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Director of Christian Education (DCE), Reported by Prof. Rebecca Duport:
A Director of Christian Education (DCE) is a lifespan education leader, prepared for team ministry in a congregational setting. A DCE plans, administers, and assesses ministry that nurtures & equips people with the Body of Christ for spiritual maturing, service, and witness in home, job, congregation, community, and the world. CUI's is the only DCE program in the Synod in theology (rather than in education). Routes to DCE Ministry at CUI include: a traditional 4-year Bachelors plus internship; a BA online with certification; and MA in theology with an online route to certification. Both BA & MA online certification programs allow for "in-place" certification when available, meaning students currently serving at churches have the opportunity to continue to serve concurrent with their studies. The CUI DCE Program is the fastest growing church-work program at CUI.
Director of Parish Music (DPM), Reported by Jon Jordening:
The Director of Parish Music (DPM) Program is designed to engage the broad musical gifts and passions of those God is calling to serve in the church. The program is built on a Music Major, Church Music Concentration, and DPM Minor. Through the DPM minor, students are eligible to receive a call as a rostered church worker. The DPM Program is committed to the shaping of the student as a theologian of the cross and a teacher of the faith, alongside the broad practical skills needed to be a successful worship arts leader today. Our DPM students have the opportunity to serve in settings on campus while in school as well as partnering with congregations across the nation through supervised summer internships and on-the-job training.
Lutheran School Teacher, Reported by Dr. Cari Chittick:
Our future teachers are eager, excited, and equipped to serve in our schools. Elementary teaching students study multiple subjects. Secondary education students specialize in their subject area. Graduate degrees in education include in fields of counseling, coaching, and standard education. Colloquy is a well-utilized path to Lutheran Teaching Certification in our district, as many of our teachers serving in Lutheran Schools who maybe did not get their degree from a Concordia are able to strengthen their theological understanding through this process.
Pre-Seminary/Pre-Deaconess, Reported by Dr. David Loy:
The Pre-Seminary/Deaconess program intentional about faithful formation and deep learning. These students learn alongside other church work students to help shape them holistically, not just theologically. The Pre-Sem/Deac students can choose any major to pair with their church work minor, again providing opportunity for well-rounded preparation. They also have the chance to complete seminary prerequisites will in undergrad, including Greek and Hebrew with masters of the field.
Cross-Cultural Ministry Center (CMC), Reported by Dr. David Loy: The CMC program provides, in partnership with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, provides men the opportunity to pursue an MA in theology with General Pastor Certification. These men take the unit-equivalent of a Masters of Divinity. The program includes a four year concurrent, contextual vicarage, synchronous online learning, and annual 3-week summer in-person intensive courses. These men are well-prepared and equipped for the work at hand.
Pray for workers. Consider sending your students to Concordia Irvine even if they are not currently considering church-work. Formation for church work begins early and at home. We thank God for the call he continues to place on the lives of people young and old.
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