Director of Church Ministries (ONLINE)
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 a minimum of twelve courses. Application to the certificate program involves steps in addition to application to the university. All 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. If a student does not, one 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.
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 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 |
| REL 3120 | Office of the Professional Church Worker | 3 |
| REL 4000 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| REL 4200 | Church Ministries Internship 1 | 3 |
| Theology in Practice - Choose a minimum of 4 courses among the following: | 12 | |
| Religious Education of Youth and Adults | ||
| Communicating Bible Messages | ||
| Christian Care Giving | ||
| Church in Mission | ||
| Family and Youth Ministry | ||
| Lutheran Worship: Theology and Practice | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
For students who are already working in a church environment, upon successful completion of a Prior Learning Assessment, as outlined by the Theology Department, they are not required to take this course.