Qualitative Research: A Multi-Methods Approach to Projects for Doctor of Ministry Theses

by Tim Sensing

The Association of Theological Schools states, The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to enhance the practice of ministry for persons who hold the MDiv degree and have engaged in ministerial leadership. The goals an institution adopts for the DMin should include an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry, enhanced competencies in pastoral analysis and ministerial skills, the integration of these dimensions into the theologically reflective practice of ministry, new knowledge about the practice of ministry, and continued growth in spiritual maturity . . . The program shall include the design and completion of a written doctoral-level project that addresses both the nature and the practice of ministry. The project should be of sufficient quality that it contributes to the practice of ministry as judged by professional standards and has the potential for application in other contexts of ministry .

Doctor of Ministry projects are a type of participatory action research that introduces an intervention in order to provide ministerial leadership for the transformation of the organization. The intent of Qualitative A Multi-Methods Approach for Doctor of Ministry Projects is to provide the fundamentals of qualitative research so that significant projects and theses emerge.

"Finally! A much-needed resource for Doctor of Ministry programs, this comprehensive text offers a detailed account of the components and purpose of Doctor of Ministry projects . . . His attention to forming mature theological thinkers and critically reflexive researcher-practitioners has the power to enhance the quality and credibility of Doctor of Ministry research projects. Sensing's clarity of thought, purpose, and writing style make this text an excellent resource for both students and faculty."
--Lorraine Ste-Marie
Assistant Professor on the Faculty of Human Sciences
Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario

"In this volume Dr. Sensing clearly and thoughtfully lays out the process for developing and writing a Doctor of Ministry project thesis. The book focuses primarily on various qualitative research methodologies describing them and giving specific examples of their use. The multi-methods approach he takes allows for both the flexibility and the rigor necessary to produce a quality thesis. Sensing is committed to projects that are grounded in solid theological foundations and implemented in local ministry contexts. This is a must read book for DMin students and advisers."
--Dave Bland
Professor of Homiletics
Harding University School of Theology

"Tim Sensing has written a major textbook for every seminary's Doctor of Ministry program. Appreciating the strengths and limitations of these programs, Sensing offers a guide and sourcebook for students in designing and writing their project theses. Equally important is his approach to the degree and project in which the student is a practical theologian engaging theology as a communal, formative, critical, and public activity. The church desperately needs quality doctoral work producing rigorous research that contributes to the practice of ministry. Those who share this goal have a valuable new resource."
--Lovett H. Weems Jr.
Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC

Tim Sensing (DMin, PhD) is the Director of Academic Services and Professor of Homiletics at the Graduate School of Theology located on the campus of Abilene Christian University. Tim has taught research methodologies for the Doctor of Ministry program since 1999.

Genres: Theology, Research

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2011

Reviews

[Chris Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for DMin dissertation work (at least from the perspective of a current DMin candidate).

[Ian Bordenave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tim Sensing’s Qualitative Research is essential, though not exciting, reading for anyone preparing to undertake a Doctor of Ministry Project Thesis. Sensing packs a lot of information into the book, so anyone reading it will need to reread at least portions of it several times to grasp all the concepts Sensing is trying to convey. Still, for those who apply themselves diligently to the study of the book will be in a better position to produce meaningful and professional project theses.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful as I began thinking about the D.Min. proposal and thesis. I do recommend it for those traveling that pathway. The organization of the book, done in a different fashion, could have made it more helpful, I think, as a reference work.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gold standard

This is the gold standard for DMIN research. If you want to know what it takes to be a successful DMIN writer, this is your book.

[Kristel Acevedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful resource as I prepare to begin my D.Min project.

[Jesse Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Qualitative Research, Sensing claims that the purpose of practical theology is to facilitate “transformative action” and develop “new knowledge” (p. 36). According to the author, the Praxis Model of practical theology is a communal, transformative, critical, contextual, sacramental, and public activity that aims to renovate Christian communities for the betterment of the world (pp. 21-86). To work towards this optimistic goal, Sensing provides several qualitative approaches for obtaining and analyzing data to develop a thick description (pp. 255-419). The book is useful to my research topic, as Sensing offers me a theologically grounded ethnographic companion for qualitative research. While the writing style and structure are excessively complicated and its description of qualitative methods is insufficient, the book will enable me to begin ‘theologizing about practice and practice doing theology' in the church and for the sake of the world (p. 21). In particular, the book is a research roadmap grounded in robust, practical theology that will assist me in developing a hallowed thick description of the spiritual, social, physical, and mental ecosystems in youth ministry.

[Sandy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never quite know how to rate certain types of books. 5, to me, means "a page-turner! Can't put it down!" Not exactly a category that books about research fall into. However, this one was good for what it does.

[Sean-david · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this a really helpful and readable guide whilst preparing my DMin project proposal.