The theology department identifies its purpose in terms of Concordia’s statement of purpose, especially the following statements with spiritual focus:

“The total program is centered in the Christian philosophy with a confessional Lutheran emphasis…. Concordia University seeks to develop mature Christians in whom knowledge and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the source and norm of Christian truth, are united with personal faith in Jesus as God and Savior. Concordia’s spiritual resources are directed to the development of Christian faith and practice of Christian virtues so that the student can form value judgments and arrive at ethical principles required for purposeful living. Concordia’s programs … nurture religious commitment, provide insights for Christian action in the world, and … provide an opportunity for intelligent selection of vocations for service to God, church and society…. Concordia … is interested in exerting a Christian influence on the community, nation, and world.” (Departmental Statement of Purpose, August 30, 2002)

The online Director of Church Ministries (DCM) Certificate is a certificate consisting of seventeen courses. Application to the certificate program involves steps in addition to application to the university. The first course (REL 1050 Church Leadership Seminar) and the twelfth course (REL 4950 Director of Church Ministries Seminar) are taken virtually. All other courses are offered online with each course being eight weeks in length. In order to be certified students must have a bachelor's degree. Most students enter the online program already possessing the degree. Students can take additional courses through online adult learning theological studies and gain a bachelor’s degree. 

The online Director of Church Ministries (DCM) Certificate is especially helpful for the person already working in a congregation who lacks the training and credential to be eligible for a call in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The online program is also available for lay persons desiring to dig deeper into theology at a collegiate level without necessarily seeking certification as a Director of Church Ministries (DCM). Lay persons are welcome to take as much of the program as they desire. For that reason the sequence of courses are arranged as follows.

Certification and Placement

Upon full completion of all requirements, including a written and oral examination, students are eligible for certification through The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Director of Church Ministries Bachelor of Arts students and Online Certificate students receive the same certification. Students may be solemnly called to positions in congregations or recognized service organizations of the church, and may be eligible to be rostered in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod with the designation “Minister of Religion Commissioned – Director of Church Ministries (DCM).” The placement process for online certificate students is the same as for the four year graduates. Concordia University Wisconsin is the only synod school at which this program is offered. 

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
Level 1 - Foundations for Service
REL 1050	Church Leadership Seminar (virtually)	1
REL 2010	Old Testament	3
REL 2020	New Testament	3
REL 2030	Biblical Theology	3
REL 3100	Religion in America Today	3
REL 3510	Christ's People through the Ages	3
Level 2- Practice in Service
REL 2870	Christian Care Giving	3
REL 3190	Family and Youth Ministry	3
REL 2590	Religious Education of Youth and Adults	3
REL 2630	Communicating Bible Messages	3
REL 3110	Church in Mission	3
Level 3 - Certification as a Commissioned Minister of Religion - Director of Church Ministries (DCM)
REL 4950	Director of Church Ministries Seminar (virtually)	1
REL 3120	Office of the Professional Church Worker	3
REL 4010	Lutheran Worship: Theology and Practice	3
REL 3380	Gospel of Luke	3
REL 4000	Lutheran Confessions	3
REL 4200	Church Ministries Internship	3
Total Hours		47