lampstand Conference at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. All subsequent courses are theologically and philosophically built out of this conference. 27
28Lampstand Conference Attendance: Students will be required to attend the Lampstand Conference (preferably in person, but videoconference is available) during January of their rst academic year. The student may request to attend the Orientation Seminar the prior fall via video conference so they will only need to travel to Birmingham once that academic year. N.B.BTS is working with several nonprot organizations (e.g., Embers to a Flame, Flourish Ministries, and MNA) to certify the BTS program as a pathway to coaching and mentoring certications. Curriculum: (course descriptions are subject to slight alteration during rst offering of program)YEAR ONEDM9120 Research and Design [FALL] Required of all DMin students, this course will prepare the student for the DMin program and the necessary research for his or her dissertation or project. Students will become acquainted with the latest in research methods and research tools. This will include a detailed study of Turabian format in review of students’ previous work and conrmation that students are equipped to report on their studies appropriately and in the correct academic format. DM9101 The Lampstand Conference [SPRING] At the heart of the DMin program is the vision for healthy churches and biblical leaders. The Lampstand Conference is held annually at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and serves as the catalyst for this course. This intensive seminar stimulates pastoral self-examination, church vitality, and the mission of the church. In addition to the seminar, students will complete assigned readings and present papers interacting with the seminar content, readings, and ministry site. Students are required to attend the conference on-site unless they are international students or receive special exemptions. DM3550 Advanced Hermeneutics [SUMMER] The purpose of this course is to explore the interpretation and application of Scripture to human problems and gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics). This course will further the development of the skills and knowledge necessary to determine the meaning of any passage of Scripture, apply it authentically to the contemporary context, and rene one’s comprehension of the truths and values of Scripture. Special focus will be given to both “problem passages” and contemporary challenges against traditional reformed hermeneutics. YEAR TWODM9103 Contemporary Theology and the Church [FALL] This course will instruct the student in understanding contemporary theological thought within a biblical theological context. Emphasis will be given to developing a biblical theological response to contemporary, emerging theological thought relevant to the church today. Topics covered will include
29the rise of liberal theology, neoorthodoxy, theology and language theory, liberation theology, sonship, the emergent church, and theology and critical ideologies. DM9021 Contemporary Church Planting [SPRING] This course will explore a biblical view of church planting, building on the Lampstand Conference, and then will transition to studying, understanding, and assessing contemporary views on church planting—both inside the reformed community and outside the reformed community. This course, and each following course, will specically consider the variety of different church planting elds: geographic, socioeconomic, ethnic, etc. DM9022 Biblical Multiplication and Development [SUMMER] What are the principles of biblical multiplication and discipleship? This course examines how discipleship is at the heart of church planting and church health and helps the student to evaluate discipleship for new churches or replants from a biblical, methodological, and systematic perspective.YEAR THREEDM9023 Transformational Church Development [FALL] How do our churches develop into healthier bodies of discipleship and ministry? This course studies the essential elements of institutional transformation, biblical leadership, and tasks of the pastor, helping churches move from plants to formative institutions. DM9024 Mentor Development and Training [SPRING] In the nal course before students complete their dissertation research, they will go through a coaching and mentoring training program. BTS is currently working with Embers to a Flame Ministry, Flourish Ministries, MNA, and other organizations championing church planting, church revitalization, and church vitality to secure certication as an ofcial coach or mentor after completion of this course. DM9111 Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation [SUMMER] The Independent Study/Understanding the Dissertation class begins with an exploration of the methods, models, and processes of writing a successful DMin dissertation and dissertation proposal. The program director will assign a faculty mentor appropriate to the subject matter of the proposal. Students will submit a proposal to the director for this independent study no later than the course›s second week. The course will only meet three times: twice at the beginning of the semester and one nal class at the end of the semester. The proposal must include at least 3,000 pages of reading and a scholarly paper of at least 25 pages, a signicant part of which will constitute the student’s dissertation proposal. IMPORTANT NOTE: This course also includes the Theological Examination for Candidacy to the dissertation.
Students can take the exam at the beginning of the semester and, if they do not pass, have a second opportunity to take the test at the end of the semester. Successful completion of the exam, the proposal, and the nal paper grants the student candidacy. YEAR FOURDM9122 DMin Dissertation/Project (6 credit hours/two semesters)Students will rst be assigned a committee, then will submit a proposal and complete the nal project. Please see the BTS Dissertation Guide for more information. 30
BIRMINGHAM THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYEST. 1972BIRMINGHAM THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY2200 Briarwood WayBirmingham, AL (205) 776-5650admissions@bts.educationwww.bts.education