KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Midwestern Seminary recently announced the approval of two new doctoral degree emphases: the Ph.D. in Church History and the D.Min. in Biblical Spirituality. Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, these degree emphases reflect the seminary’s ongoing commitment to equipping students for faithful service to the Church through rigorous academic training and spiritual formation.
“I am pleased to announce these two new emphases in our doctoral program,” said President Jason Allen. “The Ph.D. in Church History will allow students to study with our stellar faculty including the likes of Tommy Kidd, Jason Duesing, Geoff Chang, and Michael McMullen. And our D.Min. in Biblical Spirituality will allow students direct access to Don Whitney. I thank God for these men, and I am thankful students will be able to study with them as they are further equipped for service in the Kingdom.”
Midwestern Seminary’s doctoral programs are intentionally designed to equip pastors, scholars, and ministry leaders for advanced study and faithful service. Each track provides specialized training tailored to the unique needs of its discipline, ensuring students are resourced with world-class tools for their distinct callings.
Jason Duesing, professor of historical theology, provost, and senior vice president for academic administration said, “These new emphases are a joy to add as they reflect the expertise and heart of our faculty. I hope they will encourage all who have aspired to doctoral studies to see that now is a good time to inquire and see how our programs of study really do come alongside those engaged in full-time ministry.”
Doctor of Philosophy in Church History
In the spring of 2022, Midwestern Seminary expanded its Ph.D. program to include three unique tracks of study: biblical studies, theological studies, and applied theology. “Expanding our Ph.D. emphases allows us to draw sharper lines between distinct disciplines and ministry practices for the benefit of our students and the institutions they serve,” said Allen.
The addition of the Ph.D. in Church History is in the continued effort to serve the needs of churches and equip ministers and scholars in advanced training for the Church.
Thor Madsen, dean of doctoral studies and academic initiatives, commented on the recent addition of the Ph.D. in Church History, “We need to deepen our understanding of how the past now affects our present, and doctoral research in church history affords that opportunity.”
Thomas Kidd, research professor of church history, added, “Many of our Ph.D. students in Church History arrive with a seminary background, but many potential students for our programs have degrees in History, too.”
“Since my own doctorate is in History, we wanted to make sure that students with History degrees have a wide-open path to join us for doctoral studies at Midwestern Seminary,” Kidd shared. “This new emphasis only adds to our vibrant doctoral program in historical studies, especially the history of Baptists and of evangelical Christianity.”
Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Spirituality
The new Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Spirituality builds upon the work established in the Spring of 2024, when Professor Donald S. Whitney was added to the seminary’s faculty and new degrees in biblical spirituality were added.
As President Allen shared, “Dr. Whitney’s presence at Midwestern Seminary is a statement of this institution’s commitment to the holistic formation of its students, including and especially their inner lives.”
Addressing the addition of the new doctoral degree offering in Biblical Spirituality, Madsen said, “The D.Min. in Biblical Spirituality is well-suited for the local church pastor who is looking for biblically grounded ways to recharge the ministry in which he is engaged. Seminars will cover personal and congregational renewal, with elective options drawn from the wider range of applied theology.”
Doctoral Studies for the Church
Midwestern Seminary’s doctoral program is designed for student success. No matter their unique ministry calling, each student is equipped with a faculty and staff that is driven to equip them to serve the Church faithfully.
Madsen reflected, “The Midwestern Seminary doctoral program is known for its student-friendly approach to administration, advising, and academic development. The goal is student success, and student success begins with the highest quality advising and mentorship from a world-class faculty and staff.”
Prospective students for the Ph.D. in Church History and the D.Min. in Biblical Spirituality can apply for admission today at mbts.edu/apply.
For more information about the programs and doctoral studies at Midwestern Seminary, please contact the Doctoral Studies office at [email protected].
