Deborah A. Colwill

Chair of the Educational Ministries Department, Professor of Educational and Leadership Studies

Prior to coming to Trinity in January 2013, Dr. Colwill served as Assistant Professor of Leadership and Director of Institution Research and Evaluation at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Her long term areas of interest in research, teaching, consulting and practice include development of emerging and mid-career leader development, Collaborative high performing teams, Organizational agility and health, and Leading change.

In addition to teaching, she has served in a variety of leadership and consulting positions.

Dr. Colwill enjoys the beauty of nature, watching it “shout forth the glory of God”. Her other joy is spending time with my family and friends.

Education

Publications

Educating the Scholar-Practitioner in Organization Development (2012)

Organizational Change, Power and Conflict (2021)

Dr. Colwill has also authored numerous articles, chapters, and peer reviewed conference papers. In addition, a forthcoming Routledge book

Books by Dr. Colwill

Study with Dr. Colwill


Master's

Christian Ministry

36 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS

ABOUT

Be prepared to lead and serve in diverse ministry contexts through a comprehensive understanding of Scripture,theology and theory. This program equips students to serve faithfully in a variety of ministry situations, providing wisdom and shepherding that reflect Christian convictions.

COURSEWORK

  • Biblical Studies – 6hrs.
  • Theological Studies – 8hrs.
    • Introduction to Biblical Theology
    • The Christian Life and Contemporary Challenges
    • Christian Ethics
    • Understanding Social and Cultural Contexts
  • Ministry Core – 8hrs.
    • Spiritual Formation for Ministry
    • Intro to Counseling Ministries
    • Christian Leadership
    • Teaching & Learning
  • Electives – 12hrs.
  • Select one option from the following:
    • Field Education (two semesters)
    • Formation Group (three semesters)
  • Capstone – 2hrs.

TOTAL: 36hrs.

Doctor of Philosophy

Educational Studies

50 CREDITS | 4 YEARS

ABOUT

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Educational Studies incorporates particular concept areas to expand your professional capacities in research and educational leadership. You will be challenged to integrate faith and learning at every step of the program as you engage these areas in a variety of experiences and academic seminars.

COURSEWORK

  • Core – 15hrs.
  • Research Methods – 9hrs.
  • Electives – 15hrs.
  • Orientation – 1hr.
  • Comps, Proposal, Dissertation
    • 9975: Comprehensive Exams prep – 2hrs.
    • 9990: Dissertation Proposal prep – 2hrs.
    • 9991: Dissertation – 6hr.

TOTAL: 50hrs.

ThM

Master of Theology

24 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

TEDS’ ThM offers discipline concentrations in each of our eight departments: Church History, Counseling, Educational Studies, Mission and Evangelism, New Testament, Old Testament, Pastoral Theology, and Systematic Theology, or specialized inter-departmental concentrations developed in consultation with the departmental faculty. The program can be completed in one year of study.

COURSEWORK

  • Concentration Core: 20 hours
  • Capstone: 4 hours
Certificate

Children and Family Ministry

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

Gain a deeper understanding of spiritual formation, stewarding a ministry team, curriculum building, church leadership and administration, roles of family in spiritual development and intergenerational, family, and children’s ministry care. This certificate will equip you to serve children and families in the local church and ministry contexts.

COURSEWORK

Featured Courses

  • Teaching and Learning
  • Educational Ministry
  • Christian Leadership
  • Christian Formation & Journey
  • Children in the Church
  • Nurturing Families in the Church