Spiritual Formation & Discernment of Place

Ronald Rolheiser writes provocatively that Christian leaders are struggling deeply with “the pluralism of an age which is rich in everything, except clarity.” Is there a more honest, healthy, and holistic pathway forward for maturing Christian leaders that is rooted in Christ? Is it possible for growing Christian leaders to listen and discern the voice of God, calling us towards wholeness, shalom, and equitable restoration within our communities? Can Christian leaders faithfully learn to accompany others as they connect to, and abide in Christ? They can and will within the safety of this cohort.

The Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation & Discernment of Place (SFDP) seeks to answer this framing question in humbly charting a pathway forward: What does a biblical, resilient, pragmatic, holistic, healthy, and transformational model of spiritual formation and reflective discernment of ‘our place’ for good look like in our cultural moment?

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What is a Doctor of Ministry?

The Doctor of Ministry program equips participants to develop their ministerial knowledge and skills, preparing them for meaningful service in congregational, parachurch, and missionary contexts.

This program helps students integrate practical ministry, academic learning, and thoughtful reflection within a supportive community of peers. Unlike an academic or research degree, it is designed for pastors and ministry leaders who want to grow in their calling and serve the unique needs of their communities with greater depth and effectiveness.

Under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, each cohort engages in a carefully structured curriculum centered on their chosen area of study.

Each three-year cohort focuses on timely and relevant themes, with new cohorts introduced each year.

Through collaboration with fellow students and faculty, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your learning in ways that are meaningful and relevant to your unique ministry context.

About This Cohort

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last” John 15:15-16

The vision of the Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation & Discernment of Place (SFDP) cohort is to lovingly develop and form honest, responsive Christian leaders with wise, flourishing hearts, who listen with God for the good of the world, rooted in Christ our Friend.

Together, we will create a safe and mutually supportive cohort that is maturing in health and wholeness towards our vocational callings. This communal maturation will take place through deep listening and reflective discernment as foundational rhythms for those who are learning how to seek the flourishing of the “Community of Creation” that already exists in the particular social location that they call home.

Download the learning sequence below to learn more.

Download Learning Sequence

Meet Cohort Leader, Dr. Chris Kamalski

Dr. Kamalski’s doctoral work is entitled ‘Place Informs Posture: Developing a Model of Spatial Lectio Divina for Under-Resourced African Christian Leaders.’ He created a new model of spiritual formation that centers on a spatial approach to practicing Lectio Divina within the crucible of an under-resourced leadership community, to help discern the vocational calling and holistic empowerment of African Christian leaders.

Chris is a professionally trained Spiritual Director and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach for Restore Voice, with extensive experience in forming leaders to serve others across a variety of cross-cultural contexts. He has served as the Editorial Director and Writing Cohort Director for Missio Alliance since 2022.

Chris lives with his family in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. His wife, Maxie, is Afrikaans, and their girls are dual American/South African citizens! The formational complexities of place is their lived reality.

Important Dates

Apply by June 1, 2026

The application and all supplemental material must be submitted by the due date.

The Doctor of Ministry application includes:

Three recommendation forms
One letter of ecclesial endorsement
Two personal statements
One academic writing sample
Official Transcripts from previous educational institutions

Confirm by July 10, 2026

Accepted students are required to confirm their program participation and pay the deposit fee by the due date.

Applicants will receive email notifications of their acceptance status in June.

If you have questions about your application, contact our admissions team at admissions@westernsem.edu.

Projected Seminar Schedule

Seminars are scheduled in the Spring and Fall of each year until graduation in April 2029. View the learning sequence for more details.

Cohort Launch and First Seminar: September 26–October 3, 2026, in Holland, MI

Second Seminar: February 21–26, 2027, in Washington, D.C.

Third Seminar: October 2–9, 2027*, in Portland, OR

Fourth Seminar: February 27–March 3*, 2028, in San Diego, CA

Fifth Seminar: May 26–June 4, 2028*, in Cape Town, South Africa

Final Seminar: October 1–6, 2028*, in Holland, MI

*Dates subject to change

Ready to take the next step?

Start your application today.

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