Spiritual Formation and Discernment of Place

Imagine a Doctor of Ministry program that propels you to strengthen your ministry and impact the church.

Scroll down to discover more about this distinctive program or fill out the form to connect directly with a member of our admissions team.

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 2 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 written and email notifications of their acceptance status in June.

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

Seminar Schedule

Exact dates and locations available soon!

Late September/Early October 2026 (Holland, MI)

Late February 2027 (Washington, DC)

Early October 2027 (Oregon)

Late February/Early March 2028 (San Diego, CA)

What was helpful early on was the sense of community and family that this cohort was to one another...That sense of being loved right where you were, especially as I was wrestling with all sorts of feelings that I didn’t measure up as a church planter and pastor.

- Pastor Mike Gorr

Doctor of Ministry, Class of 2021

Ready to take the next step?

Start your application today.

Apply Now

Western Theological Seminary

101 East 13th Street
Holland MI, 49423

admissions@westernsem.edu

800.392.8554