“Doctor. Huh. It’s funny when people call [pastors] ‘doctor.’” This quote, popularized by the character Captain Raymond Holt from Brooklyn 99, humorously touches upon the often-debated title of “doctor,” especially when applied outside of the medical field. Captain Holt’s famous interrogation rant highlighted the etymology of the word, ironically pointing back to its origins rooted not in academia, but within the church itself. This historical connection provides a fascinating backdrop to understanding the Doctor Of Theology degree and its significance today.
The term “doctor,” derived from the Latin docere meaning “to teach,” originally signified a learned individual or teacher. In the late thirteenth century, the Roman Church formally recognized its first “Doctors of the Church” – figures like Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory, and Jerome. These individuals were not designated doctors due to ecclesiastical office, but rather for their profound and lasting contributions to theology and the Church’s understanding of God. While the title “doctor” has expanded to encompass various terminal degrees, including medical doctors, PhDs in diverse fields, and even dentists as Captain Holt jokingly pointed out, its most direct contemporary equivalent to its original theological meaning resides in those dedicated to the advanced study and teaching of theology.
Just as the early Doctors of the Church represented diverse roles and theological perspectives, the landscape of theological doctorates today is varied and multifaceted. Beyond pastors holding medical doctorates or PhDs in unrelated fields, a core group of degrees directly addresses the theology and practice relevant to Christian faith and ministry. This article will explore these degrees, focusing on the doctor of theology and its place within theological education.
Traditional Theological Doctorates: PhD, DMin, and ThD
The traditional structure of doctoral degrees broadly divides into research doctorates and professional doctorates. The most recognized of these are the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Doctor of Ministry (DMin). While less common, variations also include the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin), and specialized degrees such as Doctor of Missiology (DMiss) and Doctor of Music (DMA).
Interestingly, enrollment in doctoral theological programs is on the rise. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has documented consistent growth over the past four decades.^1 This growth is largely fueled by professional doctorates like the DMin, which has nearly doubled in enrollment, while research-oriented degrees like the PhD and ThD have also seen significant increases. But what fundamentally distinguishes these programs? Is one inherently superior? And crucially, for individuals seeking to serve the church more effectively, which path warrants consideration? To address these questions, we must delve deeper into the distinct nature of each doctor of theology degree.
The Focus of Study: Research vs. Practice
One of the primary distinctions between different types of doctor of theology degrees lies in their content and focus. The PhD in theology is fundamentally a research degree centered on rigorous academic inquiry within a specific theological discipline. It’s often described as an in-depth exploration, narrowing focus from a broad field like Old Testament studies to a specialized area such as Israelite Wisdom Literature, and ultimately to a niche research topic like “The Social Function of Proverbs in the Yehudite Community.” PhD programs demand stringent entry requirements, comprehensive coursework, and culminate in a substantial dissertation, typically ranging from 150 to 250 pages. These programs often necessitate proficiency in biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek) and research languages (like Latin, French, or German).
In contrast, the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree prioritizes the practical application of theology within ministry contexts. While some shared theological foundations may exist with research degrees, DMin programs emphasize pragmatic concentrations like leadership, preaching, pastoral care, and missional engagement. Admission criteria for DMin programs often have less stringent academic prerequisites, sometimes reducing or eliminating language requirements, and featuring a shorter program duration. However, they may emphasize significant ministry experience. Instead of a dissertation, DMin candidates typically complete a doctoral project (75–125 pages) directly relevant to their ministry setting, such as “Developing a Trauma-Informed Ministry Approach for Urban Youth” or “Implementing a Missional Discipleship Pathway in a Multi-Generational Church.” The DMin aims to cultivate expert practitioners, adept at applying theological insights within real-world ministry scenarios, rather than primarily producing academic scholars.
Alt Text: Diverse seminary students engaged in theological study, highlighting collaborative learning and the pursuit of a doctor of theology degree.
Audience and Impact: Academia vs. Local Church
Another crucial distinction emerges in the intended audience and sphere of influence for graduates of these different doctor of theology programs. While exceptions undoubtedly exist, generally speaking, the PhD is designed to train academics who primarily engage with the academic community. Their research, publications, and presentations are geared towards scholarly discourse and contribution to the field of theological studies. A common critique, particularly within the church, is that the PhD’s theoretical focus can sometimes overshadow practical relevance for ministry. PhD dissertations are not inherently required to demonstrate direct application to church ministry or even mention the local church. The implications of their research for practical ministry may, at times, be considered “beyond the scope” of their academic work.
Conversely, the DMin can sometimes struggle to extend its impact beyond its immediate ministry context. This limitation can stem from the program’s less intensive research focus and a potentially narrower engagement with the broader theological discipline compared to the PhD. In prioritizing practical application, the DMin might sacrifice some of the depth and breadth of theoretical knowledge.
The Doctor of Theology (ThD): Bridging the Gap
The Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree emerges as a potential solution to bridge these perceived gaps. While maintaining the research rigor and program length comparable to the PhD, the ThD distinguishes itself with a deliberate orientation towards theology for the church. Unlike professional doctorates, which arose more recently in the 20th century, the ThD boasts a rich historical legacy within theological education, dating back centuries.[^2] Regrettably, many institutions have phased out ThD programs in favor of the PhD. However, there is a growing movement advocating for the ThD’s resurgence, recognizing its unique contribution.
Emmaus Seminary, in partnership with the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT), exemplifies this renewed emphasis with their Doctor of Ecclesial Theology program.[^3] This program explicitly aims to cultivate doctors of theology equipped to engage both the academy and the church. The ThD, in this model, fosters theological scholarship that is deeply rooted in and relevant to the life of the church, speaking to both academic peers and the broader Christian community. It seeks to cultivate theologians conversant within their own ecclesial tradition and with those outside of it, promoting engagement characterized by humility and charitable dialogue.
While the PhD, DMin, and other doctoral degrees each play valuable roles in serving the church, each with their distinct strengths and areas of focus, the Doctor of Theology offers a unique and vital contribution. As theological education continues to evolve, the ThD, particularly in forms like the Doctor of Ecclesial Theology, holds immense promise for fostering robust theological scholarship that directly benefits the church, strengthens its leaders, and advances the flourishing of God’s kingdom.
[^2]: Martin Luther, as one example, received his Doctor of Theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
[^3]: Learn more about the Doctor of Ecclesial Theology at https://www.pastortheologians.com/articles/2024/4/10/what-is-a-doctor-of-ecclesial-theology
