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What You Need to Know About a PhD in Christian Leadership

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One of the degree programs offered through Trinity’s online seminary is a PhD in Christian Leadership.

Who is the PhD in Christian Leadership degree program for?

People in several types of situations can benefit from a PhD in Christian Leadership

  • Pastors of growing churches – Pastors are often trained in seminary programs that are strong on theology, Hebrew, Greek, and preaching. Then once they’ve entered the ministry they find themselves unprepared for the demands of leading a congregation and leading a staff of 5, 10, 20 or more people.  They want to become better leaders, and they want to teach their staff biblical leadership principles and practices.
  • Directors of Parachurch ministries – The local church is not the only place where biblical leadership is needed.  The Lord leads some people to start other types of ministries such as pregnancy centers, homeless shelters, and Christian schools. As a ministry grows, sometimes the founder or director come to realize the biggest thing holding back their ministry from having an even greater impact is their own leadership limitations.
  • Christian Leaders in Business – Sometimes Christians find themselves in business – either leading their own company or working for a secular company – and just are not comfortable with some of the cut-throat leadership principles they are being taught from secular sources. Christian Business Leaders may want to gain leadership training from a biblical perspective.

How long does it take to get a PhD in Christian Leadership?

At Trinity Seminary, the coursework for a PhD in Christian Leadership is 3 years.  Then, a dissertation is required.  Because doctoral dissertations are done independently and self-paced, they can take a year or longer.  However, we try to help our students to narrow the focus of their dissertations so they can complete them in about a year.

What are the prerequisites to a PhD in Christian Leadership?

Any seminary masters degree of 48 credits will meet the prerequisite.  Those with an earned seminary masters of less than 48 credits would be admitted and start doctoral courses but would also be required to take “leveling up” courses at the masters level to meet the 48 credit requirements.

If a student has an earned secular masters in a related field  (i.e. business management) they could be considered for enrollment by the Academic Dean but would be required to take a minimum number of relevancy building masters courses in theological related studies in addition to the listed core.  

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in Christian Leadership, click to read more on the PhD inChristian Leadership page.  We also encourage you to fill out the Request More Information form on the right side of this page.

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"In 2015 I graduated with a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. I felt prepared for the graduate work from my undergraduate degree at Trinity, and more so the admissions committee favored my past education. Trinity's state of accreditation did not impact my ability to attend a top ranked graduate level university."
Trinity Prepared me by Jenn Menn
Trinity Prepared me by Jenn MennBA in Biblical Counseling 2011
"The opportunities at Trinity are world class. Excellent teachers, wise course disciplines, and virtual fellowship with students. An enjoyable and enriching experience which becomes humbling when those you serve testify to recognizing growth in you as a person and as a teacher of the Word. I chose Trinity because of their Christian worldview and their financial options that gave me a truly wonderful education. I notice that when I read God's Word or am preparing a biblical message, my thinking has been deepened and my mind sharpened. I realize now how much more there is to learn, and enjoy taking further studies through Trinity."
The opportunities at Trinity are world class Paul Robinson
The opportunities at Trinity are world class Paul Robinson2014 Graduate
"I am grateful to God for the good people at Trinity! I was able to complete my degree with much help from the staff and faculty ! Online education has worked well for me simply because of the hustle and bustle of being a Pastor. This experience has allowed me to continue in full time ministry while finishing this degree. As a graduate I would like to encourage each alumni to give back to our school monthly to help them continue to facilitate an awesome quality distance education."
Quality Distance Education Jeffrey Thompson
Quality Distance Education Jeffrey Thompson2014 Graduate
"My school’s ethos is centered on the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes the curriculum, teaching, learning and everything the school does. This has been consistent over the past decade and is still going strong. Every single course is aimed at dealing with the realities that occur in the 21st century church and the communities. The courses are tailor-made to prepare ministry leadership to both teach the word of Jesus Christ effectively and also to tackle 21st century church issues."
Centered on the Truth of the Gospel Michael Andam
Centered on the Truth of the Gospel Michael Andam2014 Graduate
"As a recent graduate of Trinity Theological Seminary (August, 2014), with a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling, I feel a responsibility and obligation to heartily recommend Trinity to any aspiring Christian of any age interested in formal education, training and continued preparation to battle for the truths of God’s Word."
God Has Raised Up Trinity James Roy Dykes, Jr.
God Has Raised Up Trinity James Roy Dykes, Jr.Founder and Director, Biblical Counseling of Greater Atlanta 2014 Graduate
"I fully advocate Trinity as a university for those who prefer to study by distance and online, whether in the Unite States or abroad. Trinity's courses are demanding, but extremely rewarding in terms of what they teach you and the breadth and depth of understanding that you reach. What you learn will prepare you for ministry and service within the Body of Christ. Trinity is a well-run seminary that is efficient in helping students finish their degree programmes and is kindly flexible with those who may run into difficulties that prevent them from studying as much as they would like. This is truly a Christian college within the great tradition of Christian universities in the United States."
Study by Distance and Online Peter Harris2014 Graduate MA in Christian Theology
"My time at Trinity has been both informative and rewarding. I feel more equipped for ministry than ever before. Trinity formats their class schedule to enhance, not hinder, your ministry. I have never had to neglect my church responsibilities in order to finish my degree. It seems strange for someone to NEGLECT their calling in order to be educated FOR their calling. Trinity understands this and has done a great job of helping pastors reach their educational goals without breaking the bank or slowing down the ministry to the local church."
I feel more equipped for ministry than ever before Preston Cave2012 Graduate BA/MA Christian Education
"I originally began studies at Trinity with the purpose of being trained to encourage others in ministry. But I enjoyed the studies so much I continued on. What I appreciate most is how Trinity taught me to be a better student of Scripture. The education I received prepared me for the ministry I am now in. I only wish I would have started sooner. Because of their commitment to excellence in each field of study, I have no hesitation recommending Trinity to prospective students and especially to those who cannot afford the time or cost to attend seminary. I will always be thankful God led me to Trinity."
Prepared Me for the Ministry Rick Beard
Prepared Me for the Ministry Rick Beard2013 Graduate
"As a graduate, I got a world class administration degree at a master level education. The quality of information, the one day webinars, or independent study classes were great and worked out well for me a working dad and minister."
World Class Administration Degree Jon KrauseJon Krause, 2013 Graduate
"It has been one of the highest privileges of my life to have studied at Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary. I studied at Trinity because the theological stance held there has been that which I have held to for most of my life. It was discovered to me that the courses which I studied were both informative and rigorous. The persons who marked my work were exacting in what was required and yet at the same time I was given guidance on any matter that it was felt needed further attention. It has taken me three years to complete the first of my degrees (Doc. R. St.) and a further five years to complete the second (P. D.) During the time of study, even though I lived a hemisphere away from Trinity at all time I was kept in close contact by Trinity and it staff. Its programme of distance and on line study helped me consistently and enabled speedy solution to any problems that I was encountering."
The Courses Were Both Informative and Rigorous Graham HarrisCRK. Dip.Th. (Lond), Dip.Th. (Melb), B.A., M. Litt.St.(Qld), M.A. Ph.D. (Col. Pac), M.Phil. (Syd), Doc. R. St, Ph.D.(Trinity)
"I believe the school and the president are doing fine work.  I believe he has a vision for moving Trinity to new levels.  The school has always delivered quality theological education at very low prices.  In fact, some might say that it should be raised.  But I'm on-board for whatever the school leadership thinks is right.  If the president continues to allow his  steps to be ordered by God, I'm convinced it all work out for the good  of those who love the Lord. He should probably just continue  to keep doing the fine job he's doing."
Quality Theological EducationJohn Ward
“"My training with Trinity has changed  my outlook in life and enhanced my spirituality in my relationship to God and brothers and sisters in Christ. I realize it has not been easy  to fully comprehend the Word and it is our task to share the richness of the living Word and apply them to everyday life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  My training with Trinity has given me the confidence in sharing the Word and the assurance of being obedient and true to the teachings of the Holy Scripture. I continue to uphold (my Alma Mater) Trinity and all who serve in this remarkable Institute in my prayers as you seek to train successive generations of students in biblical theology. "
Changed my Outlook in Life George Chew
"Throughout my 57 years of life, the Lord has opened many doors for me for which I am most thankful and grateful. For the last several years I had pondered working on my doctoral degree, not out of any career necessity, but to enhance my educational and research skills. Trinity has provided for me a program of study which I feel will exceed my original educational objectives. I have found everyone on Trinity's staff to be very helpful, courteous, and possessing an attitude of genuine caring. This is indeed rare in today's world. "
Enhanced My Research and Educational Skills Vince KernCPA (Ph.D. student in Ministry Leadership)
"As a result of studying under the Trinity program, my knowledge and revelations about God and His Word increased tremendously. I believe that this program equipped me to be more effective in my ability to minister in the field of Christian Education. I look forward to implementing many of the truths, methods and ideas which I have learned into my own ministry setting where I serve."
Knowledge and Revelations Venandee L. HenningtonMinister Tarrant, AL
"The Trinity program enabled me to complete my theological seminary training while in ministry. It also opened the door for a new ministry in the educational field. I found the Trinity program to be academically sound, ministry driven and relevant in application."
Complete Training while in MinistryJames Clark, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church (Grandview, MO)
“I want to take a moment to thank the faculty and staff of Trinity College and Seminary as well for their assistance in training several key staff people at my church, myself included. I was personally able to gain valuable knowledge and spiritual wisdom that has enabled me to become a more effective leader. Regardless of your denominational background, Trinity can help train you for a lifetime of ministry. I wholeheartedly recommend Trinity College and Seminary for everyone.”
Training for a Lifetime Ted Denny
Training for a Lifetime Ted DennySenior Pastor Bethel Baptist Church Palrnyra, Tennessee
"God gave me the wonderful opportunity to study for the ministry through Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary from which I received five earned degrees. From the very beginning, the Word of God was exalted and my confidence in the Word of God grew stronger. President Dr. Harold Hunter is a dear friend and brother in the Lord. My heart is thrilled to know him personally and that he is leading Trinity to even higher ground!"
Wonderful Opportunity Danny BurnleyD. Min. West Gantt Baptist Church Greenville, South Carolina
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New area of ministry Don S. WilkeyFirst Baptist Church Onalaska, Texas
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Highly Spiritual Brent LayD. Min. Associate Pastor Englewood Baptist Church Jackson, Tennessee
"I started at Trinity Bible College in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Apologetics. I was a teacher in women’s ministry at my local church, and I felt I needed a better knowledge base from which to guide the women in study. The 4-week course schedule offered by Trinity, along with the two weeks additional time, allowed me to move at a pace that worked well with my career, my family, and my ministry. Upon completing my bachelor’s degree, I was invited to consider going on to complete a master’s degree. The tuition discount offered by Trinity helped make that possible. I graduated from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in 2023 with a Master’s Degree in Bible and Theology. Obtaining this degree has opened up for me greater teaching opportunities and an invitation to join church leadership in women’s ministries. To God be the glory."
Karen Bird Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary is a multi-denominational, Christian college and seminary, a leader in online degree programs for adult learners who wish to further their Christian education and/or ministry training, but do not wish to leave their families, churches, or communities.

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