Doctor of Missional Leadership

Program Description and Objectives:

The DML forms advanced scholar-practitioners who are rooted in Christ (Identity), shaped for Spirit-led service (Life), and sent to multiply gospel impact (Destiny). Integrating biblical theology, missiology, organizational leadership, and rigorous research, graduates design and lead transformational initiatives that serve the Church and the world.

Program Requirements Summary:

Research and Methodology Core 16 credits

Theological and Missional Core 16 credits

Leadership and Systems Core 16 credits

Concentration/Electives 12 credits

Residencies and Praxis 6 credits

Doctoral Colloquia 4 credits

Proposal Seminar 4 credits

Dissertation 16 credits

Total Credit requirement: 96 credits

Program Learning Outcomes:

The Doctor of Missional Leadership at Lumina Christian University forms advanced leaders, teachers, and administrators for the church and world. Rooted in biblical and theological identity (Identity), the program cultivates spiritual formation and educational excellence (Life), and equips graduates to lead missionally with wisdom, integrity, and Christlike character (Destiny). Graduates will be able to:

Advance missional knowledge & competency through doctoral-level scholarship and practice.
Construct and apply frameworks (biblical, theological, anthropological, organizational) for context-appropriate missional leadership.
Contribute original research that strengthens the discipline and informs the Church’s global witness.
Exhibit specialized expertise in a chosen concentration (e.g., Intercultural Ministry, Theological Education, Organizational/Systems Leadership, Community Transformation).

Model mature spiritual leadership—a sustainable Rule of Life, ethical discernment, and humble, courageous service.

Limitations of Program Duration and Statue:

The Doctor of Missional Leadership must be completed within a six-year statute of limitations from the date of initial enrollment. Students who fail to complete all program requirements within this timeframe will be dismissed from the program. Extensions are granted only under extraordinary, verifiable circumstances and require formal approval by the Vice President for Academics.

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements for the Doctor of Missional Leadership program are:

Minimum GPA requirement is 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale.
Qualifying degrees:
Missiology and ministry experience: a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated ministry experience of a missiological nature are required for applicants to the General DGL cohorts. Applicants to the Redemptive Imagination in the Marketplace required to demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience in the marketplace.
Three references: including a pastoral reference and an academic reference
Written Statements: 1) religious Autobiography, 2) Statement of Experience, 3) 500-word Focus Statement, 4) Writing Sample (15-30 pages in length)
Language Exam: Applicants for whom English is not a first language, a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam is required.
The GRE Exam is not required
Completed and signed Application for Admission, including an application fee.

Program Graduation Requirements:

As stated above, a minimum of 36 credits of Bible and Mission courses, 20 credits of Mission as Spiritual Formation, 16 credits of Mission Studies, Students are also required to take at least 24 credits of Missional Leadership, in any of classifications.