Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Spiritual Formation and Leadership
“Spiritual formation in the tradition of Jesus Christ is the process of transformation of the inmost dimension of the human being, the heart, which is the same as the spirit or will. It is being formed (really, transformed) in such a way that its natural expression comes to be the deeds of Christ done in the power of Christ.”
Spiritual formation is the foundation upon which all Richmont programs are built, empowering ministers and counselors to impact churches, organizations, clients, and communities.
Richmont’s Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) offering is focused on the two dimensions most integral to the career of a minister of the gospel: spiritual formation and leadership. With a blend of rigorous theological study and practical ministry projects, this program goes beyond the master’s level to equip a new generation of ministry leaders to serve their congregations and communities in transformative ways.
Master of Arts in Ministry
Master of Arts in Ministry
The Master of Arts in Ministry is designed to help students develop ministry skills that will lead to lifelong learning and vocational success. This program aims to increase students’ capacities to understand God’s Word, thus becoming whole and holy people who can lead and serve effectively.
THE MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY
Equips students to interpret scripture through an emphasis on fundamental hermeneutics, Biblical themes, Christian Trinitarian doctrine, and church history
Empowers students in intentional spiritual formation, dwelling in Christ, and becoming like Christ
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Ministry consists of 40 semester hours.
Bible History and Theology (12 hours)
| MIN/MINO5113 | Hermeneutics and Exegesis | 3 |
| MIN/MINO5133 | Church History | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6113 | Biblical Themes | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6123 | The Trinity | 3 |
Ministry Skills (12 hours)
| MIN/MINO5313 | Authentic Leadership | 3 |
| MIN/MINO5323 | Pastoral Care | 3 |
| MIN/MINO5333 | Practical Aspects of Ministry | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6323 | Communication in Ministry | 3 |
Spiritual Formation (12 hours)
MIN/MINO5213 | Essentials of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
MIN/MINO5223 | Practices of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
MIN/MINO6213 | Traditions of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
MIN/MINO6223 | Applications of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Personal Development (4 hours)
MIN5231 | Spiritual Formation Retreat | 1 |
MINO5411 | Mentored Growth and Development I | 1 |
MINO5421 | Mentored Growth and Development II | 1 |
MINO6231 | Final Integrative Project | 1 |
Master of Arts in Ministry: Anglican Studies Concentration
Master of Arts in Ministry: Anglican Studies Concentration
The Master of Arts in Ministry: Anglican Studies Concentration is designed to help students develop ministry skills that will lead to lifelong learning and vocational success. Additionally, this program orients students to the history and theological distinctives of Anglicanism, preparing them with context-sensitive approaches to contemporary ministry.
MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY: ANGLICAN STUDIES CONCENTRATION
Equips students to interpret scripture through an emphasis on fundamental hermeneutics, Biblical themes, Christian Trinitarian doctrine, and church history
Empowers students in intentional spiritual formation, dwelling in Christ, and becoming like Christ
Orients students to the history of Anglicanism, including theological distinctives and its ecclesial, liturgical heritage
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Ministry: Anglican Studies Concentration consists of 33 semester hours.
Bible History and Theology (11 hours)
| MIN/MINO5113 | Hermeneutics and Exegesis | 3 |
| MIN/MINO5133 | Church History | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6113 | Biblical Themes | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6122 | The Trinity | 2 |
Spiritual Formation (6 hours)
| MINO5423 | Formations in Discipline and Rule of Life | 3 |
| MINO6213 | Traditions of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Anglican Studies (10 hours)
| MINO5413 | Anglican History and Identity | 3 |
| MINO6413 | Ministries of the Church: Liturgy, Sacraments, and Worship | 3 |
| MINO6424 | Missional Theology | 4 |
Personal Development (6 hours)
| MINO5411 | Mentored Growth and Development I | 1 |
| MINO5421 | Mentored Growth and Development II | 1 |
| MIN/MINO5323 | Pastoral Care | 3 |
| MINO6231 | Final Integrative Project | 1 |
Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction
Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction
The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction is meant to prepare students for the ministry of Spiritual Direction by equipping them to discern their own call and abilities and aiding them in becoming whole and holy people.
MASTER OF ARTS IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION AND DIRECTION
Equips students to interpret scripture through an emphasis on fundamental hermeneutics, Biblical themes, Christian Trinitarian doctrine, and church history
Empowers students in intentional spiritual formation, dwelling in Christ, and becoming like Christ
Prepares students with the Biblical, historical framework for the art of Spiritual Direction, helping them develop practical skills to explore discernment practices.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction consists of 40 semester hours.
Bible History and Theology (12 hours)
| MIN/MINO5113 | Hermeneutics and Exegesis | 3 |
| MIN/MINO5133 | Church History | 3 |
| MIN/MINO5323 | Pastoral Care | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6123 | The Trinity | 3 |
Spiritual Formation (12 hours)
| MIN/MINO5213 | Essentials of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN/MINO5223 | Practices of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6213 | Traditions of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN/MINO6223 | Applications of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Spiritual Direction (15 hours)
| SPD7253 | Perceiving a Holy Invitation | 3 |
| SPD7263 | Preparing an Available Self | 3 |
| SPD7273 | Developing a Listening Ear | 3 |
| SPD7283 | Discerning and Knowing God | 3 |
| SPD7293 | Arranging a Sacred Space | 3 |
Capstone (1 hour)
| MINO6231 | Final Integrative Project | 1 |
Master of Arts in Trauma, Theology, and Ministry
Master of Arts in Trauma, Theology, and Ministry
CERTIFICATE OPTION
Richmont’s programs in Trauma, Theology, and Ministry are unique and interdisciplinary courses of study bringing students into the best of trauma-informed theology and ministry practices. As the church’s awareness of mental health and trauma continues to grow, all thoughtful Christians need to engage with the meaning of how we discuss God, present Him to a hurting world, and seek to live out His kingdom.
Students in these programs will be exposed to how trauma-informed study can open new dimensions of understanding in both scripture and church history. They will also learn how to frame major Christian doctrines in a trauma-sensitive way. Finally, they will learn how to make churches and ministries into places that are trauma-safe, psychologically informed, and deeply reflective of God’s great compassion.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Master of Arts in Trauma, Theology, and Ministry consists of 33 semester hours.
Bible History and Theology (12 hours)
| MIN5113 | Hermeneutics and Exegesis | 3 |
| MIN5433 | History and Theology I: Ancient to Medieval | 3 |
| MIN6113 | Biblical Themes | 3 |
| MIN6433 | History and Theology II: Renaissance to Today | 3 |
Ministry Skills (9 hours)
| MIN5213 | Essentials of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN5232 | Pastoral Care | 3 |
| MIN5333 | Practical Aspects of Ministry | 3 |
Trauma and Theology (9 hours)
MIN6613 | Trauma-Informed Theology and the Church | 3 |
MIN6623 | Hermeneutics, History, and Legacies of Trauma | 3 |
MIN6633 | Theodicy and Trauma Counseling | 3 |
Personal Development (3 hours)
MIN5411 | Mentored Growth and Development I | 1 |
MIN5421 | Mentored Growth and Development II | 1 |
MIN6231 | Final Integrative Project | 1 |
Certificate Requirements
All five classes in the sequence listed below are required to complete the certificate.| MIN6613 | Trauma-Informed Theology and the Church | Fall Semester | 3 |
| MIN5323 | Pastoral Care | Spring Semester | 3 |
| MIN6623 | Hermeneutics, History, and Legacies of Trauma | Fall Semester | 3 |
| MIN6633 | Theodicy and Trauma Counseling | Spring Semester | 3 |
| MIN6231 | Final Integrative Project | Summer Semester | 1 |
Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Ministry
School of Ministry Faculty
Chris Green, Ph.D, D.Min
Chris Green earned a B.S. and an M.M. at Southwestern Christian University, an M.S.T.S at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, a D.Min. at Oral Roberts University, and a Ph.D. at Bangor University. Dr. Green has served as faculty at Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Southwestern Christian University, Mid-American University, and Oral Roberts University. His research and writing focus on the relationship of vocation, holiness, and scriptural hermeneutics. Dr. Green presently serves as Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL) and Director for St Anthony Institute of Theology, Philosophy, and Liturgics. He is the author and editor of a number of books, including most recently, All Things Beautiful: An Aesthetic Christology.
Chris Green, Ph.D, D.Min
Steve Hall, D.Min.
Steve attended Lee University where he met his wife La Don. They served in Pastoral roles on the west coast until 1992 when he decided to further his education in counseling and return to Maryland. Upon returning, he joined the team at Heritage Community Church and focused on Christian Education and Pastoral Care.
He attended Loyola College in Baltimore, graduating in 1998 with a Master's in Pastoral Counseling. He attained his license to practice Mental Health in Maryland and started the Heritage Pastoral Counseling Center. He received his Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Ashland Theological Seminary and has served as Pastor with Heritage Community Church for nearly three decades.
Steve Hall, D.Min.
Preston Hill, Ph.D.
Dr. Hill serves as Assistant Professor of Integrative Theology at Richmont and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. ln 2021 he completed a Ph.D. in Theology at St Mary’s College, University of St Andrews, having previously completed an MLitt degree in Analytic and Exegetical Theology from the Logos Institute at St Andrews. He has released his first coauthored book with Scott Harrower and Joshua Cockayne entitled Dawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe Church (Cascade) and is releasing his first edited volume entitled Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden (Pickwick Publications). Dr. Hill is also ordained in the Anglican tradition and is a pre-licensed clinical pastoral therapist.
Preston Hill, Ph.D.
Gary W. Moon, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Christian Spirituality
Ph.D. Fuller Theological Seminary. Director of the Martin Family Institute and Dallas Willard Center for Christian Spiritual Formation at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Codirector of Fuller’s Doctor of Ministry degree program in Spiritual Direction. Founding Director of the Renovaré International Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. His books include Becoming Dallas Willard, Apprenticeship with Jesus, and Falling for God.
Gary W. Moon, Ph.D.
Joshua Rice, Ph.D.
Dr. Joshua Rice serves as Provost and Dean of the School of Ministry at Richmont Graduate University. He holds degrees from Lee University (B.A.), Columbia Theological Seminary (M.A.), and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (Th.M, Ph.D.). He is the author of three monographs, Paul and Patronage: The Dynamics of Power in 1 Corinthians (Pickwick, 2013), The Jewish Centaur: Adventures in Pentecostal Spirituality (Cascade, 2015), and The Patriarch: Essays from the Middle (Resource Publications, 2024), as well as numerous scholarly articles. A full-time pastor for 20+ years, his passions are at the nexus of students, the Church, leadership development, and biblical scholarship. He is also a current student in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgia State University where he also works on research projects in the HAPPI Lab.
Joshua Rice, Ph.D.
Samuel Youngs, Ph.D.
Samuel Youngs has been a part of The Mission Chattanooga community since 2012. As the Dean he is primarily responsible for shepherding the academic vision of the MSM. He also serves as the lead Lecturer in Theology & History for the MSM. Sam is a professor in the Christian Studies department at Bryan College in Dayton, TN. He has taught at Bryan since 2011. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology & Religious Studies at King’s College (London); his M.A. in Religion is from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His teaching and research interests span philosophical theology, history of doctrine, world religion, and hermeneutics. He served as the Book Review Editor for American Theological Inquiry from 2013 to 2015 and has published reviews and/or articles in Reviews in Religion & Theology, Swiss American Historical Review, The Asbury Journal, Trinity Journal, American Theological Inquiry, The Journal of Religious History, Philosophia Christi, and The Journal of Comparative Theology. His first book is under contract, entitled: The Way of the Kenotic Christ: The Christology of Jürgen Moltmann.
Samuel Youngs, Ph.D.
Doctor of Ministry Guest Lecturers
Ernest Gray, Jr., Ph.D.
Ernest Gray, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Keystone Baptist Church located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, and the Spiritual Care Director of the Lawndale Christian Health Center. He is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Pastoral Ministries, and a graduate of Wheaton College with a Master’s Degree in Biblical Exegesis. He completed his PhD coursework at McMaster Divinity College and is currently completing his thesis within the corpus of 1 Peter. Dr. Gray has taught in undergraduate school of Moody in the areas of Hermeneutics, first year Greek Grammar, General Epistles, the Gospel of John and Senior Seminar. It is Dr. Gray’s hope to impact the African American church through scholarship. Teaching has been one way that God has blessed him to live this out.
Ernest Gray, Jr., Ph.D.
David McNutt, Ph.D.
The Rev. Dr. David McNutt (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Senior Acquisitions Editor at Zondervan Academic, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and Associate Lecturer of Core Studies at Wheaton College. He is the co-author of Know the Theologians, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the co-founder of McNuttshell Ministries.
David McNutt, Ph.D.
Jennifer Powell McNutt, Ph.D.
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt (Ph.D., University of St. Andrews) holds the Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies at Wheaton College and is Associate Professor of Theology and History of Christianity with specialty in Reformation Studies and John Calvin. She is a Fellow in the Royal Historical Society, co-author of Know the Theologians, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the co-founder of McNuttshell Ministries.
Jennifer Powell McNutt, Ph.D.
Barbara Peacock, D.Min.
Rev. Dr. Barbara L. Peacock is the founder of Peacock Soul Care (PSC). PSC is an institution that offers a certificate of completion in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation for persons seeking the deeper journey with God. PSC also offers special Soul Care Leadership classes.
Dr. Peacock is the author of the award-winning book Soul Care in African American Practice. She also wrote Psalm 119 Scriptural Journal and Called to Teach (Acronym C.A.L.L.E.D. means Commissioned As Leaders, Learners, Educations and Disciples). She is passionate about the disciplines of prayer, spiritual direction, soul care, and spiritual formation. In 2013 she founded Barbara L. Peacock Ministries. This ministry is committed to providing safe spaces for encounters with God. In 2022 she will launch The Soul Care Institute.
Barbara Peacock, D.Min.
Amy Peeler, Ph.D.
Amy Peeler is Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and Associate Rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva, IL. Her primary areas of research are the Epistle to the Hebrews (You are My Son: The Family of God in the Epistle to the Hebrews, T&T Clark, 2014; With Patrick Gray, Hebrews: An Introduction and Study Guide, T&T Clark, 2020) and a theological interpretation of gender (Women and the Gender of God, Eerdmans, 2022). Mother of three, she is blessed to see the three vocations to which she has been called: professor, pastor, and parent mutually inform one another.
Amy Peeler, Ph.D.
Andrew Schmutzer, Ph.D.
Andrew is Professor of Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute and has been teaching full-time since 1998. Prior to teaching at Moody, Andrew served as a pastor of a 2nd generation Korean Church. His teaching focuses on Old Testament Bible (Genesis, Pentateuch, Minor Prophets, Psalms), Biblical Theology (1 Samuel, OT Theology, Theology of Suffering, Theology of Sexuality), and Hebrew Language (grammar, exegesis, and Hebrew reading courses). He has taught more than 30 different courses. In addition, he has served as faculty sponsor for student groups, including the Student Theological Society and the MK Fellowship. Andrew regularly speaks in Chicago-land churches. He has also served as an adjunct teacher at Wheaton College and Northern Theological Seminary.
Andrew Schmutzer, Ph.D.
The Doctor of Ministry program is built around four onsite retreats over a two-year span at the Wings Center outside of Atlanta. The Wings Center’s Christ-centered environment, peaceful surroundings and innovative services are designed to strengthen relationships, expand knowledge, and refresh the soul.