Earn a Doctor of Ministry in Creative Leadership Degree at Central Seminary
English | 100% Online or Hybrid | 30 Credits
Monumental social change is inspiring people of faith to find creative ways to lead today’s churches, nonprofits, and entrepreneurial service organizations. Central Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry in Creative Leadership can help transform you into an innovative leader who can guide faith communities through today’s—and tomorrow’s—challenges.
Launching January 2026 – 100% Online Track | No on-campus requirements or travel | Scholarships available
The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin) is to provide advanced, practical theological education for experienced ministers, chaplains and other faith leaders who hold the Master of Divinity degree. The DMin program of Central Seminary emphasizes the integration of theological reflection and practice, coaching, servant leadership, and scholarship to deepen spiritual and missional formation in both the practice of ministry and in the minister.
Why Pursue a DMin in Creative Leadership at Central?
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Creative Leadership program is perfect for entrepreneurial individuals who want to take the next step in their seminary education. Expert instructors and specialized curriculum will help innovative students develop a unique vision for sustainable change in the ministry.
Central Seminary offers a dynamic, welcoming community that celebrates students from all walks of life. Students will be empowered to focus on their specific paths and goals. Students also have access to Central Seminary’s lifelong learning opportunities to help them connect with their peers and focus on personal growth.
An Invitation From the Director
Program Benefits
Central offers the DMin in Creative Leadership in 100% online or hybrid tracks depending on the needs of the students.
Online education gives you the choice to build a convenient schedule that compliments other responsibilities in your life. Live online sessions offer students real-time interaction with their cohort and instructors while providing location flexibility. Additionally, asynchronous video tools allow professors to communicate difficult concepts more effectively.
Central Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. Central has also received approval from the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Participation in SARA allows Central Seminary to offer distance learning to students in all states that participate in the agreement.
Students get advanced leadership training at an affordable tuition rate. Scholarship opportunities are available to all degree-seeking students. Payment plans are also available to make your education affordable.
Doctor of Ministry in Creative Leadership Program
The Creative Leadership DMin program helps you gain a better understanding of yourself and others, while developing skills in systematic and design thinking, theology in practice, and research methods. As a result, you can prepare to execute your innovative ministry vision through effective, sustainable methods.
Applications Calendar
| Session | Start Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 (January - April) | January 20, 2026 | December 29, 2025 (October 15, 2025 for F-1 students) |
DMin Tuition & Fees
Tuition
$530 per credit (25-26 academic year) before scholarships or other financial support.
Registration Fee
$250 per term
Dissertation Fee
$850 at start of dissertation
Graduation Fee
$250
DMin Admissions
Start your application anytime. Applicants must have a master degree in a field relevant to their ministry plus a minimum of three years of experience in their ministry context after receiving the master degree. The application deadline is the second Tuesday in November each year. All applicants will be interviewed by the admissions committee as part of their application process. Students for whom English is not their first language will be required to demonstrate their English proficiency.
Required Coursework
Doctor of Ministry in Leadership Courses
- Shaping a Theology for Leadership and Spirituality
- Understanding Yourself and Others
- Engaging the Power of Change
- Leading People and Organizations
- Embracing Design Thinking
- Managing Ministry Resources
- Capstone Design, Development, and Execution
Program Schedule
Students will complete two years of course work (30 credit hours). One or more years will be dedicated to completing a dissertation project. New cohorts begin every January. The program operates on three terms per year, starting in January, May, and late August. Each term runs for 12 weeks.
Some students will choose the 100% online track. Students that choose a hybrid track will attend class in-person on the Overland Park, Kansas campus one week per term.
Contact Admissions
John S. Park
Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Des Peres Chair of Congregational Health, Associate Professor of Leadership and Congregational Health
Key Elements of Doctor of Ministry in Creative Leadership
Central Seminary offers a dynamic, welcoming community in the 100% online DMin in Creative Leadership program for entrepreneurial individuals ready to pursue a seminary education.
The DMin in Creative Leadership courses begin by “planting the seed” of your vision. In beginning coursework, you will create a theological construct that will guide your vision’s development.
Students will be challenged to grow through personal assessments, engagement with others, and team building exercises. Courses are also designed to help students assess organizational challenges and develop innovative solutions with intentional outcomes.
Balancing budgets, raising funds, and other administrative aspects of ministry management are crucial to the sustainability of every church organization. Understanding these essential processes and systems will be essential when planning creative initiatives. These skills will also strengthen your ability to manage the creative process from ideation through execution.
The capstone project aims to integrate the goals and outcomes of the coursework while giving students the opportunity to reflect on the results of their thesis. This process helps strengthen communication and leadership skills through the experiential aspects of the project’s execution.
Doctor of Ministry in Creative Leadership FAQs
Becoming an innovator in church leadership or high-level faith-based roles does not happen overnight. You need the guidance of experienced instructors and a curriculum that is designed for students who have a unique vision for sustainable change in the ministry. The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Creative Leadership program at Central could be the next logical step in your seminary education if you already have a graduate theology degree and entrepreneurial mindset.
Central is a dynamic, welcoming seminary community that celebrates students from all walks of life. We all have unique experiences that bring us together. Celebrating your specific path and goals will be the focus of our guidance and your project dissertation. Beyond the quality of this program, Central has a long history and track record of providing accredited seminary programs to students. With our technology-enhanced approach to education, managing your coursework throughout your education is more than possible.
Yes! Launching in January 2026, Central will offer a 100% fully online DMin in Creative Leadership track.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is a professional doctor. Depending on the program and the course, seminaries and theology schools may have need for the knowledge and skills of a DMin graduate. Most universities and colleges, however, prefer to utilize graduates with a research doctor. (i.e. Ph.D.)