We are pleased to announce that our Doctor of Ministry program is growing and expanding to Australia through a unique partnership with the University of Divinity and Stirling Theological College, two fine academic institutions in Melbourne.

The University of Divinity (UD) is the leading degree-granting theological institution in Australia, and it is the only specialized university in Australia that offers a wide array of master’s and research doctoral degrees in theology. As one of the 11 colleges that comprise UD, Stirling Theological College serves as a national seminary for Churches of Christ in Australia; they are well-suited both academically and strategically to serve as a contextual partner.

Dr. Andrew Menzies

Over the past 18 months the Graduate School of Theology has been in conversation with these two institutions, who have long desired to offer a Doctor of Ministry degree to their students. Stirling’s principal, Dr. Andrew Menzies, was particularly keen to find an institutional partner from within their own particular faith tradition. As Menzies explored options within North America, he and his colleagues concluded that Abilene Christian University best fit their goals of academic excellence, their desire to form ministerial leaders, and their loving commitment to the Stone-Campbell tradition.

Out of those conversations comes a wonderful new partnership that will make Abilene Christian University’s Doctor of Ministry program more readily available to ministers, chaplains, and other Christian leaders in Australia. Those with a Master of Divinity or its equivalent can enter into our D.Min. program, travel to Abilene only twice, and complete the remainder of the program online and through classes jointly offered through Stirling and UD. Stirling faculty will teach in Abilene, and ACU faculty will travel to Melbourne to teach.

Stirling Theological College

As a terminal professional degree in ministry, the Doctor of Ministry serves mid-career ministers, pastors, chaplains, missionaries, and leaders in non-profit organizations. The degree began in the U.S. but is rapidly gaining recognition throughout the world.

This new venture creates another dynamic dimension to ACU’s D.Min. program. The global connections with faculty and students from Australia will continue to enhance the value of our D.Min. program and foster an even deeper community of disciples and scholar-practitioners who make up ACU’s remarkable D.Min. community!

Visit acu.edu/dmin and acu.edu/dmin/australia for more information. On July 15 we will begin accepting applications for the June 2020 cohort!