Imagine yourself as a DCO
Can You Imagine . . .
- a ministry of telling people about Jesus and equipping others to do the same?
- opportunities to witness in other countries?
- a lifestyle which imitates Jesus?
- a family of co-workers who support you when you move to another city, state, or country?
- a college that assists you in finding an outreach ministry when you graduate?
Then Imagine Yourself as a DCO!
Who Can Be a Director of Christian Outreach?
DCOs love people, love to tell others about Jesus, love their Lord and Savior, and desire to serve God in an outreach ministry.
DCO students...
- range in age from their teens to mid-fifties
- include both men and women
- represent diverse ethnic backgrounds
- have educational background ranging from high school diplomas to masters degrees
While preparing for outreach ministry, DCOs...
- develop leadership skills
- grow in a vision of Christian outreach which is Scriptural, practical, and inspiring
- become motivators who inspire church leaders, lay persons and congregations toward outreach
- learn how to equip others for outreach ministry
- are formed as people of God
What Does a DCO Do?
DCOs are responsible for outreach ministry in a congregation, circuit, district, or world mission field.
DCOs might . . .
- plant new churches
- create mission vision
- develop evangelism teams
- work in campus ministries
- serve in cross-cultural contexts
- work with international students
- motivate and equip others for outreach
- serve in rural, suburban, orurban settings
- become Bible translators or literacy workers
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How Can I Become a DCO?
DCOs are prepared for outreach ministry by Concordia University (CSP) through the Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach (OHSCO) in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is the only university in the Concordia University System which awards DCO Certification in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).
DCO Certification is awarded upon completion of...
- a Bachelor of Arts Degree
- the Outreach Major
- the Minor in Confessional Lutheranism
- a 9-12 month Internship
When Are DCO Courses Offered?
Courses are offered during the day and evening in a traditional model. However, it is possible to receive this same education through independent study courses. Contact the DCO Coordinator, Phil Johnson, PJohnson@CSP.edu to explore this opportunity. It is also possible to be certified as a DCO through courses in the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach.
Is There a Need for DCOs?
Growing numbers of congregations are seeking specialists in outreach ministry. As a result, there is an increase in the DCO enrollment at OHSCO. Indications are that both these trends will continue as a result of:
- a world in which 2 out of 3 people die without Christ
- a focus on the unchurched in an ever increasing unchurched society
- the outreach emphasis the Lutheran Church is promoting throughout its congregations
- a shortage of outreach workers for foreign missions
Focus of the DCO Ministry
Formation of the Student:
If you feel called to DCO ministry, you must have the skills and knowledge for the task and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship develops in you the servant posture of a professional worker in God's kingdom. CSP and the OHSCO community of outreach-oriented professors, staff, and students encourage that faith in you by focusing on God's Word in personal mentoring, daily chapel, classroom prayer, small group Bible studies, campus-wide studies and devotions, and a centralized campus ministry center.
Preparation for the Task:
Outreach ministry is an exciting but very challenging ministry. Opportunities to learn the skills, discuss the requirements, and recognize the challenge are found in courses and extracurricular outreach opportunities. A significant internship experience which tests your gifts and stretches your comfort zone is required for DCO certification.
A Christian Learning Environment:
At CSP, you will be offered a challenging course of study within a caring, Christian community of staff, students, and faculty. Personal relationships in the community are built through frequent meetings with your advisor, small class size, and numerous extracurricular activities, all within the context of the Christian Gospel.
Affordable Costs:
CSP offers private college education for an affordable price. Of the private colleges in the Twin Cities, CSP's costs are one of the lowest. Donations from people who are committed to CSP and its highly acclaimed academic programs keep tuition costs low and provide scholarships for many students, making CSP as affordable as most state colleges and universities in Minnesota.
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