DCE-2300: Parish Education Perspectives (3 hours)
Exploration of the role of Christian education in the parish. The contributions of Lutheran theology in Law and Gospel and the ways in which 20th- and 21st-century educational theorists have influenced Christian education and values.
DCE-2990: Intro to DCE Ministry (3 hours)
Develop students’ understanding of DCE ministry through the study of the history and roles of the DCE and by focusing on issues related to the DCE profession.
DCE-4200: Commissioned Ministry: DCE Ministry (1 hour)
This course examines the theology and process of the Divine Call, the polity and structure of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and an overview of LCMS resources and support available to DCEs. Open to DCE students only. Fee: Required. Prerequisite: Faculty advisor consent.
DCE-4320: Administration of Parish Education (3 hours)
Basic principles and practical implications for organization, operation and evaluation of Sunday school and midweek programs, youth and adult Bible classes, vacation Bible school, small group ministry, preschool and daycare programs and the recruitment and training of volunteers. Field work: Required. Prerequisite: C or higher in DCE-2300 or EDUC-2020.
DCE-4330: Youth Ministry Theory/Practice (3 hours)
Philosophical and theological foundation underlying youth work in a Christian congregation. Specific skills for parish ministry with junior and senior high school youth. Program development and administration, training of adult volunteers and planning and leading youth events. Field Work: Required.
DCE-4340: Church Leadership and Ministry Ethics (3 hours)
Exploration of church leadership, including discussion of ministerial ethics, spiritual leadership, and personal character and integrity of the servant leader.
DCE-4350: Parish Teaching I (3 hours)
Principles, organization, materials and practices of teaching the Christian faith to early childhood students through junior high school youth; special attention to Sunday school and confirmation instruction and programs. Students will gain experience in actual teaching situations and in structuring lessons. Field Work: Required. Prerequisite: C or higher in DCE-2300 or EDUC-2020.
DCE-4351: Parish Teaching II (3 hours)
Principles, organization, materials and practices of teaching the Christian faith to senior high school youth and adults; special attention to Bible class and small group ministry. Students will gain experience in actual teaching situations and in structuring lessons. Field Work: Required. Prerequisite: C or higher in DCE-2300 or EDUC-2020.
DCE-4450: Family and Children’s Ministry (3 hours)
Exploration of family dynamics in contemporary American society, various family and children’s ministry models, and strategies for sustaining such ministries.
DCE-4910: Special Topics: Director of Christian Education (3 hours)
An in-depth study of a topic relevant to a current topic in the discipline or a topic of interest that is not addressed in other departmental courses. The course may be repeated for credit so long as the topic is different.
DCE-4942: DCE Senior Seminar (3 hours)
Focus on DCE intern-related needs, issues, skills and areas of knowledge, specifically in preparation for DCE internship. Prerequisite: Senior standing or faculty advisor consent.
DCE-4950: Independent Study in Director of Christian Education (1-6 hours)
DCE-4990: Internship DCE (12 hours)
A supervised 12-month field experience designed to provide opportunities to become more familiar and more competent with DCE ministry in a Lutheran congregation. The student registers for 12 semester hours in each of two separate semesters.