What is a Director of Christian Education?
DCEs serve in a variety of ministry settings throughout the Lutheran church. As a Word and Service ministry, DCEs fulfill a number of different faith formation roles within congregations and other ministry settings.
DCEs often:
- Teach adult and youth Bible studies
- Mentor youth and children
- Initiate family educational activities
- Recruit and equip volunteers
- Initiate educational programs
- Build and support team ministry
- Develop opportunities to link the church with their community
While DCEs fulfill a number of different roles and job descriptions, their Word and Service ministry flows from the early Christian church's leadership structure commonly called the diaconate.
This ministry is marked by:
- Grounding in the Word of God
- Training to Carry Out a Particular Service
- Commitment and Preparation to Equip the Baptized for Ministry in the World and in the Church
- Giving Particular Attention to Ministries at the Boundaries Between the Church and the world
- Exemplifying the Life of Christ-like Service Addressing All Forms of Human Need
- Grounding in Community
Today, within The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Director of Christian Education (DCE) is certified to serve as a Called and Commissioned lifespan educational leader prepared for team ministry in a congregational (or other ministry) setting.
