Celebrating DCEs It is a joy to create something new. Whether a work of art or architecture, a story or an academic program, a game app or a makeshift bridge across a creek, creators will attest that the creation of something lovely or useful or fun is a source of joy. The joy of the […]
It Was a Good Year A good year. 1959. Think about it. Training for Directors of Christian Education. There were a few teachers in congregations already serving as DCEs. In July 1959, the LCMS in convention approved the beginning of DCE programs in synodical schools, as well as the calling of DCEs by congregations. Thus, this […]
So what does a DCE do all week? While this is typically a question posed to pastors, it applies to DCEs as well. DCEs are lifespan Christian educators in a congregation so their responsibilities can span all ages from cradle to grave. A congregation member might see a DCE teach on Sunday morning, do youth […]
Introduction For students to excel in church-ministry professions, a specific skill set is required. They need strong interpersonal abilities, which can be acquired through training in communication, leadership, and group dynamics. Within the helping professions, individuals engaging in church work also need to be flexible with robust relational skills. Concordia University Chicago (CUC), part of […]
(Author’s note: Data and demographics were accurate to the best of the author’s knowledge as of the 2016 original publication of this research. Where more recent data were available, it was included.) Introduction Since the 1847 inception of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), as it has been called since 1947, the Synod has been ministering […]
Sixty years is a milestone truly worth celebrating. DCE ministry has come a long way since its early days. Yet, there remain for some of us certain unanswered questions. One of these questions has been the source of much personal contemplation as well as struggle. A benefit of academic life is occasionally having the opportunity […]
A DCE Perspective Leadership is not only about influence, but also about the relationships that exist between the leader and the led (Northouse, 2010). In the church, the model of ministry leadership and followership is exemplified in the gospel narratives about Jesus and His disciples and Jesus, the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:1-9). Jesus’ model of […]
A Very Abbreviated History This history of DCE ministry provides yet another opportunity to learn of God’s grace and mercy in the life of ordinary individuals pursuing a compelling calling. Hebrews 11 and 12 capture the spirit of this history: it is one long series of enduring and not losing heart. It is “faith in […]
Celebrating DCE Ministry It’s been a great year of celebration for DCE ministry as we recognized the 60 years that God has blessed this profession in His church. We celebrated well at the National DCE Conference in January in San Diego, and Concordia University Chicago celebrated in October with a special chapel service and reception […]
Faith Formation and Spirituality in Our Congregations Welcome to Lutheran Education Journal, Volume 156! What a joy it is to celebrate the continuing publication of this historic journal, and at the same time celebrate the sixty years of ministry preparation for the Directors of Christian Education in our church body. It began right here, folks! […]