Doctor of Theology
Degree
Open & Relational Theology
What Is Open and Relational Theology?
“Open and Relational Theology” is an umbrella label under which a variety of theologies and believers reside. This variety shares at least two ideas in common:
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God experiences time moment by moment (open)
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God, us, and creation relate, so that everyone gives and receives (relational)
Most open and relational thinkers also affirm additional ideas, such as love is our ultimate ethic, creatures are free at least to some extent, all creation matters, life has purpose, genuine transformation is possible, science points to important truths, and more.
Students in this degree are dually enrolled in Kairos University and receive their degree from Kairos.
Doctor of Theology - Open & Relational Theology
can be completed in as little as two years
COURSE OF STUDY
YEAR ONE:
Starting Well
Foundation of Open & Relational Theology
Residency Week @ Kairos University in Sioux Falls, SD
Readings in Open & Relational Theology I
Readings in Open & Relational Theology II
YEAR TWO:
Contextualization of Open & Relational Theology
Residency Week @ Kairos University in Sioux Falls, SD
Readings in Open & Relational Theology III
Comprehensive Exams
Dissertation & Defense
Continuing Well
Dr. Oord's new books are available on Amazon
Collaboration
Northwind Theological Seminary and The Center for Open and Relational Theology have an Articulation Agreement to offer Certificate and Degree Programs.
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Certificate programs are offered through Northwind Institute.
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Degree programs are offered through Northwind Seminary.
C4ORT
The Center for Open and Relational Theology began in 2019. It fosters networks, develops resources, sponsors projects, and promotes events that deepen and broaden open and relational theologies. It appreciates and builds from the important work of previous open and relational thinkers.
Theology
“Open and Relational Theology” is an umbrella label under which a variety of theologies and believers reside. This variety shares at least two ideas in common:
-
God experiences time moment by moment (open)
-
God, us, and creation relate, so that everyone gives and receives (relational)
Leadership
Dr. Thomas J Oord is the Director of the Center. He holds a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Religion, and a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University.
Dr. Oord is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He serves in various consulting and administrative roles for academic institutions, scholarly projects, and research teams.
Program Outcomes
With a focus on rich theological reflection on ministry practice, the Doctor of Theology will help you develop and deepen your knowledge of theological content, be more fully formed in Christian character, and generate new understandings of the craft of ministry. Through the program, you will develop and demonstrate proficiency in its eight outcomes: Starting Well, Specialized Inquiry: Literature and History, Specialized Inquiry: Concepts and Models, Specialized Inquiry: Practices and Methods, Integration: Macro Context, Integration: Micro Context, Generative Learning, and Continuing Well.
Residency Experiences
Learning is not done in isolation. That's why, in addition to having a mentor team, you will participate in two week-long group residencies. These residencies will be held in Sioux Falls, SD, and provide valuable opportunities for community building and making connections. You'll be able to draw personal encouragement from others who are asking similar questions and learn from their experiences, perceptions, and wisdom.
Dissertation
As part of the Doctor of Theology program, you will be invited to generate for dissemination high-level scholarly research within a specialized theological field of inquiry toward the improvement of ministry praxis. You will work alongside a mentor team crafted around your specialized field of inquiry, and your entire learning experience may be individualized and contextualized as much as possible toward exploring your degree concentration and research focus.
Customized Learning Experiences
Learning experiences in Kairos are built around an invitation for students to explore some aspect of their vocation, Christian thought and practice, or the human experience. As a Doctor of Theology student, you will be able to engage in individualized and guided learning experiences that encourage deep theological reflection on ministry practice within your context and tradition.