Doctoral Studies

The Doctor of Ministry at OCDS is a professional doctoral ministry program for men and women who are actively engaged in Christian ministry, and holding a graduate-level theological qualification. It is designed to strengthen their professional and ministerial competencies by integrating theology and praxis. The program seeks to enhance knowledge, transform and inculcate skills by assessing existing missional practices by revisiting biblical, theological, ecclesiological, missional and leadership reflections to instill, shape and propagate new practices. The program aligns with the accreditations policies and standards of the Asia Theological Association (ATA) and will duly be evaluated and accredited upon the first graduation. The OCDS D.Min program can be completed in three to four years ideally.

The OCDS D.Min program is designed to upgrade the knowledge and ministerial competencies of pastors and ministry practitioners. Its features are listed below.

• Ministry relevant specializations
• Cohort-based modular design
• Exposure oriented courses
• Interactive residencies
• Independent research
• Ministry oriented dissertation

• Pentecostal studies
• Christian leadership & church administration

The IPCTSK D.Min program espouses the following requirements;

• Possession of the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent of graduate-level credits in the field of theology and ministry (Church history, Pastoral counselling, etc.) with a minimum B+ grade.
• Any individual who is in pastoral ministry, a missionary, or involved in church ministry in various capacities is eligible to apply.
• A minimum of five years of experience in ministry after procuring a Master of Divinity or its equivalent is mandatory.
• Language proficiency in reading, writing and comprehending english at an academic level is mandatory.
• Basic computer literacy including word processing, internet surfing and research

1. Application for admission, duly filled- filled as online form (Form A).

2. Financial Commitment form (Form B): In this form, the applicant must demonstrate resources or potential sources that he/she may use to support participation in the DMin program.

3. Spouse’s Consent (Form C): A consent from the spouse of the applicant may be attached with the application

4. Two letters of recommendation (not from family or relatives):

• Academic Reference (Form D-1) one from a former teacher or professor who is convinced of your academic potential of pursuing a D.Min.
• Church Reference (Form D-2) from the sending church citing that the church supports your program and you would continue to serve the church upon completion.

5. Resume (this must include previous details on educational background, theological education, ministry title, informal ministry involvements with periods).

6. Short biography in an essay format: A three to four pages long [about 1750 to 2000 words], typed, ‘one and a half’ spaced statement comprising of properly organized, spell checked and corrected for grammar – content and style, with a purview that this writing introduces the student to the Admissions Committee. This should be in a proper essay format. Your biography must focus on the following aspects;

• Your experiences that demonstrate and shape the understanding and depth of your relationship with God as one who engages in the world through the Spirit of his Son.
• Influences upon you from various realms such as family, church, society, and neighborhood to serve as a Spirit-empowered / anointed witness.
• Reasons to choose the specialization, and ways how this focused study would further strengthen/enhance your ministry.

7. A sample academic writing, preferably a good research paper from your Master of Divinity program, not less than 1500 to 2000 words long, done in a proper research and academic format.

8.  A short write-up proposed area of focus in your study and how such a focus benefits you and your ministry [up to 1000 words].

9. Official transcripts from the schools (10th, plus two), colleges and seminaries previously attended with details on completed subjects, acquired credits and grades.

10. Self-Declaration: This form is a sign of compliance with the TSK policies on Academics, Student life and finance while being a student at OCDS.

11. A non-refundable processing charge of Rs 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred only).