The earnest desire of Ralph Waldo Beeson, founding benefactor of Beeson Divinity School, was to establish a school that would prepare ?pastors who can preach.? At Beeson, the Doctor of Ministry in Christian Preaching serves to strengthen and encourage Christian ministers in the preaching of God's Word. Students learn from Beeson faculty in a cohort of fellow preachers. The program is open to persons who have earned the Master of Divinity degree (or its educational equivalent), who have a minimum of three years? experience in Christian ministry (post-M.Div.), who are currently serving in a ministry role with regular preaching and teaching responsibilities, and who demonstrate the capacity for doctoral-level studies and the potential for excellence in the practice of ministry.<br><br>Our aim is to sharpen preachers and to improve their preaching, to the glory of God and for the advancement of the gospel. Our students improve in their abilities both to interpret the Scriptures and to communicate its message with clarity and conviction, they grow in their knowledge and understanding of homiletical principles and practices, and they learn to integrate more fully personal, pastoral, and theological concerns in their preaching.