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Director of Christian Education

Requirements

Certification as a Director of Christian Education
Background: The Director of Christian Education (DCE) program prepares men and women to serve as lifespan educational leaders who are prepared for service in team ministry in a congregational setting within the Lutheran Church.

Routes Leading to Certification as a Director of Christian Education:

DCE Baccalaureate:
One who is seeking certification as a DCE through the completion of a Liberal Arts degree with the Director of Christian Education Certification.

Course of Study
DCE Baccalaureate:

• General Education requirements
• Minor in Confessional Lutheranism
• Parish Education and Administration Major
• Director of Christian Education Emphasis.

DCE Colloquy:
One who has previously earned a baccalaureate degree, is currently serving a Lutheran congregation and is seeking certification as a Director of Christian Education through the colloquy process of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

DCE/Church Teacher (DCT):
One who is seeking certification as a DCE and in addition is seeking licensure as a Lutheran Classroom Teacher.

Course of Study
DCT Baccalaureate:

• General Education requirements
• Minor in Confessional Lutheranism
• Parish Education and Administration Major
• Director of Christian Education Emphasis
• Requirements for elementary/secondary licensure.

Contextual Education and Clinical Experiences

The DCE/DCT Baccalaureate Certification program provides a variety of contextual education and clinical experiences designed to support the candidate in developing attitudes and skills necessary for working in a ministry setting as a Director of Christian Education.

Contextual Experiences
Each candidate must complete 150 hours of guided parish work prior to beginning an internship experience. The primary work takes place in a parish assignment contextual courses, CVM 370, CVM 372.  Policies regarding the parish experiences may be found in the Parish Education and Administration Contextual Education Handbook.

Requirements for Admission to Contextual Education Experiences:

1. Enrollment in Parish Education I/II.
2. Enrollment in Contextual Education I/II.
3. Approval of the course instructors.

Clinical Practice

DCE Practicum
The DCE Practicum provides opportunity for the DCE student to experience teaching the faith in the setting of a Lutheran school under the supervision of a Lutheran Classroom Teacher. In addition, the DCE student provides leadership in chapel settings and other projects designed to support the formation of the DCE student as a life-span Christian educator.

Requirements for Admission to DCE Practicum

1. Application to the DCE Certification Program.
2. Completion of ED-454.
3. Enrollment in DCE 361.
4. Approval of the Director of the DCE Certification Program.

Internship

The Internship is a full-time assignment in an approved ministry setting allowing the student to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for service as a Director of Christian Education. The internship is normally for one year and takes place within the course of academic preparation. Policies regarding the DCE Internship are in the DCE Contextual Education and Clinical Practices Handbook.

Requirements for Admission to Internship:

1. Admission in good standing to the DCE Program.
2. Completion of CVM 370, CVM 372, DCE 361.
3. Letter of recommendation from contextual education supervisors.
4. Cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above.
5. Successful completion of PSY 101-Introduction to Psychology, RLG203-Old Testament Narrative, RLG206-New Testament, PSY215 Child and Adolescent Development, PEA 366-Parish Education I, PEA 367-Parish Education II, DCE 366-Introduction to DCE, DCE 361-DCE Practicum, CVM 370 Contextual Education I, CVM 372 Contextual Education II, ED 454-Teaching the Faith, ED 330-Human Diversity and Relations, THY 330-Our Living Faith, PEA 316 Leadership I.
6. Provision of background check.
7. Evidence of Scriptural requirements for entry-level service in the Church: sound in doctrine with evidence of a vibrant Christian faith; a life above reproach, giving faithful Christian witness; competency in ministry content and skills.
8. Participation in pre-intern workshops/retreats in the semester prior to internship.
9. Approval of DCE Certification program coordinator and the Department of Christian Ministries.

Graduation Requirements
Students working toward certification as a Director of Christian Education (DCE Baccalaureate) complete the following:

1. 140 credits, including all area and course requirements.
2. Academic work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 in major and minor area courses.

Certification Requirements

Graduation and certification are two separate processes; one does not guarantee the other. Requirements for certification are delineated in the DCE Certification Program Handbook.

Academic Program for Certification as a Director of Christian Education

Prerequisite:

Major: Parish Education and Administration
46 credits

Minor: Confessional Lutheranism
21 credits

Certification Requirements
38-47 credits
Director of Christian Education Emphasis
Professional Courses: (26-32 credits)

DCE Electives: 12-14 credits.  Students should consult their advisor regarding guided electives in various ministry fields.   Students should consult the Department of  Undergraduate Teacher Education for those additional requirements necessary to be certified as a church teacher.