Northwind Theological Seminary
Pastoral Ministry
In the Modern Era, church leadership was provided by full-time professional clergy who performed ministry to and for their congregations.
In the Postmodern Era, there is a mix of full & part-time professional clergy, commissioned lay ministers, and para-church organizations working together to share ministry in their communities.
This dramatic ministry shift requires a 'new thing' to do ministry in 'new ways.
At Northwind Seminary, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive education in ministry and faith tailored to the needs of our students as they engage in the changing landscape of Pastoral Ministry.
Online Worship
Online worship can bring the love of God to everyone. We believe that the power of faith and the spirit of worship should be accessible to all who seek it. That’s why we offer online services that allow worshippers to join us from the comfort of their own homes, with the same level of connection and spiritual nourishment as if they were present in our church. We are developing a new form of house church using video-conferencing for each 'house' to share a portion of the worship service leadership.
Multi-Site Ministry
Multi-cultural ministry is gaining acceptance and growing rapidly. With roots in early methodist circuit riding, the postmodern multi-site ministry is riding a wave of new technology. Non-denominational churches are leveraging the power of scale to deliver high-energy mission-based ministry. Denominational churches facing declining membership are linking together to become effective through connectional ministry.
Multi-Cultural Ministry
Multi-cultural ministry is grounded on the belief that faith should be practiced with respect and understanding of the many cultures and backgrounds that we are all from. This approach to ministry strives to create a welcoming environment where everyone is accepted and respected. By bringing people of different cultures it is possible to foster a sense of community and belonging in a new ministry context.
Rev. Robert J. Duncan, Jr. D.Min
Center Director
President, Northwind Institute|Seminary
Professor of Leadership & Specialized Ministry
Master in
Specialized Ministry
30 Credits
Course of Study
Intro to Grad Studies
Ministry Seminar
Research Methods
Research Course
Capstone Paper
Ministry|PATH
Transfer Ministry
Experience & Training
for Advanced Standing
Degree Awarded by
Northwind Seminary
Doctor in
Specialized Ministry
36 Credits
Course of Study
Biblical Foundations
Theological Foundations
Doctoral Research Methods
Research I
Research II
Doctoral Paper
Ministry|PATH
Transfer Ministry
Experience & Training
for Advanced Standing
Degree Awarded by
Northwind Seminary
Master of Arts
42 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well
Readings in OT
Readings in NT
neXt church
Christian Tradition
Capstone Research
Capstone Project
Capstone Paper
Continuing Well
Degree Awarded by
Kairos University
Doctor of Ministry
36 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well
Readings in OT & NT
Doctoral Research Methods
Research I
Research II
Doctoral Project & Paper
Continuing Well
Degree Awarded by
Kairos University
Program Outcomes
These degrees focus on formation, biblical study, vocational discernment, theological reflection, and integrated practice. , the Doctor of Ministry helps you connect your journey of discipleship with what God is doing in the world. Through the degree programs, students develop and demonstrate competency in their area of specialized ministry.
Customized Learning Experiences
Learning experiences have been built around an invitation for students to explore some aspect of their vocation, Christian thought and practice, or the human experience. Students progress through these learning experiences in the way that is most helpful to them in their context and vocation. They work with faculty members to create customized learning experiences that help them develop vocational excellence and expertise.
Final Project
The Kairos Degrees includes a final project integrating the student's learning, theology, and practice. The project is intended to provide vocational context by planning, conducting, and reflecting on a project completed in the student's ministry context. Students work with a mentor team to customize or concentrate on any area of interest. Students can focus on anything from missional theology, systems design, thinking, pastoral care, or chaplaincy to biblical languages, spiritual formation and direction, finances, strategic leadership, and much more.
Contextual Learning
Throughout the program, students work with a mentor team to design learning experiences entirely shaped by what they are doing (or will do) in their current or desired ministry or vocational context. Are you planting a church? Building a youth ministry program? Developing curriculum? Then use that in your program! Are you managing finances? Writing code? Building homes? Developing software? Leading teams? Then use that in your program! If an experience or project is connected to what it means to flourish in your ministry or vocation, use it to progress in your program!