Diploma in Ministry Leadership (DML)
Thirsty to know more about the Bible and to make space for the Holy Spirit to transform your heart as a ministry leader on mission for God? Our Diploma in Ministry Leadership program may be the perfect fit for you!
Ascent College’s Diploma in Ministry Leadership (DML) one-year program is a great fit for:
- Natural leaders preparing for entry-level ministry positions and volunteer roles
- Life-long learners seeking to amplify Biblical knowledge and ministry leadership skills
- Curious individuals who prefer to dip their toes in the water before pursuing long-term degree plans
- College graduates seeking structured learning paths for continued development
Program Details
Level
Beginner
Duration
1 Year
Type
Academic Diploma
Courses Needed (33 Total Credits)
General Education (6 credits)
GEN102 Orientation and Library Research (0 credits)
This course is required for every student enrolling in Ascent College in any program, taken in the first eight-week session of classes alongside other courses. This course orients students with college life and academics, and provides access and training for using Ascent College study tools and resources.
ENG101 Grammar and Composition (3 credits)
This course is a comprehensive study of English grammar designed to remedy deficiencies in the knowledge and correct use of the English language.
ENG105 Academic Writing and Critical Research (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ENG101
This course will focus on the fundamentals of academic writing with the goal of sharpening students’ critical thinking and writing skills, with special attention to reasoning, formulating, and developing arguments and explanations. Attention will also be paid to handling the citing of sources.
General Ministry (27 credits)
BIB100 Bible Review (0 credits)
This course is a Bible review course designed to prepare graduating students in the Diploma (DML) program for passing the Bible Knowledge exam required for graduation.
BIB105 Old Testament Survey (3 credits)
This course is a study of the nature, contents, and history of the Old Testament, providing an overview of its background and key themes.
BIB110 New Testament Survey (3 credits)
This course is a study of the nature, contents, and history of the New Testament, providing an overview of its background and key themes.
BIB150 Hermeneutics I (3 credits)
The practice of the principles of inductive Bible study with a focus on asking and answering interpretative questions of the Biblical text and on the application of the truths gained in Bible study in the preparation of sermons or lessons.
BIB215 Luke and Acts (3 credits)
Prerequisite: BIB110
This course examines the narratives of Luke as he engages the person and ministry of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the nature and work of the Church in the book of Luke and Acts.
MIN103 Spiritual Formation I (3 credits)
This course builds a foundational process to encourage spiritual growth and renewal in one’s daily relationship with God. Biblical principles of spiritual growth and development will be examined.
MIN112 Relational Outreach and Personal Evangelism (3 credits)
This course is a study of the principles of evangelism and the development of a personal lifestyle of one-on-one evangelism in the context of personal relationships.
MIN245 Principles of Christian Leadership Development (3 credits)
This course is a study and application of leadership development principles and strategies in the growth and exercise of Biblical leadership, focusing on personal development first. Students learn leadership from the second chair and how to identify and develop other leaders. Includes modules on relationships, ethics, and conflict resolution in a ministry context.
THE212 Theology I: Spirit-Empowered Theology (3 credits)
What is theology, where does theology come from, why are Christians called to theologize, and how does the Holy Spirit empower all of this? This course will focus on how we craft theology and utilize the theological method to further discipleship and ministry.
MIS220 The Biblical and Theological Basis for Missions and Contemporary Issues (3 credits)
This introductory course consists of an in-depth study of the mission of God and God’s heart for the nations, as revealed in the entirety of the Biblical text. Missions and the interpretation of Scripture within the Bible are analyzed in terms of history, culture, philosophy, and the progressive development of Biblical theology as new cultures and peoples were engaged by Israel and the Church. The application of Biblical missiology to the contemporary world is evaluated in light of the modes of missions and ministry evidenced in the Bible. Emphasis includes mobilizing and personalizing missions in the local church and the life of every believer.
Join us in preparing ministry leaders to make a lasting impact for God.
Learn how you can become a part of the Ascent College community, where we equip passionate individuals to grow spiritually, lead effectively, and make a lasting impact for Christ. Join us in our mission to prepare leaders who transform their world.
Speak with our Director of Admissions
Are you a female ministry leader?
You should explore our Women in Ministry Leadership certificate program! Many of our students complete this program alongside the Diploma (DML) or other degree programs here at Ascent College. Several of the classes may also transfer or substitute into your program of study, optimizing the return on your academic investment. Join other Spirit-filled women on mission for Christ as you grow, learn, and develop together as empowered ministry leaders. Did we mention there is a special scholarship available just for you?
Statement on Transferability of Credits and Degrees
Students should be aware that transfer of credits to other institutions is solely at the discretion of the receiving institution. Students who are considering attending Ascent College and then transferring to another college should contact the receiving institution for its policy on accepting credits from another institution.
Ascent College transfers in credit from other colleges in accordance with our Transfer Credit Policy. Credits from a postsecondary institution accredited by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are transferable to Ascent College if the classes are comparable and applicable to the degree plan. Credits from other postsecondary institutions may be transferable and are evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Every effort is made by administration to transfer as many hours as possible to avoid loss of academic credit.
Please use the College Board Score Send Code 33528 when requesting AP records be sent to Ascent College.
Institutional Equivalencies
We use the Federal definition of the credit hour.
The amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than:
- One (1) hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two (2) hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks,
- Or at least an equivalent amount of work as required in statement one of this definition for other activities as established by an institution, including lab work, internships, practice, studio work, and other academic work leading toward the awarding of credit hours.
Face-to-Face Format (On Campus)
For each semester hour of credit, classes must include a 50-minute period with the instructor and two (2) hours of outside class work for at least fifteen weeks. One credit hour = 50 minutes of contact + 120 minutes of outside work over fifteen weeks for a total of 2,550 minutes of student effort.
Distance Education (Online)
For each semester hour of credit, classes must include three (3) hours of work per week for at least fifteen weeks. Three (3) hours include interactions with faculty, other students in online discussion forums and other formats, and additional course work outside interactive formats. One credit hour = assignments equaling 170 minutes per week over fifteen weeks for a total of 2,550 minutes of student effort.
Any Off-Cycle Course (i.e., 8-week Course)
Must be equivalent in both contact and outside work totals as a semester-length course.
Statement on Placement Services
Ascent College receives many opportunities for various full-time or part-time ministry positions. No guarantee for placement may be made.
Ascent College's financial aid school code is 041538. It may display as Bethel College, the former name of Ascent College.
Ascent College admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.