National DCE Day 20253 min read

The called role of Director of Christian Education (DCE) began with a resolution during the 1959 synodical convention. Prior to this, there were individuals serving (but not called/rostered) in positions of Director of Religious Education for years.

Dr. David Rueter, in his book Called to Serve: A Theology of Commissioned Ministry, describes the DCE position as one called to serve as a life-span educator, care minister, Christian educator, and ministry leader. DCEs are educated and trained in administration, educational theory, and theology in the majority of our Concordia Universities.

Entering Concordia University – River Forest in the fall of 2005, I had never heard of a DCE, their ministry, or the program at any of the Universities. I was attending CURF (later CUC) to become an LCMS high school teacher. One of the very first individuals I met, another freshman, told me he was there to study to be a DCE. I had no idea what that was and had to investigate it later that day.

Throughout the course of that year in River Forest, I had quite a few significant changes in my life (including the passing of my father) and I knew God was working some changes in me—though I did not know what just yet. One night I was walking around campus and I ran into that very same individual I had met on the first day. We talked for a long time, and he listened intently with as I told him what I had going on as well as my uncertainty for what God was leading me toward. He suggested I consider the DCE program and said he believed it might just be the perfect path for me. In the next couple weeks, the final ones of my freshman year, I met with the DCE program faculty and made the switch official.

This is not some unique, earth-shattering story … but I DO think it is an example of what DCEs are called to do. Josh, my friend from freshman year, was there when he was needed. He listened and shared God’s love with me. He offered guidance, education, and suggested God might be leading me. Ultimately, he was used by God. DCEs, as well as all our commissioned ministers in the LCMS, are called to be ready and to be used by God when He places individuals and situations in our paths. We are servants, we are leaders, we are friends who walk with others and extend a caring hand of help in the compassion of the Lord.

For this 66th anniversary of the DCE ministry in the LCMS, I am thankful for the work the Lord has accomplished and continues to accomplish through the DCEs throughout Michigan and the rest of the United States and world. You are doing a good work in Him. Be strong and trust in His plan and purpose for you in His kingdom ministry.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23–24).

The LCMS Set Apart to Serve has designated three different dates throughout this year to honor different church worker roles:

April 28 – Director of Parish Music

May 5–9 – Teacher Appreciation Week

June 26 – Director of Christian Education

Be sure to thank your DCE this week!

_{Featured Image: Luke Esselman leading a session at the 2024 Jr. High Gathering. Photo by Elisa Schulz/Michigan District, LCMS.}