The Doctor of Church Planting (D.C.P.) is an advanced academic degree designed for individuals passionate about starting and leading new Christian churches. This program equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in church planting strategies, missiology, leadership principles, discipleship practices, and effective ministry approaches to establish and grow healthy, impactful congregations.
Program Objectives:
- Advanced Theological Understanding: The D.C.P. program aims to provide students with advanced theological knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith. Students will engage in in-depth studies of biblical theology, missiology, ecclesiology, and practical theology, enabling them to integrate their faith into the field of church planting.
- Church Planting Strategies: The program focuses on developing advanced knowledge and skills in church planting strategies and principles. Students will explore various approaches to church planting, including contextualization, community engagement, evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development.
- Leadership in Church Planting: The program emphasizes the development of advanced leadership skills specific to church planting. Students will study leadership theories, organizational dynamics, strategic planning, and change management within the context of church planting. They will be equipped to provide visionary and effective leadership in establishing and leading new church plants.
- Discipleship and Spiritual Formation: Students will deepen their understanding of discipleship and spiritual formation within the context of church planting. They will explore theories and practices of discipleship, leadership development, and the nurturing of spiritual maturity among new believers and church members.
- Cultural Engagement and Community Outreach: The program equips students with the ability to engage with diverse cultures and communities. Students will learn to develop contextualized approaches to church planting, considering the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities within different cultural and social contexts.
- Research and Scholarship: Students will engage in advanced research and scholarship in the field of church planting. They will develop skills in research methodologies, data analysis, and the application of research findings to enhance church planting strategies and practices.
Potential Career and Educational Options:
- Church Planter: Graduates of the D.C.P. program can serve as church planters, leading the establishment of new Christian churches. They can assess community needs, develop strategic plans, and implement effective church planting strategies to establish healthy, vibrant congregations.
- Church Planting Network or Organization Leadership: D.C.P. graduates can serve in leadership positions within church planting networks or organizations, providing guidance, support, and resources to church planters. They can develop strategies, train and mentor church planters, and facilitate collaboration among church planting teams.
- Seminary or Bible College Educator: The D.C.P. degree prepares graduates for teaching positions in seminaries, universities, or Bible colleges, focusing on church planting, missiology, evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development. They can train and equip future church planters and leaders.
- Church Revitalization and Transformation: Graduates can engage in church revitalization initiatives, helping existing churches experience growth and transformation. They can assess church needs, develop strategic plans, and implement effective church planting and growth strategies within established congregations.
- Authorship and Publishing: Some graduates may pursue writing and publishing careers, authoring books, articles, and resources on church planting, missiology, discipleship, and leadership. They can contribute to the field through their scholarly writing and dissemination of knowledge.
- Missions and Cross-Cultural Church Planting: Graduates can engage in missions work, planting churches in cross-cultural contexts. They can serve as missionaries, training and equipping local leaders, and implementing effective church planting strategies within diverse cultural settings.