top of page
29365833_832210726977054_2480926315948015616_n (1)_edited.png

Degree Programs / Leadership in Ministry Diploma

LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY DIPLOMA

Equipping Leaders. Empowering Ministries. Transforming Communities.

LEADERSHIP IN  MINISTRY DIPLOMA

Degree Programs

Master of Divinity

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

Master of Arts (Academic)

Certificates

Certificate in Theological Studies

Continuing Education

Leadership in Ministry Diploma

Program Information

The Leadership in Ministry Diploma (LMD) Program is a non-degree course of study designed for clergy and dedicated lay leaders who are called to serve in today’s complex ministry landscape. With a strong emphasis on urban church settings, this program blends theological insight with real-world application.

​

The program, previously called the Urban Ministry Diploma Program, targets persons who desired a seminary-type educational experience that would ordinarily be out of their reach. To meet this need, the LMD Program offers alternative seminary ministry training that embraces and reflects the heart and soul of the city and surrounding communities. Each of the six courses includes 40 hours of classroom instruction over a ten week period.  In 2025, the LMD program was enhanced to include additional ministry tracks.

​

Students choose from three specialized tracks to align their learning with their passion and calling:

  • Urban Ministry 

  • Lay Ministry 

  • Women in Ministry 

​

Each student selects one track and completes six focused courses to graduate, gaining the tools and confidence needed to lead effectively and faithfully.  

​

Rooted in multicultural, cross-cultural, and ecumenical values, the LMD program prepares students to serve diverse communities with wisdom and integrity.

​

All that’s needed to begin is a high school diploma or GED—and a heart for ministry.  After successful completion of the LMD program, students interested in further continuing their education may be eligible for admission to ETS’s master’s programs, even without a bachelor’s degree.

​

To learn more, contact Recruitment Director Jonathan Bibbs (jbibbs@etseminary.edu) or use the Apply Now button to get started.

​

If you know other individuals or ministries for whom the LMD would be a great opportunity, please share this information. 

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

The UMD program requires six 4-credit courses. Each course is offered once per year. In addition, the program requires the student to take two ten-hour workshops, offered at various times and on various topics throughout the academic year.

See Urban Ministry Courses

Registration Deadlines

LaDonna Holley.jpg

LaDonna Holley

LMD Program Director

Doctor of Ministry Lecturer

lholley@etseminary.edu

Dr. Brandon Grafius describes the Urban Ministry Diploma 

ETS_Logos_Final_All_RGB-06.png

ECUMENICAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

2930 Woodward Avenue | Detroit, MI  48201

(P) 313-831-5200 | (F) 313-831-1353 | (E) info@etseminary.edu​

ACCREDITATION

Ecumenical Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools​ in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: MDiv, MA, MA in Pastoral Ministry, DMin.

ATS Logo_wt.png

©2024  ECUMENICAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.  All rights reserved.

bottom of page