Director of Church Ministries Minor for Social Work Majors (M)
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)
Students who fulfill a major in a field compatible with church ministries, such as social work, and who wish to be certified through The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod may be certified after completing the Church Ministries Minor for Related Majors. This program equips men and women to serve as a Director of Church Ministries (DCM) in congregations where the church worker solicits, trains and deploys lay people within the congregation to serve in a variety of service capacities.
Because of the nature of this work all church ministries students must demonstrate good human relations skills and a life of Christian example. Graduates 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).” Concordia University Wisconsin is the only synod school at which this program is offered.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Old Testament | ||
| Biblical Theology | ||
Any REL course with a number above 204 | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| REL 203 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 312 | Office of the Professional Church Worker | 3 |
| REL 404 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| SW 327 | Field Education I (3 credits of which double as a requirement for Director of Church Ministries Minor) | 3 |
| Minor Courses | ||
| REL 229 | Religious Education of Youth and Adults | 3 |
| or REL 227 | Youth Ministry: Theology and Practice | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Faith and Culture | ||
| Religion in America Today | ||
| World Religions | ||
| REL 311 | Church in Mission (or REL XXX - any mission or evangelism) | 3 |
| REL XXX (any upper level Bible course) | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
This major/minor is not permitted to share (overlap) any credits with the core curriculum, with a major, with a minor, or with a certificate per departmental policy unless otherwise specified in the curriculum.