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

Educational Ministries

36 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS

ABOUT

The Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MA/EM) provides you with a rigorous theological background in Christian education ministry with intentional application to the ministry context. This program will further your understanding of educational theory and its application – helping people to grow in their Christian faith in the church, global education ministries, and other Christian contexts. This program will provide you a footing for leading educational ministries or anticipating a Doctor of Educational Ministry. A foundational curricular core in Bible, theology, and educational ministries provides a structure for integrative academic thinking. Course selections are developed in consultation with an educational faculty advisor in areas of your interest leading the program capstone. The capstone will demonstrate in-depth analysis and critique of educational practices for the local church or other educational settings such as camps, private schools or para-church organizations.

COURSEWORK

FEATURED COURSES

  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father
  • Educational Ministry
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Christian Leadership

CONCENTRATIONS
Participants consult with EM faculty adviser to focus concentration courses around an educational area of personal interest.

  • Congregational Life Focus
  • Collaborative Ministry Engagement Focus
  • Formational Learning Focus
Doctor of Philosophy

Educational Studies

60 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

ThM

Master of Theology

22 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: 19 -20 hours
  • Capstone: 2-3 hours
Certificate

Educational Ministries

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

Gain a deeper understanding of spiritual formation, curriculum building, and ministry practices to support each generation. This certificate will equip you to develop Biblically rooted programming and curriculum for all generations and intergenerational groups in the local church or other ministry contexts.

COURSEWORK

Featured Courses

  • Educational Ministry
  • Christian Leadership
  • Christian Formation & Journey
  • Youth and Emerging Adults in the Church
  • Children in the Church
  • Nurturing Families in the Church
  • Program Planning Dynamics in the Church
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
Certificate

Organizational Leadership

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

Gain a deeper understanding of leadership practices and enhance your leadership skills in church, ministry or marketplace settings. By specializing in church leadership or executive leadership, you’ll be better equipped to lead teams in your area of focus.

COURSEWORK

Available Tracks

  • Local Church Tracks (Masters Level)
  • Executive Leadership Track (Doctoral Level)
Certificate

Teaching and Learning

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

Expand your understanding of teaching methods, spiritual formation, curriculum building, education administration, and ministry teaching practices for each age group. With this certificate you’ll gain a strong foundation of educational ministry practices and have the option to specialize in a higher education administration track.

COURSEWORK

Available Tracks

  • Master’s Level
  • Doctoral Level