Director of Christian Education (DCE) Certification with Online Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education Leadership

• Christian Education Leadership Online Degree Program
• 45 Units

• Theological Foundations
• Units

• ATHL 201: History and Literature of the Old Testament
• 3

This historical and literary survey course of the Old Testament will emphasize theological themes and their relevance for Christian life and faith.

OR

• THL 201: History and Literature of the Old Testament
• 3

This course will investigate the literature of the Old Testament in light of its cultural and canonical contexts with an emphasis on its major theological questions and themes and their relevance for Christian faith and life.

• ATHL 202: History and Literature of the New Testament
• 3

This historical and literary survey course of the New Testament will emphasize theological themes and their relevance for Christian life and faith.

OR

• THL 202: History and Literature of the New Testament
• 3

Through a historical and literary survey of the New Testament, this course will emphasize theological themes and their relevance for Christian faith and life.

• MACL 404: Survey of Historical Theology
• 3

An introduction to historical theology and a survey of the development of the theological formulations of the church. Special emphasis will be placed on “challenges to orthodoxy” laid upon the church at various times, and the role such events played in the church’s confessional responses. These will be examined to enhance understanding of the church’s theological and doctrinal tasks today.

OR

• THL 304: History of the Christian Church
• 3

This course will survey the origin and development of the Christian church through the examination of its political and cultural contexts and influences with special consideration given to theological themes which surfaced at different times and places throughout the history of the Christian church, culminating with 21st century trends in fundamentalism, evangelicalism, and ecumenism.

• MACL 410: Lutheran Confessions
• 3

A study of the Augsburg Confession, The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms, The Smalcald Articles, The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope and the Formula of Concord in terms of their historical setting and their theological content. Explores the relationship of the Confessions to Scripture, and the confessional application of their teaching in the 21st century context.

• MACL 429: Biblical Theology and Exegesis
• 3

This course will study the Lutheran understanding of the nature of Scripture followed by an examination of its major themes with an emphasis on interpretive principles (e.g., Law and Gospel) for use in congregational ministry.

OR

• THL 429: Biblical Theology and Exegesis
• 3

Through an intensive study of the major themes of the Old and New Testaments, this course will introduce and apply the tools and principles of exegesis and hermeneutics with special emphasis on deriving Law and Gospel principles for use in congregational ministry. Prerequisites: THL 201 and THL 202 or concurrent enrollment allowed.

• MACL 473: Systematic Doctrinal Theology
• 3

Instructor and students will pursue graduate-level study of systematic doctrinal theology in biblical perspective. The course surveys the loci, i.e. the topics, of doctrinal theology. In the process we will consider the nature and task of theological reflection; the responsibilities and qualities of a theologian; and such key topics in theological reflection as the Person and Work of Christ, Justification, Law and Gospel, the Trinity, Creation, the Word of God, the Last Things, Christian Vocation, and the life of the Christian Church. Special attention will be given to recognizing and characterizing the church-related context in which and for which theology is undertaken. Our exciting and demanding task is to focus in every class session on theology that will serve the Church, the Body of Christ.

• THL 382: Corporate Worship
• 3

Through an examination of the theology of corporate worship as it is taught in Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and how it has developed throughout the history of the church, this course will look at the criteria for preparing and evaluating worship services in today’s church. Prerequisite: CTHL 101 or CTHL 200 or equivalent.

• THL 401: Introduction to Theological Research
• 2

This course will examine the essential methods and resources for the academic study of theology with attention given to research methods for projects that do not require an academic thesis. Procedures for identifying, proposing, researching, organizing, writing, and defending the thesis or project will be covered as students are guided in beginning their research.

• Educational Ministry and Church Administration
• Units

• DCE 402: Church Leadership
• 3

This course teaches planning, administration and leadership skills important to the development, management and evaluation of Christian education ministry programs.

• DCE 432: Methods of Christian Discipleship
• 3

Examines theory and practice of discipleship, catechesis, and spiritual formation as conducted in the ministry of the church. Focuses on planning, managing, delivering, evaluating, and integrating Christian teaching into the life of the church.

• DCE 460: Adult Ministry
• 3

This course will look at adult learning theories, faith development, and discuss andragogy as it relates to the planning of effective adult education programs in a local congregation.

• DCE 470: Children's and Family Ministry
• 3

A study of the church’s ministry with children from birth to twelve years of age. Emphasizes faith development theories; family and intergenerational ministry; teaching techniques related to children’s and family ministries; involving children along with their families in the total life of the church; and planning, administering, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive ministry to children and families.

• DCE 480: Youth Ministry
• 3

A course which provides students basic foundations of parish youth ministry and an opportunity to better understand the current youth culture. Supplies a variety of organizational models and an opportunity to develop programming skills needed for successful parish youth ministry. A fieldwork component is required.

• Professional Preparation
• Units

• DCE 401: Introduction to Christian Education
• 3

Students will be introduced to the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of Christian education within the church. Students will meet and observe Christian education practitioners, create a philosophy of ministry, begin a professional portfolio, and explore their personal interests, giftedness, and skills in relation to those needed for success in Christian education leadership as well as determine their commitment to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Director of Christian Education program.

• DCE 450: Counseling in Ministry
• 3

A foundation course providing an understanding of the content and process of counseling specific to a ministry setting. Specific aspects of the counseling process addressed include basic skills, legal and ethical issues, crisis intervention, cultural sensitivity, how and when to refer, and the integration of psychology and theology.

• DCE 493: Pre-Internship DCE Ministry Fieldwork
• 3

In this course students will spend time on-site in an LCMS ministry to acquire experience and skills related to DCE ministry, including evaluation of the fieldwork experience, with an emphasis on the development of leadership skills vital to DCE ministry through hands on ministry projects.