Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience

Imagine a Doctor of Ministry program that propels you to strengthen your ministry and impact the church.


Scroll down to learn more about this unique Doctor of Ministry program, or fill out the form to speak to the admissions team directly. 

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What is a Doctor of Ministry?

The Doctor of Ministry program is designed to help participants develop their ministerial skills and understanding to the fullest extent in congregational, parachurch, or missionary service.

It is not a research nor an academic degree intended for those seeking a career in academic teaching; instead, it integrates active ministry, academic work, and disciplined reflection under the guidance of a mentor and in company with ministerial colleagues.

Three-year cohorts are designed around important themes, and new cohorts are introduced each year. 

Once committed to a specific theme, the cohort of students journeys with their mentors, engaging in a curriculum designed for that particular area of ministry. 

Working collaboratively with other students and faculty, you will have the flexibility to shape your learning around your particular ministry context.

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About this cohort

The Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience cohort will foster transformation in the spiritual lives of students and help them gain the resources to help the transformation of others. 

Focused on nurturing a secure attachment with God as a means for integrating relational neuroscience and spiritual formation, this cohort will prepare students to minister to a culture that is both suffering within a mental health crisis while also having deep spiritual longings for connection. 


The first year will focus on attachment theory and theological anthropology. 


The second year will combine the spiritual pathways of the ancient tradition of spiritual formation and the neural pathways opened up by relational neuroscience. 


The third year will move into mission by focusing on the connections between theology, therapeutic culture, and trauma, centered on creating communities of care and transformation.

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Meet the Mentors

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Dr. Geoff Holsclaw, PhD

Dr. Geoff Holsclaw is an author of multiple books, is a visiting professor of theology at Western Theological Seminary, and co-host of the Attaching to God podcast, which offers a neuroscience-informed spiritual formation.

With Cyd Holsclaw, Geoff is the co-author of Does God Really Like Me? Discovering the God Who Wants to Be With You (InterVarsity Press).

Trauma-informed training through the Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate.

Image of a woman smiling as she looks into the camara.

Cyd Holsclaw, PCC

Cyd Holsclaw is an author, spiritual director, and pastor. She is also a trauma-informed, Jesus-centered, professional certified coach (PCC) focused on embodied practices and building a secure attachment to God.

She co-hosts the Embodied Faith podcast, offering a neuroscience-informed spiritual formation. And she is the co-author of Does God Really Like Me? Discovering the God Who Wants to Be With You (InterVarsity Press).

Trauma-informed training through The Power of Embodied Transformation and The Neuroscience of Coaching.

Important Dates

Apply by March 1, 2025

Applications are open now through March 1, 2025. 


The Doctor of Ministry application includes:

  • Three recommendation forms
  • One letter of ecclesial endorsement
  • Two personal statements
  • One academic writing sample
  • Official Transcripts from previous educational institutions


Decisions released April 2025

Final admissions decisions will be made by April 2025, and all applicants will receive written and email notifications. 


If you have questions about your application, contact our admissions team at admissions@westernsem.edu.

Seminar Schedule

This cohort launches with the first seminar at Western Theological Seminary in August 2025.


Seminar two will be in January 2026, with four yet-to-be-scheduled seminars taking place in August and January for the duration of the program. 

Pastor Mike Gorr
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What was helpful early on was the sense of community and family that this cohort was to one another...That sense of being loved right where you were, especially as I was wrestling with all sorts of feelings that I didn’t measure up as a church planter and pastor.
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- Pastor Mike Gorr

Class of 2021

Ready to take the next step?

Start your application today.

Apply Now

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admissions@westernsem.edu

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