Proactive ministry in an always-changing culture with Len Sweet.
The Semiotics, Church & Culture Doctor of Ministry (DMin) with Lead Mentor, Dr. Leonard (Len) Sweet, prepares ministry-oriented semioticians.
Jesus had a favorite saying (paraphrased):
“Red sky in the morning, sailors taking warning; red sky at night, sailor’s delight. You know how to read the signs (semeia) of the sky, I want you to know how to read the signs of the times (Matt. 16.2-3)."
What hermeneutics was to a Gutenberg world, semiotics is to a Google world.
This program takes symbols, signs, images, and stories seriously. It is devoted to applied semiotics - the unpacking of cultural signs and symbols - so that we can tell the story of Jesus in a way that is compelling, convincing and transformative. The ultimate sign to read is Jesus himself. Graduates learn how to recognize the signs of Jesus' work in the world and proactively guide the churches into the future. It prepares ministry leaders for the world that is actually out there from the real world of the Bible.
Like the Tribe of Issachar in ancient Israel, semiotics DMin students learn to “read the signs of the times and know what to do” (1 Chron. 12:32).
We invite you to join the tribe.
Program Overview
- Exegete metaphor and narratives, images and stories to build a strong and lasting identity as a follower of Jesus
- Anticipate important ministry trends to confidently lead in a fast-changing culture
- Reorient churches toward becoming more missional, relational, image-rich, and participatory
- Communicate as Jesus did, speak in the mother tongue of the church, and preach in the vernacular of the culture
Graduates serve as denominational leaders, local church pastors, nonprofit leaders, professors, etc. This program prepares students for their next ministry.
See the George Fox University catalog to learn more about the program learning outcomes.
Program cost details
Program Delivery Model
Lead-Mentor directed
The Lead Mentor, Dr. Leonard Sweet, sets the overall inspiration, ethos, and direction of the program. Students take 6 courses related to program themes with the Lead Mentor over 2 years, which include online discussions. The Lead Mentor teaches sessions at the advances, video conferences with the cohort each week, and participates in each student’s dissertation oral defense.
Online and flexible
Students meet weekly online with their cohort in real time for a scheduled 1-hour live chat facilitated by Len Sweet, and then engage in online forum discussions with the cohort on their own schedule throughout the week.
Cohort-based
Groups of 12-16 students journey together through the entire program. By means of in-person and online engagement, cohorts critically discuss and probe course-related issues and topics with an eye toward their own ministry contexts.
Customized coursework with advisors
Students are paired with an individual Faculty Advisor who helps them develop and focus their areas of specialization in a series of 'customized courses'. Faculty advisors ensure the academic integrity of their students’ work and sharpen their critical thinking, writing, and source-documentation skills around their area of applied ministry interest.
Advances
Students participate in 3 face-to-face intensives (Advances) in Portland, OR, Cambridge, UK, and Orcas Island, WA. Advance schedules will include sessions with Leonard Sweet, as well as time for the research course, connecting with other cohort members, and engage with their advisor around customized research interests. Learn more...
