In this study, we present a new and effective method to determine the dynamic source parameters (i.e., stress drop and strength distribution). We first assume that the kinematic source parameters, i.e., the slip and rupture time distributions on the fault plane, are known from the previous source inversion studies. Then, using the seismic source representation theorem we determine the dynamic stress field on a fault plane from known kinematic parameters. Finally, we determine the strength of the fault defined as the peak stress just before the rupture. We have tested the validity of this method by using an illustrative two-dimensional analytical example. To assess the applicability of this method, we have applied it to study the 1979 Imperial Valley earthquake, and obtained consistent results with those of Miyatake’s (1992) and Quin’s (1990). Compared with previous methods, this new method is simple, straightforward and accurate, and needs much less calculation. Therefore, it is expected to be useful in exploring the seismic source process.