Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Eckerd College are partnering to offer the Doctor of Ministry Parish Focus degree.
It is the second time the two institutions have offered the program, intended for mid-career Presbyterian pastors seeking to enhance their education. The program offers classes at Eckerd for two weeks in January and two weeks in June over a three-year period.
It is open to about a dozen students, beginning in January 2015. The classes will emphasize missional leadership and contextual issues unique to ministry. The program requires 10 courses including theology of church and ministry, congregation and community issues, and pastoral care among others. All are taught by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary faculty.
Applications are now being accepted.
“Eckerd has had a long history with the Presbyterian Church and we’re thrilled to partner with them again,” said the Rev. Dr. Susan Kendall, director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Pittsburgh. “Eckerd provides library and research support, classroom space, and easy access to the airport and amenities unique to the area.”
Doug McMahon, Eckerd’s chaplain and director of the Center for Spiritual Life, said the program allows busy pastors in the Southeast to earn a doctorate without having to travel to Pittsburgh. “We are pleased with the success of this program and delighted that this partnership will continue,” McMahon said. “It is an excellent example of the deep, historical ties between Eckerd and the Presbyterian Church.”
Apply online or contact Pittsburgh Theological Seminary at 412-924-1381 or e-mail doctorofministry@pts.edu.
The mission of Eckerd College is to provide excellent, innovative undergraduate liberal arts education and lifelong learning programs. Founded in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College, Eckerd operates under a covenant with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), whose history reflects its deep and abiding commitment to education.
Founded in 1794, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a graduate theological school of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Rooted in the Reformed tradition, the Seminary is committed to the formation of women and men for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.
